We were planning to go to ashiyu (foot bath) at Kikuchi yume bijutsukan (菊池夢美術館 Kikuchi art museum) but unfortunately it was under construction and we can’t visit there until the end of 2018.
There is Kikuchi jinja (菊池神社 Kikuchi shrine) near the museum.
We didn’t go there but I heard that it’s famous for the great view of sakura (さくら cherry blossom) in spring.
People gather around there and enjoy hanami which is a picnic admiring sakura.
You’ll see this statue in Kikuchi shimin hiroba (菊池市民広場 Kikuchi citizen square).
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
This statue is of Kikuchi Takemitsu (菊池武光) who was a samurai and fought against the Muromachi shogunate.
Kikuchi kankou bussan kan (きくち観光物産館 Kikuchi product promotion center) situated in front of Kikuchi yume bijutsukan and they sell freshly grown local vegetables, tea leaves, rice etc.
The name of the ashiyu is Yokomachi pocket park (横町ポケットパーク).
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
On Kikuchi website, it says that it was built in 2012 purposing to provide a place for locals and tourists to interact with the cultures.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
We were surprised because it just appeared in the center of the residential area!
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
The concept of this project is to pass on the legacy of good architectures to generations.
Like other cities around the world, there have been built similar concrete buildings mechanically through the process of modernization.
All around Kumamoto, there are amazing architectures by this project, like schools, stations, halls, police stations, public lavatories, bridges etc.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
There is a parking place behind the architecture. On the wall, you can see dragon.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
The name of the mascot is LALA.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
This ice cream is called ‘Geijutsu aisu(芸術アイス Artistic ice cream)’ which is the speciality here.
Photo credit : Fumi @fu.mi.nn
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
The chocolate ice cream is also smooth and rich.
I’m a chocolate lover so I enjoyed it the most.
Since this shop is very popular, some menus can be sold out sometimes.
People kept coming to the place, which means this place is famous and has good reputations.
The softy looks unique but so beautiful. Too appealing to eyes to eat!
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Kikuchi shimin hiroba (菊池市民広場)
Address : 1298-1, Waifu, Kikuchi-city, Kumamoto-prefecture (熊本県菊池市隈府１２９８−１)
Kikuchi kankou bussan kan (きくち観光物産館)
Yokomachi pocket park (横町ポケットパーク)
※ There is another ashiyu near Yokomachi pocket park.
Kiriake pocket part (切明ポケットパーク)
Twin Star (ついんスター)
2 ピンバック