After finishing the first day of our Kagoshima anime pilgrimage, we will head to our destination for the second day—Kumamoto Prefecture! Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is the hometown of Yuki Midorikawa, the creator of Natsume's Book of Friends. This work celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, and the anime adaptation of the same name, which began airing in 2008, is also immensely popular, having aired six seasons so far, with a seventh season already confirmed for production.

Kumamoto Prefecture has many scenery spots that appear in "Natsume's Book of Friends," and the official authorities have also collaborated with Kumamoto Prefecture to launch a dedicated website (Click here to visit the official Kumamoto Prefecture Natsume's Book of Friends website). Furthermore, Kumamoto Prefecture is home to the "Straw Hat Crew statues" of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the globally super-popular manga *One Piece*! Combined with Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's premier historic castles, let's begin our fulfilling Kumamoto anime and history journey!

🗺️ Kumamoto Anime and History Pilgrimage Route

🚉 First stop: In front of JR Hitoyoshi Station

We will make JR Hitoyoshi Station our first stop. Although Hitoyoshi City is located within Kumamoto Prefecture, it is closer to Kagoshima, making it more convenient to travel from Kagoshima. We took the train from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station. Please note that if you choose to depart from an airport, the journey from Kagoshima Airport is slightly shorter compared to Kumamoto Airport.

JR Hitoyoshi Station was featured in the animated movie "Natsume Tomono Puyo". The station can also be seen in the short animated movie "The Gentle Hours of Hitoyoshi", which was produced by the movie and Kumamoto Prefecture.

At the tourist center in front of the station, a huge promotional sign for digital stamp collecting stands tall. The tourist center distributes pilgrimage maps to visitors.

⛩️ Sacred and Ancient National Treasure: Aoi Aso Shrine

Aoi Aso Shrine is located near Hitoyoshi Station. This shrine also appears in the official Natsume's Book of Friends animated short created in collaboration with Kumamoto Prefecture, titled "Tender Times Spent in Hitoyoshi Kuma."

🚉 The Wooden Station Covered in Business Cards: "Ōhata Station" and "Miyajidake Shrine"

Okatama Station appeared on the poster for the 69th Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival in 2024. It has appeared multiple times since the first season of Natsume's Book of Friends. Due to the July 2020 Kyushu torrential rains, the JR Hisatsu Line, where Okatama Station is located, remains suspended to this day. Although trains no longer arrive, its quaint station building fits the world depicted in Natsume's Book of Friends very well, giving a sense of tranquil times.

Legend has it that simply sticking a business card here will lead to success in life, so the station building is covered with visitors' business cards.

Miyaji Takashi Shrine, located right next to Ohata Station, is also one of the set locations for Natsume Tomono Puzzle, appearing in the 13th episode of the film's third season.

🏴‍☠️ One Piece Kumamoto Reconstruction Project: Chopper Statue and Luffy Statue

After finishing our pilgrimage to the sacred sites near Hitoyoshi, we’re heading to Kumamoto City. Our destination this time is the “One Piece Straw Hat Crew Statue”! In fact, Kumamoto Prefecture suffered severe damage in the earthquake that struck in April 2016.Eiichiro Oda, the author of *One Piece* and a native of Kumamoto Prefecture, joined forces with the prefecture to launch the “One Piece Kumamoto Reconstruction Project.”

As part of the reconstruction efforts, statues of the protagonist Luffy and other members of the Straw Hat crew have been set up in nine municipalities severely affected by the Kumamoto earthquake. A statue of the ship's doctor Chopper is located at the Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

On the walkway in front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Government Building stands an imposing bronze statue of the protagonist, Luffy.

🏯 Three Famous Castles of Japan: Historic Kumamoto Castle

Finally, we will take in the view of the historic Kumamoto Castle before heading to our hotel. Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan's three premier castles. Even from a distance, you can feel its solemn majesty and beauty—it is not to be missed.

🏨 Kumamoto Stylish Accommodation: Station-Connected "THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO"

Today we will be staying at THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO. This hotel is directly connected to JR Kumamoto Station, making it extremely convenient for transportation. Furthermore, all guest rooms are located on the 9th floor or higher, offering a wide and expansive view!

In the courtyard of Amu Plaza Kumamoto, where THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO is located, Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture's mascot, and various cartoon character display boards themed around supporting Kumamoto's reconstruction are on display. This time we stayed in a twin room; the room layout was spacious and comfortable, and the view outside the window was breathtaking.

The hotel also features a large public bath, a sauna, and a fitness room exclusively for guests. After a wonderful night's sleep on the fluffy bed, wake up and enjoy the long-awaited breakfast. The Japanese and Western-style buffet offered here allows you to taste Kumamoto's unique seasonal delicacies!

Enjoy the ultimate experience while looking out over the bustling cityscape of Kumamoto through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows! You simply must try the "horse tendon curry," made with Kumamoto's specialty horse meat. The horse tendon, simmered for a long time, literally melts in your mouth and tastes exquisite.

In addition, be sure to try the "MIYABI Sea Bream Chazuke," made with Kumamoto Amakusa's famous "MIYABI Sea Bream." The seasoning and the broth combine perfectly for an unforgettable taste.

🚗 Travel Tips: How do I get from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Hitoyoshi Station in Kumamoto Prefecture?

Taking a taxi is the most convenient option, or you can take a high-speed bus without any transfers for a direct trip. You can board at the bus stop at Kagoshima-Chuo Station and get off at the Hitoyoshi Interchange. It is about a 20-minute walk to Hitoyoshi Station.

If you start your pilgrimage from Hitoyoshi Station, renting a car or taking a taxi is recommended. When heading to Kumamoto Station from the Hitoyoshi Interchange, you can also choose to take a highway bus. In short, Kyushu is vast! Driving or taking a taxi is much more convenient than using public transportation.

⚔️ Next stop: Fukuoka Prefecture "Demon Slayer" pilgrimage

On the third day, we will begin our Fukuoka Prefecture Demon Slayer pilgrimage! Immerse ourselves in checking in at the Demon Slayer sacred sites~~~~!

Press Release Source:PR TIMES / Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Association / Compiled by JoyJapan Editorial Department