The anime “Natsume's Book of Friends” is beloved by many fans for its heartwarming portrayal of beautiful nature and its gentle interactions with yokai (spirits). The serene and peaceful landscapes depicted in the series can be even more deeply appreciated by visiting the real-life locations that inspired them. In this article, we’ve selected eight calming, must-visit sacred spots in Kumamoto Prefecture that served as the setting for “Natsume's Book of Friends.” Why not embark on a pilgrimage to fully immerse yourself in the charm of the series?
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(1) Hitoyoshi City | Hitoyoshi Station
Hitoyoshi Station, located in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto, is a historic station and part of JR Kyushu’s Hisatsu Line. It’s well-known as the departure and arrival point for the steam locomotive "SL Hitoyoshi," making it a popular spot for railway enthusiasts. The station serves as the gateway to Hitoyoshi, a hot spring town, and is used by many tourists visiting the area’s attractions.
Hitoyoshi Station is also known as the model for the station featured in episode 8 of Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 2, titled “A Man's Path.” In this episode, Natsume and his friends meet Chizu, a woman with a bittersweet past, while staying at an inn for a school retreat. The station plays a key role in this touching story, with several scenes featuring its platforms, the station’s exterior, and the ticket gate where Chizu waits for Hotaru-san. The station is faithfully recreated in the anime, making it a must-visit sacred site for fans of the series.
Hitoyoshi Station
- Location: 326-1 Naka-Aoi Town, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Access: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by express train from Kumamoto Station
👉Little Kyoto of Kyushu! Hitoyoshi Loop Bus | One-day Tour | Departure from Kumamoto
(2) Hitoyoshi City | Tengu Bridge,
Tengu Bridge, which crosses the Kuma River in Nishihitoyoshi, is one of the most frequently featured locations in the anime. It’s the red bridge where Natsume often encounters yokai on his way to and from school. The bridge got its name because, when viewed from the side, it resembles the nose of a tengu (a mythical goblin). Since it appears frequently in the series, it’s an unmissable spot for fans of Natsume’s Book of Friends.
Surrounded by stunning nature, Tengu Bridge offers beautiful seasonal views. The river below is part of the Kumagawa Kudari riverboat course, a popular attraction for Hitoyoshi visitors. You can often see the boats passing underneath the bridge.
Please note that Tengu Bridge is currently undergoing restoration due to damage caused by the July 2020 floods. As a result, the Kumagawa Kudari boat route has been shortened and no longer passes under the bridge.
Tengu Bridge
- Location: 1-2 Baba, Nakagami Town, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Access: About a 16-minute walk from Nishihitoyoshi Station
(3) Aso District | Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
Famous as the setting for the manga “Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light” (the origin of Natsume’s Book of Friends) and as a filming location for the live-action movie “Rurouni Kenshin: The Final,” Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is located in the Aso District of Kumamoto, nestled at the foot of Mount Aso. The shrine has a mystical atmosphere that has been likened to a “gateway to another world,” making it a popular topic on social media.
The approach to the shrine is lined with 97 stone lanterns, creating a magical sight. As you walk down the path, the shrine appears, with a massive rocky cliff towering behind it. This cliff features a huge cave called Ugedoiwa, which appears in episode 2 of Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 3, “The Little Fox’s Village.” In the episode, this is where the yokai Kanawa slept. The story revolves around Kanawa searching for a way to return to his home.
Surrounded by serene and mystical energy, Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine blends nature and history. If you visit Kumamoto, this is a must-see spot.
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
- Location: 2619 Kamishikimi, Takamori Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes by car from Takamori Station, Minami-Aso Railway
(4) Hitoyoshi City | Amamiya Shrine
Amamiya Shrine, located in Kumagawa District, Kumamoto, sits atop the peak of Amamiya Forest, which is affectionately called “Totoro’s Forest” due to its distinctive shape.
The shrine is dedicated to the deity of rain, and it has long been a focal point of local faith. Every year on the second Sunday of December, traditional events such as a children’s mikoshi (portable shrine) procession and Nagae Ustaiko drum dances are held, drawing crowds from the community. Legend says that passing through the giant stone tunnel behind the shrine brings blessings of happiness, safe childbirth, and prosperity.
Amamiya Shrine is also featured in the opening sequences of Natsume’s Book of Friends Seasons 4 and 6, making it a beloved spot for fans. The stone steps leading to the shrine, through its torii gate, exude a mystical atmosphere. As you ascend the steps, the air seems to change, giving visitors the feeling that they’re walking into another world alongside Natsume himself.
Amemiya Shrine
- Location: Kawabe, Sagara Village, Kumagawa District, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Access: About 20 minutes by bus from Hitoyoshi Station, alight at Nisodani-iriguchi (Nisodani Entrance) and walk about 5 minutes
(5) Hitoyoshi City | Okoba Station
Okoba Station, located in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is part of JR Kyushu’s Hisatsu Line. It’s famous for being the only station in Japan where both a “switchback” and a “loop line” coexist. The switchback system allows trains to zigzag by moving forward and backward to conquer steep slopes, while the loop line spirals up, helping trains gain elevation.
This rare combination of track designs makes Okoba Station a popular destination for train enthusiasts, and the surrounding area is known as a “hidden gem” station for its unique railway features.
Okoba Station also appears in episode 7 of Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 1, “The Little Fox’s Hat.” In this episode, Natsume meets a little fox while on his way to a study session. The fox learns about Natsume’s Book of Friends and asks to become his follower. The peaceful setting of Okoba Station is perfectly captured in the scene where the little fox boards the train, making it a memorable location for fans of the series.
Additionally, there’s a tradition at Okoba Station where visitors can stick their business cards on the station building’s walls, which is said to bring success. As a result, the walls are covered with countless business cards from hopeful visitors.
Okoba Station
- Location: Oono Town, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Access:About a 16-minute walk from JR Kyushu Hisatsu Line’s Okoba Station or the Kamiurushida bus stop on the Okoba Line
(6) Hitoyoshi City | Kuma River Area
Kuma River is renowned as one of Japan’s three fastest rivers, attracting numerous visitors for its thrilling river rafting experiences. The area is dotted with hot springs and historical sites, making it a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking seasonal landscapes, from cherry blossoms in spring to lush greenery in summer, and vibrant autumn leaves.
Kuma River frequently appears in Natsume’s Book of Friends. In Season 2, Episode 9 “The Man Among the Cherry Blossoms”, there’s a scene where Natsume talks to the yokai Miya by the river, and in Season 1, Episode 7 “The Little Fox’s Hat”, Natsume and his friends fish along the river. These scenes are modeled after the picturesque Kuma River. Additionally, in Season 5, Episode 3 “A Letter from the Exorcist”, Natsume is seen walking slowly along a riverbank on his way home from school, which is thought to be inspired by the Kuma River area. Kuma River, alongside Tengu Bridge, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic locations for fans of Natsume’s Book of Friends.
Kuma River Area
- Location: Southern Kumamoto Prefecture
👉 Recommended Leisure Activities, Experiences, and Sightseeing in Kumamoto
(7) Yatsushiro City | Kasamatsu Bridge
Kasamatsu Bridge, which appears in the opening sequence of Season 2 of the anime, is a magnificent stone bridge located in Tōyō Town, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Measuring 22.75 meters in length, the bridge was built in the early Meiji period by Kankuro Hashimoto, and it stands as one of the largest stone bridges in Tōyō Town.
While Kasamatsu Bridge is a sacred spot for Natsume’s Book of Friends fans, its elegant design is also a major attraction. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding park, which is perfect for a peaceful stroll. At night, the bridge is illuminated, casting a magical glow over its graceful arches, offering a breathtaking view that contrasts with its daytime beauty. This enchanting sight is beloved by both locals and tourists alike.
Kasamatsu Bridge
- Location: Kawamata, Tōyō Town, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Access: Right next to the Kamikukino bus stop on the Kawamata-Taneyama line (shared taxi service)
(8) Kumamoto City | Shimotori Arcade
Shimotori Arcade is the largest shopping arcade in Kumamoto Prefecture, spanning 511 meters in length and 15 meters in width. It’s a vibrant hub for fashion and entertainment, lined with department stores, boutiques, and amusements, attracting a wide range of visitors. Additionally, the arcade is famous as a gourmet destination, with numerous cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine.
In Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 3, Episode 3, the arcade where Natsume and Shibata walk while searching for a cake shop is said to be inspired by both Kumamoto’s Shimotori Arcade and the “Pearl Center” shopping street in Tokyo’s Asagaya district.
Shimotori Arcade
- Location: From Tetorihonmachi to Shimotori 2-Chome, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City
- Access: About a 1-minute walk from the "Torichosuji" tram stop
👉 Recommended Leisure Activities, Experiences, and Sightseeing in Kumamoto
Explore the World of Natsume’s Book of Friends
Embarking on a journey through the real-life locations that inspired Natsume’s Book of Friends allows fans to immerse themselves in the magical world of the anime. The mystical atmosphere of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, the peaceful landscapes of Okoba Station, and the natural beauty of Tengu Bridge and Kuma River are just a few of the places where the scenes of the show come to life. These locations are not only significant to fans of the anime but also offer a glimpse into the history and scenic beauty of Kumamoto. If you visit Kumamoto, be sure to explore these sites and fully enjoy the charm of Natsume’s Book of Friends.
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