From August 11 to 13, 2025, I set out on an anime pilgrimage to Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, to explore the settings of Maitetsu and Rail Romanesque.

Station Business Hotel Tenshukaku

After a challenging journey, I arrived in Hitoyoshi smoothly—and even earlier than expected.

Stepping off the train, I was immediately hit by the intense heat and humidity of Hitoyoshi's basin, an airless, sweltering heat. A perfect summer escape in reverse.

For my two nights in Hitoyoshi, I stayed at the hotel featured in the anime Rail Romanesque—Station Business Hotel Tenshukaku.

The room was very simple, and the price was on the lower end.

The first floor of the hotel houses a souvenir shop, open from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Unlike other souvenir shops, this one specializes in local anime merchandise.

There are even cosplay costumes.

Panoramic photo.

Anime Pilgrimage Map

Near Hitoyoshi Station, you can find the anime pilgrimage map for Maitetsu.

It already looks quite aged.

Hitoyoshi Station

The hotel is right next to Hitoyoshi Station.

Due to severe flooding a few years ago, Hitoyoshi Station is currently not in operation.

The following photos were taken at various times over these three days.

Automaton Carillon Clock

When I took photos the next day, a sun shower started.

You can see the automaton figures on the clock tower.

Performance times of the automaton:

March to October: every hour on the hour from 9:00 to 18:00

November to February: every hour on the hour from 9:00 to 17:00

Each performance lasts 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

Please note that these times are for normal operation and may be subject to change.

In the end, I was out early and back late every day of the three-day trip, so I never got to see it even once 😂.

Hitoyoshi Onsen Station

Since the station is no longer in service, grass has started growing on the tracks.

Ticket Office

Kumagawa Railroad Depot

Hitoyoshi Stone Locomotive Shed

Hitoyoshi Railway Museum MOZOCA Station 868

The museum is not very large, mainly focused on children's play areas and merchandise sales.

They even sell collaborative merchandise from Maitetsu and Rail Romanesque!

So I bought a collaborative sign as a souvenir.

The sign for SL Hitoyoshi is displayed here.

SL Hitoyoshi "No. 58654"

Next up is the highlight of this anime pilgrimage: SL Hitoyoshi, locomotive No. 58654.

No. 58654 is one of the JNR Class 8620 steam locomotives. Built in 1922 by Hitachi Kasado Works, it was initially assigned to Urakami Depot and served on the Nagasaki Main Line, Karatsu Line, Chikuho Line, and Yobuko Line, even pulling an Imperial Train in 1961. After retirement in 1975, it was preserved and displayed in Hitoyoshi City. Thanks to its excellent condition, it was restored in 1988 and subsequently hauled the "SL Aso Boy" and, from 2009, the "SL Hitoyoshi," becoming a symbol of the Kumamoto–Hitoyoshi tourist railway. In 2020, it briefly appeared as the "Mugen Train" from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Ultimately, due to aging and maintenance difficulties, JR Kyushu announced the end of its service in March 2024, completing its mission as Japan's oldest active steam locomotive. In November of the same year, it was moved to a permanent display in front of JR Hitoyoshi Station, becoming a new cultural landmark for the area.

Although the game's Hachiroku is based on the first locomotive of the Class 8620 (number 8620), the story of revitalizing the local area was partly inspired by this No. 58654.

By the way, the first locomotive of the Class 8620 (number 8620) is now preserved at the Ome Railway Park in Ome, Tokyo. However, Ome Railway Park has been under renovation since August 31, 2023, and is expected to remain closed until the end of 2025, so it won't be visible for a while.

At night, it is illuminated with lights.

Aoi Aso Shrine

HASSENBA

Because of the intense heat, I decided to have an afternoon tea here.

The refreshing milk paired with the creamy waffle was a perfect match!

Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins

Little Easter Egg

On my way back, I found that watermelons in Hitoyoshi cost only 580 yen!! That would be at least 3,000 yen in Tokyo.

Kajiyamachi-dori Street

Tateyama Shoten

Great Fortune

I visited this shop on the morning of the third day.

It was filled with decorations related to the works!

Kumamoto Bank Hitoyoshi Branch

Public Bath Shin-Onsen

Closed due to flood damage.

Fuchita Distillery

Also closed due to flood damage.

You can see that the floodwaters reached a height of 2.6 meters.

As a result, many pilgrimage sites have disappeared or been left abandoned, which is truly regrettable.

Cafe Amairo

On the third day, as my trip was coming to an end, I visited Cafe Amairo.

This café originally operated near the station but, due to the flood, relocated to a small alley near Aoi Aso Shrine.

Even so, the Hachiroku flag outside is still very eye-catching!

Various autographs on the ceiling inside.

The shop is filled with decorations related to the works.

Panoramic view of the interior.

Overall, it's a very cozy café. If you ever pass through Hitoyoshi, be sure to check it out!

Conclusion

That concludes the anime pilgrimage to Hitoyoshi for Maitetsu and Rail Romanesque.

This anime pilgrimage was mainly concentrated around the station area and was not particularly difficult.

Unfortunately, many places were damaged or closed due to the flood. I hope Hitoyoshi can recover soon.