Looking for a way to beat the summer heat with your kids? The Kodomo Omoshiro Obake Yashiki (Children’s Fun Haunted House) is back for its 10th year as part of the summer festival season in Kumamoto. This family favourite promises to be equal parts spooky and silly — the kind of chills that make you laugh rather than hide under the covers. This year’s theme is 「本だなのひみつ」(The Secret of the Bookshelf), so expect some mysterious literary scares woven into the fun.
The event runs during the school summer holidays at the Art Loft space inside Kumamoto City Contemporary Art Museum (熊本市現代美術館 アートロフト), a central and easy-to-reach venue. Entry is completely free, but advance reservations are required — walk-ins are not accepted. Booking opens on Saturday, 18 July at noon and stays open until the day before each session date. Look for the QR code on the official flyer or book via the link on the Hino Kuni Matsuri website.
If you’re planning a broader summer outing, this event overlaps with Hino Kuni Matsuri 2026, Kumamoto’s biggest summer festival, which runs across late July and early August — making it a great pairing for a family day out in the city centre.
Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday 23 July – Sunday 2 August 2026 |
| Hours | 12:00–19:00 (final day closes at 17:00) |
| Closed | Tuesday 28 July |
| Venue | 熊本市現代美術館 アートロフト (Art Loft, Kumamoto City Contemporary Art Museum) |
| Admission | Free (reservation required) |
| Reservations open | Saturday 18 July at 12:00, until the day before each date |
This is a great low-cost option for families with young children during the hot summer break. The “scary but funny” format is designed to be accessible even for smaller kids who might find full horror experiences too intense. Reservations fill up quickly each year, so book as soon as the window opens on 18 July.
Source: Kumamoto City Tourism Guide
