Sarukuma Editors’ Choice! The Most Popular Family Outings of the Year

Hello travelers! It’s Aikero, writer for Sarukuma, your local Kumamoto family guide.

Can you believe 2025 is almost over? Just a few days left until the new year!
Did you have plenty of fun family adventures this year? (*’ω’*)

To celebrate, we’ve put together something special:

Based on the most-read blog posts and the most-saved Instagram spots of 2025,
here is the Sarukuma Editors’ Top 7 Family-Friendly Destinations in Kumamoto!

How many have you visited?
0–1 spots… Plenty of fun ahead of you!
2–4 spots… Outing pro
5–6 spots… Weekend planner extraordinaire
7 spots… True Kumamoto Explorer Master

By the way, I scored 4 — proudly an “outing pro”!
Still a long way to go to become a Kumamoto Explorer Master… (´・ω・)

#7 HASHINSHITA — A Fishing Lover’s Paradise

A guesthouse so fishing-focused that one young angler reportedly declared, “I want to move here!”
Fishing rods are available to rent, and the owner offers friendly lessons — making it perfect for beginners and international guests new to Japanese-style fishing.
Even if fishing isn’t your thing, the stunning ocean views make it a fantastic seaside getaway!
The guesthouse and a nearby villa can be booked for private use!
Ideal for families with little ones or groups of friends who want privacy and peace of mind.

【HASHINSHITA — Misumi Town, Uki City】A Must-Visit for Fishing Fans! Family Fun at a Seaside Guesthouse

#6 Kuroishi Garden — A Hidden Adventure Hideaway

Look for the iconic treehouse — it’s pure secret-base magic!
In summer, the huge pool becomes the star attraction for kids of all ages.
You’ll hear happy shouts of “I don’t want to leave!” and “Let’s come back again!” echoing across the grounds.
Originally featured back in 2022, this article still draws huge traffic — proof that Kuroishi Garden never gets old!
With on-site lunch options, you can play, eat, and relax all day in one place.
If you haven’t been yet, this is one to add to your Kumamoto bucket list!

【Kuroishi Garden — Kuroishi, Koshi City】Play, Eat, and Laugh at This Big Family Playground!

【Kuroishi Garden — Koshi City】Brand-New Winter Treats You’ll Love!

#5 Hotarugaike Natural Fishing Pond Center

Looking for a relaxed, casual outdoor experience? This is the spot!
Even the youngest kids can easily catch a fish — and then enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of grilling and eating their own catch on the spot.
The memory of catching your very own fish is something your family will never forget.
If you’d like to take your fish home raw, the staff will clean and prep it for you — bring a cooler bag or insulated container!
Note that catch-and-release isn’t allowed, so plan ahead and decide as a family how many fish you’d like to catch.
It’s a good idea to call in advance to confirm hours, as the pond may close on short notice. ♪

【Hotarugaike Natural Fishing Pond Center — Benri, Kyokushi, Kikuchi City】A Pristine Spring-Fed Fishing Pond! Enjoy Grilled Fish by the River

#4 Nijiiro House — Nagasu Multi-Generation Community Center

Since opening, Nijiiro House has been a smash hit on both our blog and Instagram.
Even on rainy days, kids can burn off energy at the indoor athletic playground — and best of all, it’s completely free!
Different zones are designed for different age groups, with building blocks, ball pits, and other beloved kids’ activities. ♪
Although Nijiiro House was built as a community space for Nagasu Town residents, it’s open to everyone — including out-of-town visitors and international travelers!
Whether it’s pouring rain, scorching summer, or freezing winter, this place keeps the kids smiling and moving.
There’s no strict age-based time limit, so please supervise your children and follow the posted rules. ♪

【Nijiiro House — Nagasu Town, Tamana District】Free Indoor Playground With Athletic Equipment — Kids Sleep Like Babies on the Way Home!

#3 Fureai Higashi Farm

Combined with our food coverage, Fureai Higashi Farm ranked 4th-most-saved on our Instagram!
This free attraction lets you meet super-friendly dogs, plus horses, silkie chickens, rabbits, peacocks, and many more animals.
The lovable pups will steal the whole family’s hearts! ♪
They also sell free-range silkie chicken eggs, plus a rare soft-serve ice cream made from those very eggs — a unique treat you won’t find easily elsewhere!
Since admission is free, families can enjoy snacks and treats without worrying about the budget.
A tip from us: dress in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, especially after rain.

【Fureai Higashi Farm — Shisui Town, Kikuchi City】Need a Dog Cuddle? Meet 100+ Friendly Pups in One Place!

#2 NookBell — A Cozy Family Rental House

NookBell took the #1 spot for Instagram saves on Sarukuma — with over 2,200 saves and counting!
We’re still receiving follower notifications from its viral reels — that’s how popular it is.
Bring-your-own-food is welcome, and the homey atmosphere makes it the ideal gathering spot for families. No wonder repeat visitors keep coming back!
Just 5 minutes from Costco Mifune, almost everyone is amazed: “I had no idea a place like this was here!”
In summer, kids splash in the terrace pool while adults relax indoors with cool drinks and conversation.
For only ¥2,500, you get a leisurely 3-hour stay with lunch included — incredible value for a family outing! (*’ω’*)
Overnight stays are coming soon, so it’s set to become even more popular. ♪

【NookBell — Mifune Town, Kamimashiki District】The Answer to “Kumamoto Family Lunch with Private Room”! Just 5 Minutes from Costco Mifune

And the #1 Spot of 2025 Is…

From the moment we published this article, it received 4 times the page views of our homepage — Kumamoto’s hottest destination right now!

#1 Pocket — Kyushu’s Largest Old-School Candy Shop

Tucked inside a supermarket in Kikuchi City, this dagashi (Japanese traditional penny-candy) shop is the talk of Kyushu!
With approximately 3,000 varieties of candy and the largest sales floor in all of Kyushu, it’s a sweets-lover’s dream.
In just the first 2 days after opening, over 12,000 visitors flooded in — a true Kumamoto phenomenon!
Many of you have probably already been there! (*’ω’*)
It’s not just a hit with kids — moms and dads love it too, sparking nostalgic memories of their own childhood candy adventures!
Watching parents grin from ear to ear alongside their kids while choosing snacks was honestly heartwarming.
Kids carefully picking out tiny candies. Parents quietly fulfilling their childhood dreams by bulk-buying their old favorites (lol).
It almost brings a tear to your eye imagining today’s kids growing up to bring their own children here someday.
Note: payment is cash only — please come prepared!
There are also tons of gum-lottery tickets — a fun classic Japanese candy-shop game!
With year-end family gatherings, why not get grandparents and relatives in on the lottery fun? ♪
Closed on January 1st, but otherwise the perfect destination for the holiday season! (^^)/

【Pocket — Katasumi, Kikuchi City】Kyushu’s Largest Old-School Candy Shop! A Sweets Theme Park for All Ages

A Note from the Editors

So, what did you think?
Did your favorite spots make the list? ♪
Looking at our blog and Instagram trends, it’s clear that so many parents in Kumamoto are using Sarukuma as their go-to guide for family adventures.
That truly means the world to us — Sarukuma was created with the heartfelt mission of helping families enjoy raising kids in beautiful Kumamoto!

There are countless more amazing family-friendly spots throughout Kumamoto.
We couldn’t possibly fit them all into one article, but if a casual “Hey, where should we go this weekend? Let’s check Sarukuma!” becomes part of your routine, we’re absolutely thrilled.

We’ll keep exploring and sharing new spots with you. If you have a favorite location or a hidden gem you’d love us to cover, please send us a message anytime! (^^)/

Quick Links

【HASHINSHITA — Misumi Town, Uki City】A Must-Visit for Fishing Fans! Family Fun at a Seaside Guesthouse

【Kuroishi Garden — Kuroishi, Koshi City】Play, Eat, and Laugh at This Big Family Playground!

【Hotarugaike Natural Fishing Pond Center — Benri, Kyokushi, Kikuchi City】A Pristine Spring-Fed Fishing Pond! Enjoy Grilled Fish by the River

【Nijiiro House — Nagasu Town, Tamana District】Free Indoor Playground With Athletic Equipment

【Fureai Higashi Farm — Shisui Town, Kikuchi City】Meet 100+ Friendly Pups!

【NookBell — Mifune Town, Kamimashiki District】Family Lunch with Private Room, 5 Minutes from Costco Mifune

【Pocket — Katasumi, Kikuchi City】Kyushu’s Largest Old-School Candy Shop — A Sweets Theme Park for All Ages!

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At Sarukuma, we share lunch spots, parks, indoor playgrounds, and more — everything Kumamoto’s parenting community could need.
Thanks for following! (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and operating hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.