This summer, explore Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi, and Kuma together with Natsume’s Book of Friends! Take a special tour of the locations that inspired the anime.
Natsume’s Book of Friends in Kumamoto 2026: The Ultimate Summer Pilgrimage Guide
Kyushu Sanko Group Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi, and Kuma are set to collaborate with the beloved TV anime Natsume’s Book of Friends for a series of community activities starting in July 2026.
Natsume’s Book of Friends in Kumamoto 2026 ~Hitoyoshi/Kuma~ is a regional contribution project in which the Kyushu Sanko Group is working together with the anime to promote the charming cities of Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi, and Kuma following a successful 2025 event.
Through this project, the Kyushu Sanko Group will provide continued support for the recovery of areas affected by the July 2020 heavy rains, and will work closely with the Kumagawa Railway, which aims to resume operations in 2026, and the ongoing Kumamoto Destination Campaign 2026.
Together as a community, they seek to convey the “present” and “future” of that region, which served as the model for the artwork, to the world.
Exclusive 2026 Collaborations: Yukata Illustrations and Limited Edition Merchandise
Yukata outfits featuring motifs from Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi, and Kuma will be shown in exclusive, newly drawn illustrations of the Natsume’s Book of Friends characters specifically for this event. Popular characters from the anime, including Takashi Natsume, are depicted in stylish original yukata (summer kimono) designs inspired by the rich nature and traditional culture of Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi, and Kuma.
The visuals, featuring the characters in their unique attire against the backdrop of the charming scenery of Hitoyoshi and Kuma, will be used as iconic symbols for every aspect of the event, from the wrapped buses to limited-edition goods and novelty items.
Sakuramachi Kumamoto Pop-Up Shop
A pop-up shop will be held at the commercial facility Sakuramachi Kumamoto, and will serve as the base for this collaborative project.
The venue will feature a wide variety of official Natsume’s Book of Friends merchandise from the anime, including limited-edition goods using newly drawn illustrations. There will also be a special photo spot perfect for creating travel memories, providing a special space where visitors can not only shop but also immerse themselves in the world of the anime series.
- Event period: Scheduled from July 1st (Wed) to September 30th (Wed), 2026
- Venue: Sakuramachi Kumamoto 1F Main Entrance (tentative)
*Business hours and closing days are the same as those of Sakuramachi Kumamoto.
*Further details will be announced later on the Sakuramachi Kumamoto website.
The Hitoyoshi-Kuma Bus Tour: Navigating the Hidden Gems of Kyushu
Kyushu Sanko Bus (Kamishiro, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City) will be operating a “Natsume’s Book of Friendsラッピングバス”, or a Natsume Yuujinchou themed wrapped bus featuring a bold, newly drawn illustration that symbolizes the project.
The design is based on a collage of beautiful scenery from Hitoyoshi and Kuma, and a refreshing blue color that evokes the clear waters of the Kuma River.
The characters will be dressed stylishly in original yukata and fused with the scenery of the locations that served as their inspiration, and prominently displayed as the bus rides through the streets of Kumamoto and the rich natural beauty of Hitoyoshi.
- Operating period: Late June 2026 to November 30th (Monday), 2026 (tentative)
- Route: Kumamoto City ⇔ Fukuoka City (operated as the Hinokuni Express Bus)
- *During this period, service may be suspended due to vehicle maintenance or other reasons.
- *The start date of service will be announced as soon as it is decided.
- *The operating schedule will be decided two days in advance. For information on the operating schedule, please contact Kyushu Sanko Bus Kumamoto Office by phone.
Exploring the Village of Yokai: Real-Life Locations in Hitoyoshi and Kuma
Take a ride on a wrapped bus and tour the “Village of Yokai” on the Hitoyoshi-Kuma Bus Tour!
Kyushu Sanko Tourism (4-3 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture) is bringing back an even more exciting tour in the summer of 2026, featuring a wrapped bus that takes you to model locations in Hitoyoshi and Kuma, which was a huge hit in 2025.
The tour will take visitors on a specially wrapped bus to visit famous locations that still retain the atmosphere found in Midorikawa Yuki’s artwork. In addition to the classic “Ogaki Bishamondo” and “Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu,” the route now includes the “Tengu Bridge,” which finally opened in 2025.
Many of the locations featured in the anime are charming, narrow paths inaccessible by bus, and visitors will be guided to hidden gems that can be reached by a mere 10-minute walk. The scenery that unfolds before visitors during the walk is just like what is shown in the anime, and is sure to be a particularly moving experience for fans.
A special summer trip to Hitoyoshi and Kuma will be produced to build upon the content offered in the previous tour.
- Reservations for the wrapped Hitoyoshi-Kuma Bus Tour will open April 23rd, 2026.
Take the Natsume’s Book of Friends themed bus: A journey to discover the original landscapes of the TV anime Natsume’s Book of Friends – Part 2: Visiting the Villages of Yokai in Hitoyoshi and Kuma:
- Tour period: July 12th (Sun) to November 22nd (Sun), 2026 (21 days total)
- Day trip tour tickets
- Accommodation tour tickets
Tour participants will also receive an original novelty gift! Details will be posted on the Kyushu Sanko Tourism booking website as they become available.
The Hitoyoshi region is steeped in the same folklore that brought Natsume’s self-proclaimed bodyguard to life. To understand the cultural roots of your favorite feline spirit, check out our analysis of Nyanko-sensei, the Maneki-Neko Youkai.
Cultural Recovery and Celebration: The 71st Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival
The 71st Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival Private Viewing Tour
The popular “Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival Tour” from last year is back for 2026! In the evening before the fireworks begin, you can choose to cool off on a charming “cooling boat” or enjoy local Kuma shochu at the “HASSENBA” facility.
This special one-night-only event offers a luxurious experience where you can enjoy the summer of Hitoyoshi, a sacred place for fireworks, with all of your senses.
- Date of event: August 15, 2026 (Saturday)
- Capacity: 30 people per session
Reservations are now open for the day events:
*Accommodation plans are offered to meet your requests.
The “Kumamoto Destination Campaign 2026” planned projects in collaboration with municipalities and tourist spots in Hitoyoshi and Kuma will allow visitors to enjoy the area even more through exploration. Incoming collaborations with Kumamoto’s famous confectionery, traditional crafts, and popular restaurants may also soon be announced.
More details will be announced periodically on the Natsume’s Book of Friends in Kumamoto 2026 ~Hitoyoshi/Kuma~ special website. Visit the official special website for more information concerning ongoing collaborations in the region.
The partnership with Kumamoto doesn’t end here. Fans of Yuki Midorikawa’s ethereal storytelling should stay tuned for our upcoming coverage of the Kyushu Sanko Group x ‘Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light’ (Hotarubi no Mori e) collaboration in Aso and Takamori.
*All images are for illustrative purposes only. Content may be changed or canceled without notice. Please contact the operating company for details on how to make a reservation.
Note: The information above was sourced from a press release.
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