Anime series · 2008
Natsume's Book of Friends Anime Locations in Japan
About
About Natsume's Book of Friends
A TV anime based on Yuki Midorikawa's manga, in which Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see yokai, returns names to yokai with his bodyguard Nyanko-sensei, concerning the "Book of Friends" left behind by his grandmother Reiko.
On the Kumamoto Prefecture official special site, many stations, shrines, and terraced rice fields in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region, including Hitoyoshi and Kuma Village, are introduced as model locations, and Shimotori in Kumamoto City, Yatsushiro Station, and shrines in the Aso area are also listed.
Locations
Natsume's Book of Friends locations in Kumamoto
Okadome Kofuku Jizo BosatsuSeason 3 Episode 4
Asagiri, Kumamoto · おかどめ幸福地蔵菩薩
A Jizo statue across from Okadome-Kofuku Station, a model location in the series.
Officially confirmed
Isshochi Rice Terraces (Onikuchi Rice Terraces)Season 1 Episode 13
Kuma, Kumamoto · 一勝地の棚田（鬼ノ口棚田）
The rice terraces of the Isshochi district became a model location.
Officially confirmed
Amamiya ShrineSeason 4 Opening
Sagara, Kumamoto · 雨宮神社
A shrine at the top of the Amamiya forest, called the "Totoro Forest." The model location for the opening.
Officially confirmed
Shimotori ArcadeSeason 3 Episode 3 and others
Kumamoto, Kumamoto · 下通アーケード
The arcade district in central Kumamoto became a model location.
Officially confirmed
Ichifusayama Shrine ApproachSeason 5 key visual and others
Mizukami, Kumamoto · 市房山神宮参道
An approach lined with cedar trees said to be about 1,000 years old. The model location for the key visual and elsewhere.
Officially confirmed
Matsutani Rice Terraces Observation PointSeason 1 Episode 7
Kuma, Kumamoto · 松谷棚田展望所
An observation point with a view over the Matsutani rice terraces became a model location.
Officially confirmed
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu ShrineSeason 3 Episode 2
Takamori, Kumamoto · 上色見熊野座神社
A shrine with a moss-covered approach lined with stone lanterns became a model location.
Officially confirmed
Ohata StationSeason 1 Episode 7 and others
Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto · 大畑駅
A station known for its loop line and switchback, a model location in the series.
Officially confirmed
Tamachi Sugawara TenmanguSeason 2 Opening and others
Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto · 田町菅原天満宮
A Tenmangu shrine marked by its red torii gate, a model location for the opening and elsewhere.
Officially confirmed
Yatsushiro StationSeason 1 Episode 9 and others
Yatsushiro, Kumamoto · 八代駅
The main station of Yatsushiro, which became a model location in the series.
Officially confirmed
Heitate ShrineSeason 3 Episode 1 and others
Yamato, Kumamoto · 幣立神宮
A shrine with an approach lined with cedar trees became a model location.
Officially confirmed
Satonojo Ohashi BridgeSeason 3 Episode 4
Taragi, Kumamoto · 里の城大橋
A bridge over the Kuma River, a model location in the series.
Officially confirmed
Where to stay for a Natsume's Book of Friends pilgrimageAD
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Sources
Sources (in Japanese)
- [1]夏目友人帳×熊本県 Special Site「夏目友人帳モデル地一覧」 (checked 2026-10-04)
- [2]アニメツーリズム協会「アニメ聖地88」夏目友人帳（熊本県人吉・球磨地域ほか） (checked 2026-10-04)