August 11–13, 2025. Today I'm heading to Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, for an anime pilgrimage to the world of Natsume's Book of Friends.

Since the Natsume's Book of Friends pilgrimage is quite extensive, I've decided to split it into two parts. This article will introduce the various scenic spots from the Hitoyoshi Natsume's Book of Friends pilgrimage.

Preparations

Personal Business Card

It's best to prepare a personal business card before departure—I'll explain why later.

Pilgrimage App

Before your Hitoyoshi pilgrimage, I recommend installing the official pilgrimage app: Natsume's Book of Friends × Hitoyoshi/Kuma Digital Stamp Rally.

Android Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.zeroten.natsume&hl=ja

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/%E5%A4%8F%E7%9B%AE%E5%8F%8B%E4%BA%BA%E5%B8%B3%EF%BD%98%E4%BA%BA%E5%90%89-%E7%90%83%E7%A3%A8/id6471323016

This is a check-in app launched locally; once the GPS recognizes your location, you can collect stamps.

After collecting a certain number, you can receive special prizes, but when I went they had already run out—I'm not sure when they'll be available again.

For details, ask at the tourist information center at Hitoyoshi Station.

Anime Pilgrimage Taxi

Hitoyoshi offers an Anime Pilgrimage Taxi service, which not only provides relatively affordable visits to various pilgrimage sites but also includes a dedicated driver who gives commentary—truly great value.

The only downside might be that the time spent at each location isn't very long.

You can apply for the taxi by filling out the form below at least three days in advance:

https://tsubame-taxi.co.jp/natsume_plan_form/

NoteYou must do so at least three days in advance.Apply!

You can also book through the tourist information center at Hitoyoshi Station; if it's not a busy period, same-day reservations may be possible.

There are five routes to choose from, or you can leave it entirely to the driver, who will take you to some unexpected and wonderful pilgrimage spots!

This time, I chose the route suggested by the driver.

My pilgrimage taxi for this trip.

Being surrounded by Nyanko-sensei feels absolutely amazing!!!!

Tourist Information Center

A must-visit for any popular anime pilgrimage!

So many Nyanko-sensei!

Hitoyoshi Station

If you've read my previous articles, you're probably very familiar with Hitoyoshi Station by now!

During the taxi pilgrimage, the driver used scene screenshot cards like this to explain the current spot.

The driver even had specially done Nyanko-sensei nail art!

Inside the station.

Aoi Aso Shrine

Aoi Aso Shrine was founded in 806 AD and has long been revered as the guardian shrine of the Kuma region. The current shrine buildings were constructed between 1609 and 1613 by Sagara Nagatsune, the lord of Hitoyoshi Domain. They feature steeply pitched black thatched roofs combined with the ornate carvings and color decorations of the Momoyama period, integrating the main hall, offering hall, and worship hall into a unified structure that showcases a distinctive architectural style. In 2008, five of these buildings (the tower gate, worship hall, offering hall, corridor, and main hall) were designated as National Treasures of Japan, becoming the first National Treasure buildings in Kumamoto Prefecture and the southernmost National Treasures in Japan. Their value lies in their unified design and high level of completion, blending the unique craftsmanship of the medieval Kuma region with the decorative beauty of the Momoyama era, making them a model for shrine and temple architecture in the modern Kuma area.

It happened to be lotus season. The lotus flowers on both sides of the bridge were truly stunning!

Also, in Hitoyoshi you'll see many small carp-like vehicles called Kijiuma/Kiji carts.

The Kijiuma, a wooden toy primarily made in the Hitoyoshi area of Kumamoto Prefecture, is said to have originated over 800 years ago when the Heike refugees migrated to Kuma. Modeled after the wild pheasant, the body is crafted from paulownia wood and painted in yellow, green, and red, with wheels and a string attached as a pull toy for children. It also symbolizes wishes for children's healthy growth, making it a lucky charm. The neck bears the character '大' (dai), reportedly derived from the Daimonji bonfire of the maker's hometown. Alongside it, the Hanatebako is made from fir, cypress, and cedar, with a white base painted with red and green camellia flowers. With their simple yet vivid designs, the Kijiuma and Hanatebako have been passed down through generations as representative folk crafts and souvenirs of Hitoyoshi Kuma.

By the way, the tree at the entrance is the same one featured on the Japanese 1-yen coin.

Matsutani Rice Terraces

The Matsutani Rice Terraces, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Rice Terraces, are spread across mountain slopes at altitudes of 150 to 250 meters. The irregularly shaped paddies of various sizes fan out in a spectacular landscape. They have also appeared in the anime Natsume's Book of Friends and Natsume's Book of Friends Season 5.

According to the driver, after the floods, many of the terraces were abandoned, and now only the lower section remains. It's such a shame.

Sekisuiji Temple

This is a hidden gem recommended by the driver.

Although this place doesn't appear in the series, it's actually filled with Nyanko-sensei!

Especially the Nyanko-sensei wind chimes—they're just too cute!

Tengu Bridge

It was washed away by a major flood and is still under reconstruction, so I couldn't take close-up photos.

Benitori Bridge

Sanjigaharu Kannon Temple

In reality, there's no steamed bun shop here. I asked the driver, and even in the past there wasn't one. The original work combined this scene with other elements.

Sanjigaharu Kannon Temple is the fourth temple of the Sagara Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage and has been a revered Kannon hall since ancient times. In the Natsume's Book of Friends anime series, it appears as the model for the Nanatsujiya steamed bun shop.

Nishise Bridge

The bridge from Natsume's Book of Friends Season 5, Episode 2, 'Mischievous Rain.'

One of the pilgrimage sites I didn't know about, recommended by the driver.

The stone monument is slightly different from the original, but everything else is highly faithful.

Okoba Station

Okoba Station is a secluded station featuring both a switchback and a loop line. It has appeared in Natsume's Book of Friends, Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3, and Natsume's Book of Friends Season 6, and was also used as the location for the Poster of the 69th Hitoyoshi Fireworks Display.

Panoramic view inside the station.

Detail shots.

You can see the walls inside the station are covered with business cards.

There's a belief that if you stick your business card here, you'll get a promotion, so the station building is plastered with countless cards.

That's why I recommended preparing a personal business card in advance.

Exterior photos.

The driver even placed a Nyanko-sensei figure on the photo board inside the station—so adorable.

The driver told me that the railway intersection is the scene from the opening of Natsume's Book of Friends Season 6 featuring Reiko Natsume.

There are some slight differences; if the driver hadn't mentioned it, I probably wouldn't have noticed.

Miyajidake Shrine

Miyajidake Shrine is believed to grant blessings for childbirth, safe delivery, child-rearing, household safety, academic success, warding off misfortune, and bringing good luck. Further along the shrine grounds, you can reach a spot with a panoramic view of the Hitoyoshi Basin. It also appeared in Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3.

The mountain scenery behind is also beautiful!

A-Coop Sagara Store

A scene introduced by the driver—this is the store where Touko-san shops.

Of course, the main reason the driver recommended this place is that there's a small room inside related to the series.

Detail shots.

If it weren't for the driver's recommendation, I would have likely missed this. Thank you, driver!

Amamiya Shrine

Amamiya Shrine is located in Sagara Village, Kuma District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It stands quietly atop the 'Forest of Amamiya' amidst pastoral scenery, and due to its distinctive forest-like appearance, it is affectionately called the 'Forest of Totoro.' The shrine enshrines deities related to water and rain, including Ame-no-Mikumari-no-Kami, Kuni-no-Mikumari-no-Kami, Kuhizamochi-no-Kami, Takaokami-no-Kami, and Funadama-no-Mikoto, and has been worshipped since ancient times as a shrine for rain prayers. Although the exact founding date is unknown, it has been deeply revered by lords and commoners alike, with a famous legend that the Sengoku-period lord Sagara Tametsugu prayed here for rain and it came. The approach features 112 stone steps built by villagers during the Edo period, exuding a sense of history. Behind the shrine, there is a giant rock passage called 'Sansan Tunnel,' and legend says passing through it brings 'happy births,' 'easy deliveries,' and 'financial luck,' making it a place believed to grant blessings for safe childbirth, children, and wealth. In recent years, it has also been considered an inspiration for locations in the anime Natsume's Book of Friends, becoming a sacred place for fans.

The 112 stone steps were quite a workout, but what impressed me was that the driver, despite his age, climbed them effortlessly!

Along the way, you'll also spot Totoro.

Inside the shrine, you'll also find Nyanko-sensei.

A distant view.

Haruyama Bus Stop

A scene from the opening of Season 2. Along National Route 445, there's a Kyushu Sanko Bus stop. The bus stop sign and the small shelter behind it seen in the opening are the actual locations used as models.

There are quite a few small decorations inside too!

Also, there's a fan guestbook here, styled like the Book of Friends!

Even the nearby road sign features Nyanko-sensei!

Sagara Village Route 445 School Road

Guided by the driver, I found the road that Natsume and his friends take to school.

Kajiyamachi-dori Street

Because swordsmiths and craftsmen once gathered here, thriving in the forging of swords and farming tools, it was named 'Kajiyamachi-dori Street.' This location also appears in Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3 and Natsume's Book of Friends × Kumamoto Prefecture: Gentle Times in Hitoyoshi and Kuma.

Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu

Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, known as the 'god of learning,' and has long been cherished by locals as a sacred place for academic success and passing exams. This shrine also appeared in the opening of Natsume's Book of Friends Season 2.

Among the votive tablets at the shrine, there are even signatures from the voice actors!

Of course, Nyanko-sensei is also present in the shrine!

Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins

View of Hitoyoshi from the Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins.

Conclusion

Before I knew it, the five-hour journey had come to an end.

This five-hour Natsume's Book of Friends anime pilgrimage in Hitoyoshi, with the driver's attentive commentary and company, covered almost all the major real-world locations from the series. From the station to the shrines, from the mountains to the fields, I not only relived the gentle scenes from the anime but also experienced the unique history and culture of Hitoyoshi. The Nyanko-sensei decorations along the way, the traces left by fans, and the warmth woven between the locals and the series made this journey truly precious.

The moment I successfully collected all the digital stamps, I not only achieved the pilgrimage goal but also gained an irreplaceable, wonderful memory. This journey will remain one of the gentlest and most healing summer memories in my heart.