A wrapping bus tour exploring the real-life locations that inspired the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends (夏目友人帳) has been officially announced. Organized in collaboration with the city of Hitoyoshi and the Kyushu Sanko Group, the tour is set to begin in December 2026, taking fans through the scenic Hitoyoshi-Kuma region of Kumamoto Prefecture.
About Natsume’s Book of Friends
Natsume’s Book of Friends is an ongoing manga by Yuki Midorikawa, serialized in Monthly LaLa. The story follows Natsume Takashi, a lonely boy who can see yokai. After inheriting his late grandmother Reiko’s “Book of Friends” — a tome containing contracts she made with various spirits — Natsume finds himself pursued by yokai seeking to reclaim their names, with the self-proclaimed bodyguard Nyanko-sensei by his side.
The TV anime first aired in 2008 and has since run for six seasons. Kamiya Hiroshi voices Natsume Takashi, while Inoue Kazuhiko voices Nyanko-sensei. The franchise’s first feature-length original film was released in September 2018, followed by a limited theatrical screening of two popular short episodes in January 2021. Most recently, Season 7 — Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi — began airing on October 7, 2024.
A Two-Day Tour Through the Anime’s Hometown
The tour spans two days aboard a specially decorated bus featuring artwork that blends the anime’s beloved characters with the actual landscapes of Hitoyoshi-Kuma. The bus design draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty, with a refreshing blue color scheme evoking the clear waters of the Kumagawa River.
Tour highlights include the Tengu Bridge, which was restored last year after suffering severe damage in a major flood disaster; a ride on the Kuma River Railway (くま川鉄道), which recently resumed full-line operations for the first time in six years; and a visit to Okadome Kofuku Station (おかどめ幸福駅), the only station in Japan bearing the name “happiness.”
Some of the most atmospheric spots along the route are only accessible on foot — a roughly 10-minute walk down narrow lanes that buses cannot enter — promising a deeply personal experience for fans who make the journey.
Booking Information
- Tour dates: Saturday, December 12, 2026 – Sunday, February 28, 2027 (approximately 11 scheduled days)
- Reservations open: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Further details, including exclusive original novelty items, will be available on the Kyushu Sanko Tourism reservation website.
Note: All details are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Please contact the organizer directly for reservation inquiries.
(แชร์แล้วไปกดรับที่หน้าภารกิจ · วันละ 1 lần)
