A zoo, a botanical garden, and an amusement park makes up this leisure park located on the shore of Lake Ezu-ko. More than 150 kinds of animals live in the zoo. Children's favorites such as the elephants and the giraffes as well as some rare species such as the cuscus and the tree kangaroos roam the park. The botanical garden full of colorful flowers resembles tropical paradise.
Adults 200 yen, elementary and junior high students 50 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / 096-368-4416
From Kumamoto station take the trolley for Kengun. Get off at Do-shokubutsu-en Mae (40 min. ride) and walk 10 min.
Ruins of Taisho-ji, the Hosokawa family temple. A perfectly-balanced distribution of a pond and a moss-grown garden can be seen in the former Taishoji Temple. The tea house that once belonged to Tadaoki (Hosokawa's second generation), the tombs of Hosokawa Fujitaka couple and Tadaoki couple, and master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi's memorial are some of this park's highlights. Ancient trees, bamboo groves and fresh air make this park a great place for a nice walk.
From Kumamoto Kotsu Center take the City Bus Kusushiro Saisen Line. Get off at Tatsuda Shizen Koen Entrance (15 min. ride) and walk 10 min.
Infiltration from Mt. Aso created this beautiful lake of 6 kilometers circumference. You can enjoy cycling, rowing, and fishing at this lake. There is a memorial of Nakamura Teijo, a poet who loved Lake Ezu-ko.
From Kumamoto station take the trolley for Kengun. Get off at Shiritsu Taiikukan Mae (30 min. ride) and walk 5 min.
