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

#SeptemberDestinations2025 #Kyushu #Kumamoto #KumamotoCity #KumamotoShopping Kumamoto Castle is a must-see, a must-see attraction. It's still undergoing renovations and is still partially underway. Wander along Kumamoto Shimodori, a bustling shopping street with a wide selection of Kumamoto souvenirs, drugstores, and clothing. The morning scenery by the Shirakawa River is beautiful and worth waking up early to see. The morning light on the bridge illuminates the city of Kumamoto. Then, visit the Hitoyoshi Railway Museum. Admission is free and there are some family-friendly facilities and informational displays. It's worth a stroll. #Shirakawa #MorningLight #Hityoshi Railway Museum

In Hitoyoshi, there is a unique Japanese inn called Ayu no Sato, which is conveniently located near the fireworks display site, offering visitors a unique viewing experience. When the fireworks bloom, others are still outside, braving the crowds, holding small stools, and looking for the best viewing spot, while we, staying at this inn, can leisurely stay in the hotel lobby and enjoy the colorful fireworks feast. If you are lucky enough to book a river view room, it is like having an exclusive fireworks viewing box, sitting in the room, through the window, colorful fireworks bloom in the night sky, reflecting on the sparkling river, like a dream. However, it should be noted that river view rooms are extremely popular on the day of the fireworks festival, and you must book well in advance to seize this rare opportunity. Another important purpose of this trip to Hitoyoshi is to check in at Natsume-related locations. Before departure, I was full of expectations to collect 6 stamps to get the special offer, but unfortunately, the day before arriving in Hitoyoshi, I received an app reminder that the special offer was gone, which somewhat reduced the motivation to check in. In terms of travel, renting a bicycle is a good choice. It is highly recommended to rent an electric bicycle, as the check-in points in Hitoyoshi are widely distributed, and relying entirely on ordinary bicycles to get there consumes a lot of physical strength, especially in hot weather, electric bicycles can save you a lot of effort. Even so, relying on bicycles can only go to 7 check-in points at most, and the other check-in points are really far away, and it is really unbearable to ride in the hot weather. Cycling on the country roads is the most pleasant time of this trip. The breeze blows gently, the flowers and plants on the roadside sway with the wind, and the distant mountains are undulating, forming a beautiful pastoral picture. Every time you reach a check-in point, that familiar feeling will come to your heart. The scenes I once saw in the animation appear in front of me, as if Takashi Natsume, Nyanko-sensei, and those warm characters really live on this land, and this wonderful feeling of animation coming into reality is intoxicating. Hitoyoshi, this charming small town, not only has the comfort and convenience brought by the Ayu no Sato Japanese inn, but also the feelings and emotions of the Natsume's Book of Friends check-in tour, as well as the beautiful natural scenery along the way, every place is worth savoring, making people reluctant to leave.

In July 2020, the heavy rains caused the Kuma River in Kumamoto Prefecture to flood. This was a devastating disaster. Suiranro also suffered devastating damage, but was rebuilt and reopened in February 2023. This is the inn where Hitoyoshi Onsen originated. The "Mikage no Yu" hot spring, which continues to flow from the source no matter what disaster it faces, is a high-quality hot spring. Go Kumamoto. [Accommodation] Ryokan Suiranro [Location] 2461-1 Onsencho, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture [Access] About 10 minutes by car from Hitoyoshi IC and Hitoyoshi Station [Room] Japanese modern room [Check-in/out] 15:00/11:00 [Reference budget] From 23,100 yen [Plan] Chef's recommended kaiseki meal - Greedy galore - "Wagyu beef x seafood" If you want to taste all the deliciousness of Kumamoto, this is it! Visit date: Early November 2023 #Accommodation review #Domestic travel #Hocanes #Girls trip #Couples trip #Hot springs #Hot spring trip #Kumamoto #Hitoyoshi #Suiranro #Gourmet food #Gourmet

The Hitoyoshi Railway Museum "MOZOCA Station 868" introduces the Hisatsu Line through dioramas, videos, exhibits, and more. There are also booths for children, such as a mini train and a wooden pool. Right next to JR Hitoyoshi Station (Currently not operating) Information current as of July 2022. #BreathtakingView #HitoyoshiOnsen #Museum #KumamotoTrip #WesternJapan #PhotogenicSpot

Canyoning post 🌟 Part 2! This time we went to the famous Kuma River for rafting 🏞 However, instead of rafting, we went to our favorite canyoning 🎶 This canyoning tour was arranged by Land Earth, which started Kuma River rafting before anyone else 🔥 Of course, they are also a long-established professional canyoning company ✌️💕 30 minutes by car up the upstream of the Kuma River 👀 In addition to natural water slides, vertical descents with harnesses, 6-person rapids slides, waterfall training, and many other activities were fun from start to finish!! ! Many of the staff are really warm and funny, so even first-timers can enjoy themselves with peace of mind 😍 #Kumamoto #Kuma River #Secret summer resort #Forest bathing #Summer trip #Japan Genki Project #Amazing nature #Summer trip #Breathtaking scenery

The hotel is located near Renji Onsen Station, about 10 minutes walk, the hotel is located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, the surrounding environment is relatively quiet, unlike the bustling of the city, want to quietly enjoy the style of Japanese Yoshi, this inn is a no Wrong choice #I miss #residentwriter #affordablehotels

#OverseasTravel #Japan #🇯🇵 #SightseeingTrain #KOL Check-In Hotspot 📍My Southern Kyushu train trip primarily took the Hisatsu Line (Kagoshima Main Line runs from Kumamoto to Yatsushiro), including three sightseeing trains: the SL Hitoyoshi, the Isaburo Shinpei, and the Hayato no Kaze, traveling from Kagoshima Chuo in the south to Kumamoto in the center. 🚂Taking four special trains in one day is a must-do in Southern Kyushu. #OverseasTravel

Hitoyoshi is a peaceful, cozy town in southern Kumamoto. It is a perfect place to experience simple, authentic local life in Japan. Hitoyoshi: A cozy, down-to-earth local town. Kuma Shochu: The famous local rice spirits. Kuma River: One of Japan's top three rapid rivers.

I visited Hitoyoshi and Kuma in Kumamoto Prefecture for a 2-night, 3-day pilgrimage to the locations featured in the anime "Natsume's Book of Friends." The area was incredibly rich in nature, just like the scenes in the anime! I stayed at Nabeya, a hot spring inn in Hitoyoshi Onsen, for both nights! It's a 5-minute drive from Hitoyoshi Station. There's a Kajiya-machi street nearby with tea houses, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place for a stroll. The inn had a wonderful atmosphere, offering a relaxing space with a strong sense of Japanese tradition. The view of the river flowing in front of the inn was also beautiful. I was able to complete the Natsume's Book of Friends stamp rally in just two days. I highly recommend visiting the Natsume's Book of Friends pilgrimage sites!

A visit to Hitoyoshi Castle in southern Kumamoto Prefecture offers a profound sense of the rich heritage left by the Sagara clan's 700-year rule. Built at the confluence of the Kuma and Mae rivers, this "water castle" ingeniously utilized the rushing currents as natural moats, showcasing a brilliant architectural design that coexists in harmony with nature. From an architectural perspective, the most striking feature of Hitoyoshi Castle is its **"Musha-gaeshi" (warrior-repelling)** design. Unlike the curved stone walls of Kumamoto Castle, the ramparts here feature a Western-style **"Hanedashi" (overhanging)** structure at the top, specifically designed to prevent fires and stop enemies from scaling the walls. This unique defensive concept from the late Edo period is incredibly rare and highly recognizable in the history of Japanese castles. When strolling through these historic ruins, we highly recommend walking along the riverbank to admire the majestic stone walls that look almost like flood levees. Although the main keep is no longer standing, the tranquil and enduring atmosphere, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Kuma River, gives the castle an ethereal presence. It is a deeply captivating historical site that perfectly blends stunning landscapes, unique masonry techniques, and the enduring legacy of a long, peaceful reign.

big boulder in hitoyoshi #travel2026

nice place very peaceful #travel2026

Fans of Natsume's Book of Friends should definitely check it out! Hitsukichi Station, Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine, and Tengu Bridge are all locations featured in the anime. You can also try horse meat or take a boat trip on the Kuma River. Hitoyoshi is a great place to slow down and enjoy life without getting bored! #Natsume'sBook of Friends #Hitsukichi

The 2026 Hitoyoshi Ryuto Ramen Festival will be held at Aoi Aso Shrine in Hitoyoshi City, a National Treasure of Japan. This year's festival brings together eight popular ramen shops from across Kyushu, including Haruyoshi Ramen from Fukuoka, Ramen Hairo from Kagoshima, Ramen Kiki from Miyazaki, as well as the locally renowned Doro Doro Ramen and Inoue Goods. Visitors can enjoy a bowl of ramen with a ticket. Tickets will go on sale at 10:00 AM on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to ramen, the festival will also feature a "HITONOWA Market" and various stage events, creating a lively atmosphere for attendees. This event will showcase the diverse flavors of Kyushu ramen culture, offering a unique culinary experience. Whether you're a ramen enthusiast or simply looking for a place to enjoy a pleasant day, the Hitoyoshi Ryuto Ramen Festival is a perfect opportunity to savor delicious food and enjoy a local festival.

Aoi Aso Shrine has a history of over 1,200 years. Its main hall is the fifth National Treasure of Japan, featuring a thatched roof and a tree depicted on the 10-yen coin. After visiting, enjoy some sake made with water from the Kuma River—it's truly delightful. Kinoshita Circus offers captivating performances and is Japan's oldest and largest circus. It's incredibly entertaining and perfect for a family outing! 👍

#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

#LimitedEvent Natsume's Book of Friends is a wildly popular manga series with over 18 million copies in circulation. The anime series has already reached its seventh season and continues to enjoy enduring popularity. Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, the hometown of Natsume's Book of Friends author Yuki Midorikawa, is hosting a variety of collaborative events with Natsume's Book of Friends. This is the "Natsume's Book of Friends Shadow Puppet Lighting MAP," which was released in 2022 and has since been extended again and again with the addition of new works. The current status is as follows: · Lighting locations: 9 locations in total around Hitoyoshi Station, Kumamoto Prefecture · Lighting times: 5:00 PM daily :00-22:00 · Lighting Period: Until the end of March 2026 (Reiwa 8) (planned) The lighting locations are listed on the official website, and pamphlets are available at the tourist information center in front of Hitoyoshi Station. The distance is roughly about an hour's walk, even at a leisurely pace. Hitoyoshi City is a peaceful town free from inbound tourism and overtourism. However, it is still recovering from past heavy rain damage. Anime fans, why not visit to meet Natsume and Nyanko-sensei and friends while also supporting the recovery efforts? It was a wonderful place, with a pristine Japanese landscape still intact. #KumamotoPrefecture #NatsumeYuujinchou #AnimeHolyLand #HitoyoshiOnsen

Flowing through the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, the "Kumagawa River" is renowned as one of Japan's three major rapids, making it a prime spot for rafting and river cruising. Surrounded by nature, the exhilarating experience of gliding through the clear stream is nothing short of an extraordinary adventure! When you actually try rafting, you'll feel the thrill of the rapids and the refreshing splash of water, sending your excitement soaring! Yet, in calmer sections of the river, you'll find moments of peace and beauty that soothe your soul and rejuvenate your body✨. The area also boasts several hot spring resorts, perfect for unwinding after your activities♨️. Whether you're planning an active date with your partner or embarking on a solo adventure, Kumagawa River is an ideal destination. If you want to truly "experience" Kumamoto's natural beauty, Kumagawa River is a must-visit! 【Access】 Within walking distance from JR Hitoyoshi Station (depending on the rafting reception location) About 2 hours by car from Kumamoto City

#summervacay Tucked away in **Ehime Prefecture**, **Sekisuiji Temple (石水寺)** is a serene escape where moss-covered stone paths, ancient camphor trees, and the whispers of history create a meditative retreat. Part of the **Shikoku Pilgrimage**, this *lesser-known* temple offers tranquility without the crowds. ### **🌿 *MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS*:** · **The Legendary "Stone Water":** Drink from the temple’s sacred spring—said to grant longevity and healing. 💧🙏 · **Giant Camphor Tree:** A **1,000-year-old guardian** with roots like dragon scales—feel its energy! 🐉🌳 · **Autumn Magic:** Visit in November when **maple trees ignite** in crimson and gold. 🍁🔥 · **Zen Garden:** Raked gravel and hidden symbolism—sit and let your mind unwind. ☯️ ### **💡 *TRAVEL TIPS*:** · **Combine with Nearby Temples:** Sekisuiji is **#45 of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage sites**—pair with nearby **Iyadani Temple (#44)** for a spiritual hike. · **Try *Jakoten*:** Ehime’s famous fried fish cakes, best eaten warm from a local stall. 🐟🍢 · **Respect the Silence:** This is a place of prayer—keep voices low and phones muted. ### **📸 *PHOTO SPOTS*:** · **The stone staircase** framed by towering cedars. · **Sunlight filtering through the camphor tree’s leaves**. 🌞 · *#ShikokuPilgrimage #HiddenJapan #ZenVibes #TempleWanderlust #EhimeTravel** · Sekisuiji doesn’t shout—it whispers. Listen closely.* 🎋 · *🚗 *Getting There:* 30-min drive from Matsuyama or a 1hr bus ride from Iyo-Saijo Station.** Free entry, but donations welcome!

#Spring0yentrip Wildflowers along the approach to a shrine quietly nestled in the mountains Reminiscing about my childhood with tears in my eyes

#Spring0yenTrip I stayed at Nabeya in Hitoyoshi Onsen and had a truly satisfying time. After recovering from the heavy rain disaster in 2020, the new building has become a modern and sophisticated space, and the rooms overlooking the Kuma River were spacious and clean. In particular, the dinner of innovative cuisine using local ingredients was impressive, with its original ideas and careful cooking. In addition, the hot spring water is thick and flows directly from the source, and bathing while watching the flow of the Kuma River was a blissful moment. The warm hospitality of the staff was also impressive, and the greetings from the proprietress and chef were also memorable. Nabeya, where you can experience the nature and history of Hitoyoshi with all five senses, is a wonderful inn that makes you want to visit again.  

| Hitoyoshi Yoshino Ryokan. Hitoyoshi is a wonderful place (even though I haven't seen Natsume's Book of Friends). Situated by the Kuma River, it's a place of outstanding natural beauty and talented individuals. Unfortunately, it's also prone to flooding when the Kuma River rises. As mentioned in previous notes about Hitoyoshi Ryokan, the 2020 flood destroyed many hot spring hotels. Yoshino Ryokan was also reborn after more than two years of reconstruction. 📷Architecture & History Yoshino Ryokan was established in 1909 (Meiji 42) and has a history of over 100 years. It was originally founded as a restaurant, Yoshimoto Honten. Therefore, many elements, including the architecture and service, still retain traces of a traditional restaurant. There are 15 rooms in total, each with its own unique decor. We stayed in the Matsu-no-ma room, which was incredibly spacious for two people. It was a Japanese-Western style room with my favorite feature, an *engawa* (veranda) filled with a sense of the era. If you can book it, I highly recommend the Tsuru-no-ma room, which preserves the characteristics from 100 years ago. I also really like the large hallway at the entrance and the various tea rooms, which have a distinct Taisho-era atmosphere. Hot Springs The spring quality is sodium chloride bicarbonate spring. It's 100% natural hot spring water and slightly soft, leaving your skin feeling very hydrated after soaking. In addition to the large public bath, there are four private baths. Yamasemi is probably the richest among them. The other three private baths seem to have been renovated later and are very new, offering pleasant garden views. 🍙Cuisine As expected from a place that started as a restaurant, the food, while not particularly luxurious, is delicious, especially the *dashi* (broth), which is extremely flavorful. This meal alone is worth a repeat visit. 📍 180 Kamiaoi-machi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture I've recommended Hitoyoshi's *unagi* (eel) rice before; it's very tasty. Besides the most famous Kamimura, Shiraishi next door is also good. There are also various *sento* (public baths) ♨️ to explore. There are quite a few hot springs that may look run-down but will surprise you with their amazing water quality.

#triptravelchina #hitoyoshitravel #japantravel 📞Hello Hello, I heard it and answered. Take you to visit the small town of Hitoyoshi in Kumamoto. This town is located south of Kumamoto, about 80 kilometers away. Because there was a major earthquake, people moved out, causing the town to be quite quiet. We arrived at the train station🚂 The highlight here is the clock tower, which tells the time like a samurai performance. This town has a long history, related to the Sagara family, and is a pilgrimage route for the Goddesses of Mercy or 33 Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara, consisting of places of worship in the Hitoyoshi Kuma region. All the statues are carved from wood, some are lacquered and gilded, carved into various postures, very beautiful.

Kumamoto 43 and 40 are quite close to each other, right 😅. Kumamoto has a beautiful sea and poetic Aso mountain. Autumn is the most suitable season to go because there is a long grass field where you can camp, what could be better. Winter is also beautiful in its own way.

Location: Ryokan Suiranro Address: 2461-1 Onsencho, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture Access: About 10 minutes by car from Hitoyoshi IC or Hitoyoshi Station Since this is a ryokan in the birthplace of Hitoyoshi Onsen, you might think it's clean, but everything was even cleaner than you'd imagine. The rooms are spacious and the view outside is elegant, so it's recommended for those who want to relax in a quiet place. The welcome drink was a yuzu drink that was so delicious you'll want to drink it over and over again. You can also rent an iPhone charger for free at the front desk, so you can rent one if you forget. #HongKongFreeAirTicket #Suiranro #Ryokan

#HongKongFlightEvent If you come to Kamakura, you must eat here!!! You can have a home-cooked meal while looking at the beautiful train tracks! It's a neat and cute space in a very pretty town. The rice was very delicious, and the grilled fish and small side dishes were all delicious!! I think I could have tried other types of fish. I ordered the grilled sea bream set and ate it all upㅎㅎ It's not salty and the seasoning is just right! I didn't order eggs, but everyone made meringue and ate it with rice~ I'm going to try it next timeㅎㅎ Above all, I loved seeing the Eden train passing by! There was a long wait, but I was lucky because I was traveling alone and got a seat right away and was able to eat first! The window seat had a train view~~ It was so nice!! If I had to wait, it was worth itㅎㅎ Stop by!! #JapanTravel #Japan #YoriDokoro

Locally known as 'Aoi-san,' this shrine is characterized by its thatched roof. Reading the evaluation points of the designated national treasure, it was highly praised for its originality and high level of completion, reflecting the design of the Momoyama period. It also influenced other shrines with its unique sculptural techniques and distinctive worship hall style. Indeed, it was an architectural marvel. All the auxiliary shrines are related to the history of Hitoyoshi, so please make sure to visit. It is an essential spot for sightseeing in Hitoyoshi. 【Name】Aoi Aso Shrine 【Location】118 Kamiaoimachi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture 【Access】 About 5 minutes on foot from JR Hitoyoshi Station About 10 minutes by car from Hitoyoshi IC 【Parking】Available (free) Visit Date: November 2023

This shrine enshrines the Sagara family, who built Hitoyoshi Castle and ruled the area as feudal lords for about 700 years during the Sengoku period. It is located in a corner of the Hitoyoshi Castle ruins. Crossing the stone bridge, the beautiful palace ruins garden spreads out before you. Various stones that would have been used at key points in history, such as the Chikaraishi stone that broke down the Otemon Gate, are also preserved. This is a historical spot recommended for sightseeing in Hitoyoshi. [Name] Sagara Gokoku Shrine [Location] 35-1 Fumotomachi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture [Access] About 20 minutes on foot from JR Hitoyoshi Station, about 10 minutes by car from Hitoyoshi IC [Fee] Free [Parking] Available (parking lot at Hitoyoshi Castle ruins/free) Visit date: November 2023 #Sakura2024 #Domestic travel #Tourism #Travel #Hitoyoshi #Kumamoto #Prayer #Historical sites #Travel to experience historical culture #Places that feel history #Temples and shrines