Text and photos by Chi Binghui
Learning history doesn’t have to be boring anymore. Sakura no Baba – Shiroisan, located right next to Kumamoto Castle, is an experiential park that opened just this past March. It presents the history of Kumamoto Castle in a dynamic way, allowing visitors to easily learn through hands-on activities, and is quite fun. Next time you visit Kumamoto Castle to admire its magnificent ruins, don’t forget to stop by Shiroisan too.
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The “Sakura no Michi” shopping street inside Shiroisan is a great place to stroll around or grab some snacks while sitting nearby.
The buildings of Shiroisan – “Yuyuyuza” and “Sakura no Michi” (you can drag the mouse to change the viewing angle)
Shiroisan is divided into two main parts: “Yuyuyuza” and “Sakura no Michi”. “Yuyuyuza” is a two-story building that uses projections, three-dimensional models, and theater performances to depict the era of Katō Kiyomasa. Visitors can also dress up in traditional clothing for free, ride in a palanquin, or sit on a horse for commemorative photos—very entertaining.
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Middle school students taking photos in traditional costumes.
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Visitors take commemorative photos during various experiences inside “Yuyuyuza”.
Just outside “Yuyuyuza” is “Sakura no Michi”, which is essentially a shopping street offering handicrafts and local snacks. Its exterior is designed based on the streetscape of a castle town from the Edo period, with restored shops from the olden days. Many visitors enjoy ice cream as they stroll the shops and munch on korokke, making the historical area feel anything but stiff.
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