A winter tour featuring a bus wrapped with designs from the TV anime “Natsume’s Book of Friends” will take place starting December 12, 2026, visiting locations in Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi, and Kuma that served as models for the series.
Ride the wrapped bus—featuring illustrations of Natsume, Nyanko-sensei, and the scenery of Hitoyoshi—as you explore Hitoyoshi and Kuma in winter.
・A total of 11 days from December 12, 2026, to February 28, 2027
・Includes a ride on the Kumagawa Railway and a visit to Okadome Kōfuku Station
・Participants will receive an original clear file
・Reservations are now being accepted starting October 14
Overview of the *Natsume’s Book of Friends* “Winter Wrapped Bus Tour”
This is a tour that takes you around the Hitoyoshi and Kuma regions of Kumamoto Prefecture—known as the inspiration for the anime “Natsume’s Book of Friends”—aboard a wrapped bus. Organized through a partnership between Hitoyoshi City and Kyushu Sanko Tourism, the tour winds through the winter scenery of Hitoyoshi and Kuma.
©Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Production Committee
| Tour Name | A Journey to Discover the Original Landscapes of the Anime “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Aboard a “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Wrapped Bus: Winter Tour of the Village of Ayakashi—Hitoyoshi and Kuma |
|---|---|
| Tour Period | December 12, 2026 – February 28, 2027 (Scheduled for a total of 11 days) |
| Booking Opens | October 14, 2026– |
| Reservations & Rates | Kyushu Sanko Tourism Reservation Page |
| Special Website | Natsume’s Book of Friends × Kumamoto Prefecture Special Site |
| Official X | @NatsumeYujincho |
*Content is subject to change or cancellation without notice
*For tour inquiries, please contact Kyushu Sanko Tourism (TEL: 096-325-8242)
Highlights of the Natsume’s Book of Friends “Winter Wrapped Bus Tour”
Wrapped Bus
This bus features a design that combines Natsume and Nyanko-sensei with a collage of Hitoyoshi’s scenery. The color scheme is based on a refreshing blue that evokes the clear waters of the Kuma River.
©Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Production Committee
Tour of Locations Featured in the Series
The tour takes you to Tengu Bridge, which has been restored following torrential rain damage; a ride on the Kumagawa Railway, which has reopened in its entirety for the first time in six years; and “Okadome Kōfuku Station,” the only station in Japan with “happiness” in its name. You’ll also walk for about 10 minutes along narrow paths inaccessible to buses to visit hidden gems brimming with charm.
Participation Bonus: Original Clear File
Participants in the tour will receive an original clear file.
©Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Production Committee
Frequently Asked Questions About the “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Winter Wrapped Bus Tour
When will it take place?
It is scheduled for a total of 11 days between December 12, 2026, and February 28, 2027. Reservations are being accepted starting October 14.
What places will the tour visit?
The tour will visit Tengu Bridge, which has been restored following the torrential rain disaster, take a ride on the Kuma River Railway, and visit Okadome Kōfuku Station, among other locations. There are also some attractions that require a roughly 10-minute walk along narrow paths inaccessible to buses.
What are the fees?
You can check the Kyushu Sanko Tourism reservation page for details.
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Please check the official website for details.
*Please note that the information in this article may be out of date; we kindly ask that you verify the details on the official website.
© Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Production Committee
