Enjoyable even on rainy days! Spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Arao City Library
Address : 〒864-0033
1-1-1 Midorigaoka, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture
Opening hours : 10:00–20:00
Closed : Last day of every month (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)
Admission : Free
Phone : 0968-57-7747

Designed with the image of a "Tidal Flat Library," the interior features several zones. There is a room where children can take off their shoes and enjoy picture books at ease, and a children’s restroom with a nursing room, so families with small children can relax and use the facilities comfortably.

Manda Pit Station
Address : 〒864-0001
200-2 Haramanda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture
Opening hours : 9:30–17:00
Closed : Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday)
Admission : Free (Manda Pit ruins require a fee)
Phone : 0968-57-9155

This is an indoor exhibition facility located just before Manda Pit.
In addition to dioramas and explanatory panels, a free VR experience is available. The 360-degree realistic images and sound let you feel as if you have descended underground. It’s a weatherproof attraction where you can learn about the history of Manda Pit.

Marugoto Orao Product Center
Address : 〒864-0001
169-22 Haramanda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture
Opening hours : 11:00–16:30
Closed : Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday)
Admission : Free
Phone : 0968-57-9960

This product center offers souvenirs such as local specialties and sake from Arao, the local pottery known as Shodai-yaki, and a tourism information corner introducing Arao’s gourmet spots and nearby sights. On sunny days, it’s pleasant to rest on the benches at the rooftop observation area.

Arao Kids Dome
Address : 〒864-0041
4186-19 Arao, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture
(Inside Arao General Cultural Center)
Opening hours : Sessions last 2 hours each
Session 1 9:00–11:00
Session 2 12:30–14:30
Session 3 15:00–17:00
Closed : Tuesdays (the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday)
Admission : 700 yen for junior high school students and older
300 yen for ages 3 up to junior high school students
Free for children under 2
*Group discounts available for 20 or more people
Phone : 0968-66-4111

This indoor experiential digital art exhibit is produced by the internationally popular teamLab. Children can easily join by coloring pictures that then come to life on the walls and floors. Though sessions are time-limited, it’s an immersive and joyful space that kids will love.