Mizukami Country Park has an obstacle course, long slides and a kids playground, all set in spacious grounds. Come here with your family and friends and stay for the whole day, where you can enjoy a picnic or play softball and football. The cherry blooms fully open in spring, but I couldn’t help having a nap on a warm sunny day.
Nearby is Gallery Cafe Sora (Sky Cafe) with light refreshments like shaved ice and chai, as well as delicious fruit juices, all at reasonable prices in a parkland setting.
You could also join in a celestial observation at night. Book with Mizukami-mura Council on 0966-44-0314.
This park is about 2 hours drive south east of Kumamoto city on route 219, making it a good day trip. Of course, this is a good stop on the way to Miyazaki, and over night options include the Ichifusa Kanko Hotel nearby, a traditional ryokan with a hot spring bath.
Yui Yamaguchi @iyu.mura
Born & grew up in Kumamoto, Yui studied and worked in Osaka before immigrating to Australia. She lived in Adelaide and Sydney prior to moving to Brisbane. Her passion is reporting on the great things of Kumamoto and Japan to everyone around the world in a serious, interesting and funny way. Her f...