One Piece Pilgrimage: Kumamoto Revival Statues & Tokyo Adventures

The One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project

Following the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, manga creator Eiichiro Oda partnered with Kumamoto Prefecture to launch the One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project. As a Kumamoto native, Oda placed life-size statues of all ten Straw Hat crew members across the earthquake-affected region to support recovery efforts. Each statue location was carefully chosen to symbolize hope, resilience, and the spirit of rebuilding.

Kumamoto Statue Tour Route

Morning: Kumamoto City Central

Luffy Statue (Kumamoto Prefectural Office) Start your pilgrimage at the Kumamoto Prefectural Office where Luffy's statue greets visitors. The captain of the Straw Hats stands proudly outside the government building, symbolizing leadership in the recovery efforts.

• Access: JR Hohi Line, Suizenji Station (10 min walk) or tram
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Best Time: Daytime for best photos
• Tips: Visit nearby Kumamoto Castle for the full experience

Oda Eiichiro Hometown Monument Celebrate the creator himself at this monument in the bustling Shinshigai shopping district, honoring Oda's roots in his hometown.

• Access: Kumamoto City Tram to Karashima-cho stop, 3-minute walk
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Best Time: Daytime for clear photos

One Piece Grand Fleet Relief (Kumamoto Castle) Near the iconic Kumamoto Castle, find the special relief artwork depicting the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, symbolizing collective support for the city's recovery.

• Access: Kumamoto City Tram to Kumamoto-jo/Shiyakusho-mae stop, 5-minute walk
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Best Time: Morning for good lighting on the relief
• Seasonal Notes: Cherry blossom season adds beautiful backdrop; castle restoration ongoing

ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project Info Center Gather maps and information for your statue hunt at this comprehensive center in Shimotori shopping arcade.

• Access: Kumamoto City Tram to Torichosuji stop, 2-minute walk into Shimotori arcade
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Tips: Pick up a stamp rally card to collect stamps at each statue

Midday: Eastern Kumamoto

Sanji Statue (Mashiki Town Community Center) In Mashiki, the earthquake's epicenter, Sanji's statue symbolizes nourishment and care during the town's most difficult time. The cook's presence represents healing through sustenance.

• Access: Kumamoto City Tram to Kengun Station, then bus to Mashiki (20 min)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Tips: Combine with visits to nearby reconstruction sites to understand the earthquake's impact

Zoro Statue (Ozu Central Park) Zoro's three-sword stance represents unwavering determination, perfectly matching the resilient spirit of Ozu Town's recovery efforts.

• Access: JR Hohi Line, Ozu Station (10 min walk)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Seasonal Notes: Cherry blossoms in spring make beautiful backdrops

Afternoon: Aso Region Adventure

Usopp Statue (JR Aso Station) The Straw Hats' storyteller welcomes travelers at Aso Station, the gateway to volcanic adventures. His tales of adventure inspire visitors to create their own stories.

• Access: JR Hohi Line, Aso Station (directly in front)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Tips: Combine with Aso area sightseeing; check volcanic activity alerts before visiting Mt. Aso

Nami Statue (Former Aso West Elementary School Site) At this former school site destroyed by earthquakes, Nami's cheerful pose represents hope and a bright future for the community's children.

• Access: JR Hohi Line, Aso Station then local bus (15 min)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Seasonal Notes: Aso's highland climate makes spring and autumn most comfortable

Chopper Statue (Kumamoto Zoological and Botanical Gardens) Near the earthquake-damaged zoo, the adorable doctor Chopper represents healing and recovery for both the gardens and the animals.

• Access: Kumamoto City Tram, Dobutsuen-Iriguchi Stop (3 min walk)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Tips: Morning visits work well combined with zoo visits
• Seasonal Notes: Gardens feature seasonal displays; spring roses and autumn foliage are highlights

Robin Statue (Former Tokai University Aso Campus) At this preserved earthquake memorial site, archaeologist Robin honors education and the pursuit of knowledge that once thrived here.

• Access: Minami Aso Railway, Tateno Station (15 min walk)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Tips: Be respectful as this is also an earthquake memorial

Brook Statue (Nakamatsu Station) The skeleton musician brings joy to this quaint railway station, symbolizing music's power to heal communities along the earthquake-damaged line.

• Access: Minami Aso Railway, Nakamatsu Station (directly at station)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Tips: Time visits with train arrivals; combine with nearby Shirakawa Water Source visits

Franky Statue (Takamori Station) The shipwright's "Super!" pose energizes this railway terminus, honoring the rebuilding of transportation infrastructure damaged in the earthquakes.

• Access: Minami Aso Railway, Takamori Station (directly in front)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Tips: The scenic Minami Aso Railway ride is part of the experience

Separate Day Trip: Southern Kumamoto

Jinbe Statue (Minamata City Eco Park) The final statue of the project, Jinbe overlooks the Yatsushiro Sea in Minamata's Eco Park. The fish-man represents ocean harmony and coexistence, honoring the city's environmental recovery journey.

• Access: Hisatsu Orange Railway, Minamata Station (15 min walk or short taxi)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Seasonal Notes: Eco park and rose garden especially beautiful in spring and early summer

Tokyo One Piece Spots

Shibuya PARCO (One Piece Mugiwara Store)

Tokyo's largest official One Piece merchandise paradise features exclusive items, character displays, and themed decorations that change with anime arcs.

• Access: JR Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit (8 min walk)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Best Time: Weekday afternoons for shorter lines
• Tips: Special merchandise during film releases and anniversaries

Tokyo Tower

While originally featured as a landmark in zombie apocalypse scenes, this iconic red and white tower offers dramatic cityscape views perfect for One Piece fans.

• Access: Kamiyacho Station Exit 1, walk 7 minutes
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Best Time: Sunset for dramatic lighting
• Seasonal Notes: Clear winter days offer best visibility for cityscape photos

Complete Your Pilgrimage

The One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project beautifully demonstrates how pop culture can support real-world recovery efforts. Plan your route using our interactive map feature to make the most of your adventure across Kumamoto and beyond.