Natsume's Book of Friends Season 1
夏目友人帳
dramafantasyslice of lifesupernatural(2008)
Natsume has always been an outcast because he inherited his grandmother's ability to see yokai. After moving to his grandmother's hometown and accidentally releasing a yokai imprisoned in a Lucky Cat statue, he learns about his grandmother's "Book of Friends," which contains the names of the yokai she defeated, and allows its wielder to command the yokai named within. Since then, yokai now visit him on a daily basis, seeking to either get their names back or take possession of the Book of Friend
Watch this anime
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Pilgrimage Spots (13)
Photo by 内閣府 地方創生推進室 (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
福岡県福岡市
福岡県福岡市
30 min
Photo by KKharmony (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Kuma River
球磨川
The scenic river flowing through Hitoyoshi appears in several episodes as a peaceful location where Natsume often reflects or encounters spirits. The riverbank and surrounding nature create the tranquil atmosphere central to the anime's mood.
Hitoyoshi Station 60 min
Photo by baggio4ever (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
毘沙門堂
毘沙門堂
30 min
人吉旅館
人吉旅館
30 min
Photo by そらみみ (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
田町天満宮
田町天満宮
30 min
Photo by MK Products at Japanese Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Hitoyoshi Station
人吉駅
The local train station appears in scenes showing Natsume's travels and daily commute to school. The rural station building and platform capture the small-town atmosphere that defines the anime's setting.
Hitoyoshi Station 20 min
Photo by Yukuo Uyehara / John Embree (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons
Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins
人吉城跡
The historic castle ruins overlooking the city provide a backdrop for several scenes in the anime. The elevated position offers panoramic views of the town and river, matching the perspective seen in various episodes.
Hitoyoshi Station 90 min
Photo by そらみみ (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
宮地嶽神社
宮地嶽神社
30 min
Photo by 禁樹なずな (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
天狗橋
天狗橋
30 min
Photo by PekePON (talk) (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
大畑駅
大畑駅
30 min
Photo by ja:User:Sanjo (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Aoi Aso Shrine
青井阿蘇神社
This National Treasure shrine with its distinctive thatched roofs appears as inspiration for various shrine scenes throughout the series. The ancient spiritual atmosphere aligns perfectly with the anime's themes of spirits and traditional Japanese folklore.
Hitoyoshi Station 45 min
Photo by Rsa (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Hitoyoshi City
人吉市
This historic city in Kumamoto Prefecture serves as the primary inspiration for the rural town where Natsume lives with the Fujiwaras. The traditional architecture and peaceful riverside atmosphere perfectly capture the anime's serene countryside setting.
Hitoyoshi Station 180 min
Photo: Own, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
夏目友人帳
夏目友人帳
A pilgrimage destination for fans of the beloved anime series, featuring locations that inspired the story's setting and memorable scenes.
30 min
Blu-ray / DVD on Amazon
Browse home-video releases
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Related merchandise on Amazon
Find figures, plushies, and more
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.