2026 Kuma Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

#JapanTravelGuide Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, the inspiration for the hit anime "Natsume's Book of Friends" As part of the city's revitalization and reconstruction support efforts, pilgrimages to "Natsume's Book of Friends" holy sites are booming. Get a map at the tourist information center in front of JR Hitoyoshi Station, install the stamp rally app, and begin your pilgrimage! Since public transportation is often unavailable, we recommend renting a car or taking a taxi. If you choose a taxi plan, your driver will act as your guide, provide detailed explanations of which scenes from the anime each location appears in, and even help you take commemorative photos dressed as a character. The image shows an example of one of these spots. · Matsuya Rice Terrace Observatory 　📍Location: Migaura, Kuma Village, Kuma District, Kumamoto Prefecture 　🚗Roadside parking available, free use · Ogaki Bishamon-do Memorial Tower 　📍Location: Nakagami-cho, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture 　🚗Roadside parking available, free use · Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine 　📍Location: Tamachi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture 🚗No parking, free admission · Nagae Amemiya Shrine 📍Location: Kawabe, Sagara Village, Kuma District, Kumamoto Prefecture 🚗Roadside parking available, free admission · Ohata Station/Miyajidake Shrine 📍Location: Onomachi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture 🚗Free parking available, free admission Other attractions include JR Hitoyoshi Station, Tengu Bridge, Mikkahara Kannon-do Hall, Kajiya-cho Street, and Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins. Some spots have original stamps, Nyanko-sensei plush toys, and notebooks for fan messages, so don't forget your pen and stamp book! #KumamotoPrefecture #HitoyoshiCity #AnimeHolySite #HolySitePilgrimage #Natsume'sBookOfFriends

We departed from Hakata to Kumamoto, the city of Kumamon, by JR Kyushu's Kawasemi Yamasemi train. · But this isn't just any ordinary train; it's a sightseeing train with beautifully decorated carriages and large windows offering stunning views along the way. · The Kawasemi Yamasemi has two carriages: the first is called Kawasemi, and the second is called Yamasemi, named after two species of kingfishers. · The train departed exactly on time. We almost missed it! Missing it would have ruined our entire day's plans. Therefore, be sure to check the schedule and allow extra time so you don't have to rush like we did. · Food, drinks, and snacks are available on the train. We tried the ice cream, and it was pretty good. Seats are divided into scenic seats and regular seats. You need to reserve your seats in advance when buying your ticket because they sell out very quickly. · Upon arriving in Kumamoto, we explored the city, especially Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto is famous for its horse meat sushi; if you have the chance to visit, be sure to try it! #TravelbyTrain #100WaysToTravel

The tourist train "Yamasemi Kawasemi" operated by JR Kyushu. It originally ran between Kumamoto Station and Hitoyoshi Station, but was suspended due to the heavy rains in Kumamoto in July 2020. As it will take a long time to restore service, the "Yamasemi Kawasemi" and "Isaburo Shinpei" trains that ran on the same route are now operating on a special basis between Hakata Station and Mojiko Station. The interior is really cute and it's worth taking the trouble to ride it! ! This is a tourist train that requires reservations. Information as of June 2022. #Breathtaking views #Historical sites #Fukuoka Prefecture #Tourist train #Railway #Photogenic spots #Enjoyable even in the rain #Quintessa campaign