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.
