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

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!

We stopped at Yamae Service Area (northbound) in Kumamoto and decided to grab a bite at 人吉亭, the on-site food court. It was a cozy, convenient option tucked right next to the 7‑Eleven. The menu had plenty of comforting choices—ramen, udon, set meals, and fried plates. I went for the Kumamoto ramen and half fried rice set, and it hit the spot. The pork bone broth was rich and creamy, with a nice garlic kick from the black garlic oil, and the fried rice was flavorful and satisfying. Another highlight was the karaage curry set, which came with hearty fried chicken coated in a flavorful sauce—it was just what we needed during our break. The place was casual and clean, with quick service via vending machine tickets. It felt like the kind of spot where locals pop in after a long drive. Even late in the afternoon, it was buzzing enough to feel lively but not crowded. Overall, 人吉亭 was the perfect pit stop meal—warm, tasty, and fast. A really solid option during a road trip through Kyushu. #summervacay #YamaeSA #KumamotoEats #KyushuDrive #JapaneseFoodStop #RamenLover #ServiceAreaJapan #人吉亭 #JapanRoadTrip #TravelEats #LocalFlavours #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

We made a quick stop at Yamae Service Area while heading north through Kumamoto—and ended up staying longer than expected! This compact but charming rest area had everything we needed: spotless toilets, scenic mountain views, and a surprising variety of local snacks and specialties. The highlight? A comforting bowl of tonkotsu ramen that really hit the spot. There was also a nice selection of souvenirs, including Kumamoto’s famous chestnut treats and local sweets. It wasn’t crowded when we visited, which made the experience even more pleasant. If you’re road-tripping through Kyushu, don’t miss this little gem! #summervacay #YamaeSA #KumamotoTravels #JapanRoadTrip #KyushuDrive #RestStopRamen #HiddenGemJapan #JapaneseServiceArea #ChestnutSweets #CleanAndCozy #ScenicStopJapan #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

We made a stop at Yamae Service Area (Northbound) while driving through Kumamoto and were pleasantly surprised by how nice this rest stop was. It may not be the biggest service area along the expressway, but it was clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed. There’s a convenience store (7-Eleven) and a small food court where you can grab local dishes like ramen and donburi. I had a bowl of tonkotsu ramen—rich broth and tender chashu, just what I needed to recharge. There were also regional specialties available for takeaway, including chestnut-based sweets which Yamae is known for. What we appreciated most was the peaceful vibe, ample parking, and clean washrooms. There’s even a small pet area if you’re traveling with animals. It’s one of those smaller service areas that might not get as much attention but delivers a really good experience for travelers. A great place for a quick meal or snack, a toilet break, or just to stretch your legs during a long drive. #summervacay #KumamotoRoadTrip #JapanServiceArea #YamaeSA #KyushuTravel #HiddenGemsJapan #RestStopEats #JapanRamenStop #CleanToiletsJapan #JapanRoadTrip #FoodiePitStop #japan #japantrip #kyushu #kyushutrip

Apparently, this will be the station in Japan that uses the character for "happiness" the most. There are rice fields and farms around the station, and a yellow postbox at the station. There were postcards available at the shop, but unfortunately, I didn't have any stamps, so I couldn't mail them. Kumamon was also there, which made for fun photo opportunities, and the kids were smiling as they took photos. I didn't have time to go to Koufuku Shrine, but I did manage to take a photo of the torii gate at the entrance.