Sarukuma Investigation Squad

“This is what we do, but I wonder how everyone else handles it…”
To help solve those everyday questions, we gather opinions from our Sarukuma followers and share them on the blog!

Our squad leader is Sarukuma’s editor-in-chief, Gussan!

Squad Leader Gussan

Let’s hear what everyone has to say and make parenting a little easier and more fun together! ♫

We’d love to keep sharing trending topics, parenting questions, and everyday concerns with all of you ♫
Your participation means the world to us! ♡

Survey Results: How Do Families Spend Rainy Days?

This month’s theme was how families spend their rainy days.
The rainy season (tsuyu) in Japan brings humid, drizzly weather that lasts for weeks.
But weekends still come around no matter the weather.
It can feel a bit harder than usual to motivate yourself to go out…

So we asked our followers, “How do you spend rainy days?” and received tons of wonderful responses.
Thank you to everyone who participated, both first-timers and our regular contributors!

Since we got so many ideas, we’ve split them into two categories: things to do at home and places to go when out and about ♫

Surprisingly, there wasn’t a huge gap between age groups, with many families enjoying hands-on, active play ♫
For secret base play, kids attach big plastic bags to fans, use scrap materials, or create cozy spaces with large cloths or blankets.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate—children get such joy from a small space that’s all their own ♫
Among lower elementary school responses, crafts, origami, and drawing were the most popular.
You can turn it into a family game by setting themes, or play picture-shiritori (a Japanese word-chain game with drawings) ♪
Kids’ creativity in turning everyday objects into craft materials is amazing—though many parents share the common struggle of where to store all the finished masterpieces (^_^;)
Cooking was another popular response.
Pizza, cookie cutters, and jelly are perfect for lunch or dessert!
All of these are easy enough for young children to help with—why not try some parent-and-child cooking on your next rainy day at home? ♪
Here’s a picture book recommended by a reading volunteer: “Pizza Boy” (Pittsa Bouya).
The story matches our theme perfectly!
After reading, try the interactive play activities together ♫
★At the end of the article, our link collection includes libraries that kids will love.
Home cinema was a top response too—I do this often myself! ♫
Even for families with kids too young for the actual cinema, watching at home is perfectly fine ♪
Grab some popcorn, snacks, and drinks, and your usual anime or movies feel a little extra special (^^)/

Next up, let’s look at where families go and how they spend rainy days when heading out (^^)/

A walk in the rain is pure excitement for kids!
“Search for things you can only find on rainy days”
“The zoo is less crowded on rainy days—highly recommended!”
These were some of the great responses we received (^^)

Outings that seem like a hassle can become an adventure once you embrace getting a little wet ♫
Start by exploring around your own neighborhood for things only visible when it rains—it’s a wonderful way to begin.
Indoor play areas at AEON Mall and indoor amusement parks are always a hit!
★Our link collection at the end features more indoor play spots.

Children’s centers were equally popular.
The Children’s Cultural Hall hosts craft events—shrinky-dink (plastic plate) making was one mentioned activity.
You can buy shrink plastic at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to do at home too.
★Our link collection includes a roundup of children’s centers and family support centers ♪

Museums and historical sites within an hour’s drive came up too.
One parent shared that researching destinations takes time, and impatient kids start asking when they’ll leave!
This is something Sarukuma can help with—we’ll put together a comprehensive list soon!
★The link collection at the end includes museums and historical sites.
One response I personally loved was letting the kids pick their own DVD rental—just one each.
Apparently the kids take their selection very seriously ♪
I’m definitely going to try this with my own family (^^)/
Did you know you can play sports at the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium? (The photo shows bouldering!)
Families enjoy table tennis and badminton together, sometimes inviting friends along.
It’s open to the public, so it’s a great option for getting some exercise!
★Our link collection includes sports facilities.
And of course, a soak in an onsen (hot spring) on the way home turns any gloomy rainy day into a great one!
Search “onsen” or “family bath” (kazoku-yu) on the Sarukuma blog to find your perfect spot ♪
★Our link collection features family hot springs.

Conclusion

I used to think rainy days meant limited options, the same routine, and not much to do at home…
But this survey opened my eyes to so many activities and destinations I hadn’t considered ♪

There are tons of activities you can enjoy together as a family!
Think of rainy days as a chance to slow down and connect with your kids more deeply.
We hope this article makes your rainy days in Kumamoto just a little bit more enjoyable ♫

Link Collection

●Libraries

[Kumamoto City Tomiai Library – Tomiai-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City] A community library where kids gather, with CDs and DVDs available to borrow

[Kodomo Ehon no Ie – Shiranui-machi, Uki City] A picture book library with toys to borrow—enjoy time together as a family!

[Arao Hon no Hiroba – Midorigaoka, Arao City] A first-of-its-kind family-friendly space with a library, bookstore, and cafe

[Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto – Izumi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City] An exciting space surrounded by books—discover whole new worlds!

●Indoor Play Areas

[OBIYAMA TETOTE – Kami-Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City] Opened 11/19—a downtown complex with indoor kids’ spaces for the whole family

[Yubel Kids Land – Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City] Indoor and outdoor fun for both adults and kids—enjoy the whole day!

[Crayon Shin-chan Ora no Asoberu Yumepark – Hikari-no-Mori, Kikuyo, Kikuchi District] A new indoor playground bringing the world of Crayon Shin-chan to life!

[NikoNiko Garden – Tsukure, Kikuyo, Kikuchi District] A perfect indoor facility for rainy days that families will love!

[Kagayaki-kan Tsudoi-no-Hiroba – Ueki-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City] No reservation needed—drop in anytime at this welcoming community space!

[Re.kuru Tamana – Rokuta, Tamana City, Kumamoto] Enjoy cafe time while your kids play—the ideal multi-generational gathering spot

[Historia Terrace Itsukidani Kodomo-kan – Itsuki Village, Kuma District] Filled with wooden toys—a free indoor facility!

●Children’s Centers

[Updated 1/20] Stay warm and play indoors ♫ A roundup of Kumamoto’s children’s centers and family support centers

●Museums and Historical Sites

[Closed: Children’s Science Museum Arao Kids Dome – Arao, Arao City] Especially recommended for kids who love drawing and crafts—create your own moving vehicles and buildings!

[Mifune Dinosaur Museum] Try fossil excavation! Time-travel back to the Cretaceous Period—Mifune-machi, Kamimashiki District

[Kumamoto Museum] Free for young children! Learn about Kumamoto’s history and nature—Kokyo-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City

[Mimage no Kadogoya – Yomogi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City] Step back into the Edo period at this historical building in Kita-ku—a perfect family learning day!

[Hitoyoshi Railway Museum MOZOCA Station 868 – Naka-Aoi-machi, Hitoyoshi City] Perfect for rainy day outings—all aboard the mini train!

●Sports

[Hamasen Health Park – Yoshi-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City] Packed even on weekday mornings—a beloved local sports spot!

[Aqua Dome Kumamoto – Arao, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City] Not just for competitions—an indoor pool for everyone to enjoy!

[Kumamoto City Jonan B&G Marine Center (Pool) – Maibara, Jonan-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City] Just 70 yen for kids! Affordable, clean facility and water—a delightful pool.

[Sports Authority Outdoor Stage Nishi-Kumamoto] Family-friendly bouldering fun

[Yamato Town Comprehensive Gymnasium Pasreru – Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District] Try bouldering! A perfect drive-by stop for kids to stretch out and have fun ♫

●Hot Springs (Onsen)
You can also browse family bath options from the banner on the Sarukuma blog homepage.

[Updated 11/18] Warm up with the whole family on cold winter days! A regional roundup of family hot springs (kazoku-yu)

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