From the famous Straw Hat Pirate statues across Kumamoto Prefecture to the hometown of creator Eiichiro Oda, this guide explores the real-world legacy of one of the best-selling manga series of all time.
Whether you are chasing every statue, planning a two-day Kyushu road trip, or simply curious about how One Piece became part of Kumamoto's recovery story, this journey helps you experience the spirit of adventure, friendship, and local pride beyond the anime itself.
Unlike many anime inspired by specific towns or landscapes, One Piece doesn't have a traditional pilgrimage route.
Instead, its real-world destinations celebrate the extraordinary cultural impact of the series.
The centerpiece is the One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project, a long-term collaboration between Eiichiro Oda and Kumamoto Prefecture following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Through life-sized Straw Hat Pirate statues placed across the prefecture, the project encourages visitors to explore local communities while supporting regional tourism and recovery.
Rather than retracing scenes from the anime, this journey celebrates friendship, adventure, and the enduring connection between One Piece and Kumamoto.
| Main Region | Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu |
|---|---|
| Best Time | Spring & Autumn |
| Duration | 2–3 Days |
| Transportation | Rental Car Recommended |
| Best For | One Piece Fans, Families, Road Trips, Photography |
| Main Experience | Straw Hat Pirate Statues & Kumamoto Culture |
Few anime travel experiences are as meaningful as the One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project.
Instead of building a single attraction, each Straw Hat Pirate statue was installed in a different city or town across Kumamoto Prefecture. Every location was chosen to encourage visitors to discover local attractions, businesses, and communities beyond the main tourist areas.
The result is a journey where every stop contributes to both an unforgettable travel experience and the long-term revitalization of the region.
Best For
Visit all ten Straw Hat Pirate statues spread across Kumamoto Prefecture. It is a rewarding road trip that showcases mountains, historic towns, parks, museums, and coastal scenery.
Best For
Explore Kumamoto City before visiting nearby statues, Kumamoto Castle, local shopping streets, and regional cuisine.
Best For
Spend two or three days discovering every Straw Hat statue while experiencing the natural beauty and culture of Kumamoto.
The heart of every One Piece journey, with each life-sized bronze statue placed in a different municipality across Kumamoto Prefecture.
One of Japan's most famous castles and a powerful symbol of the prefecture's recovery after the 2016 earthquake.
Exhibitions, collaborations, and public art celebrating the creator's relationship with Kumamoto.
Each statue has its own location and symbolic meaning.
Together they create one of Japan's largest anime-themed travel routes.
Even visitors unfamiliar with the anime will find plenty to enjoy.
A One Piece trip easily becomes a broader Kyushu adventure.
Kumamoto City
Luffy Statue
Kumamoto Castle
Shopping
Perfect for visitors arriving by Shinkansen.
Day One: Kumamoto City
Nearby Statues
Castle
Overnight
Day Two: Aso Region
Remaining Statues
Mount Aso
Ideal for most travelers.
Complete Statue Tour
Mount Aso
Hot Springs
Local Villages
The ultimate One Piece experience.
Spring and autumn provide comfortable weather for driving and outdoor sightseeing. Summer offers lush green landscapes but can be hot and humid. Winter brings fewer crowds and excellent visibility around Mount Aso. Because the statues are outdoor attractions, the journey can be enjoyed throughout the year.
| Main Area | Kumamoto Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2–3 Days |
| Transportation | Rental Car Recommended |
| Family Friendly | ★★★★★ |
| Photography | ★★★★★ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
The One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project was created to encourage tourism while supporting local communities.
Responsible travel helps ensure that the project continues to benefit both residents and visitors.
The One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project began after the devastating 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Eiichiro Oda, a Kumamoto native, partnered with the prefectural government to promote long-term tourism recovery through a series of life-sized Straw Hat Pirate statues placed across the region. Today, the project has become one of Japan's most successful examples of anime tourism supporting local communities, attracting fans from around the world while encouraging them to discover the diverse landscapes, history, and culture of Kumamoto beyond the world of One Piece.
Not in the traditional sense. Instead of recreating anime scenes, the most popular One Piece journey follows the official Straw Hat Pirate statues installed across Kumamoto Prefecture.
A rental car is highly recommended. While some statues are accessible by public transport, driving is by far the most efficient way to visit multiple locations, especially outside Kumamoto City.
Two to three days is ideal if you want to visit all ten Straw Hat Pirate statues while also exploring Kumamoto's major attractions.
Yes. Kumamoto is one of Kyushu's most rewarding destinations, combining historic landmarks, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and outstanding local cuisine. Even visitors with only a casual interest in One Piece can enjoy a memorable journey through the region.
The heart of every One Piece journey, with each life-sized Straw Hat Pirate statue placed in a different municipality across Kumamoto Prefecture.
Morning to late afternoon; spring and autumn are especially comfortable for long driving days.
Address: Across Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu
A rental car is the most efficient way to visit multiple statues in one trip, especially if you want to complete the full route.
One of Japan's most famous castles and an essential stop for understanding Kumamoto's recovery story and the regional meaning behind the One Piece collaboration.
Morning or late afternoon for lighter crowds and softer photography.
Address: Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Easy to reach within Kumamoto City by tram, bus, taxi, or car.
Kumamoto-wide exhibitions, collaborations, and public installations that reflect Eiichiro Oda's long-standing relationship with his home prefecture.
Any time of day; best woven into a multi-stop city or prefecture itinerary.
Address: Various locations across Kumamoto Prefecture
Often combined with city museums, tourism centers, public art, and statue route stops.
A natural extension of the One Piece road trip, adding volcanic scenery, open grasslands, and some of Kyushu's most memorable drives to the statue route.
Clear spring, autumn, or winter days for stronger visibility.
Address: Aso Region, Kumamoto Prefecture
Best reached by car as part of a wider circuit through eastern Kumamoto and nearby statue locations.
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