If you’re a ONE PIECE fan visiting Japan, there’s one destination you should add to your travel list: Kumamoto.
Located on the island of Kyushu, Kumamoto is the hometown of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of ONE PIECE. It’s also home to the ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project, which brought life-sized bronze statues of the Straw Hat Pirates to different parts of the prefecture.
Imagine traveling around Kumamoto and meeting Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, and Jinbe in real life!
Each statue is connected to a different town and its recovery story, making this more than just a sightseeing trip for anime fans.
In this guide, I’ll introduce all 10 Straw Hat Pirates statues, explain how to plan your visit, and share useful tips for enjoying a ONE PIECE trip to Kumamoto.
Please note: Kumamoto experienced another major earthquake in July 2026. Before visiting, check the latest transportation information, local announcements, and access conditions for each statue.
ONE PIECE and Kumamoto: A Story of Recovery
Kumamoto is known for its beautiful nature, historic sites, and delicious local food. However, the prefecture also experienced a devastating disaster in April 2016.
The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes caused extensive damage across the region. Kumamoto Castle was heavily damaged, and communities around Mount Aso also suffered.
Following the disaster, Eiichiro Oda, who was born in Kumamoto, sent a message of support to his hometown.
His message helped inspire the ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project, a collaboration between Kumamoto Prefecture, Oda, and the ONE PIECE publisher Shueisha.
The project began with the installation of the Luffy statue in front of Kumamoto Prefectural Government Office in 2018.
The following years brought more statues to towns and cities affected by the earthquake.
Each character was chosen to reflect something meaningful about the area. For example, Usopp represents the recovery of Aso’s grasslands, while Franky is connected to the recovery of the Minamiaso Railway.
The project eventually brought all 10 members of the Straw Hat Pirates to Kumamoto.
Today, visiting the statues is a unique way to explore the prefecture while learning about its recovery and local communities.
You can find more information about the project on the official ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project website.
Planning to ride the Sunny-Go Train? Regular scheduled service is currently planned to end on July 19, 2027, due to vehicle replacement. If this special ONE PIECE train is on your bucket list, check the latest timetable and plan your visit before then.
Where to Find the 10 Straw Hat Pirates Statues in Kumamoto
The 10 statues are spread across Kumamoto Prefecture, from Kumamoto City to the Aso area and the coast.
You won’t find them all in one place, so visiting every statue requires some planning.
Here’s where to meet each member of the Straw Hat Pirates.
1. Monkey D. Luffy – Kumamoto City
Location: Kumamoto Prefectural Government Office Promenade
Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, was the first character statue installed as part of the project.
The statue stands in the promenade in front of Kumamoto Prefectural Government Office.
It’s a convenient starting point for a ONE PIECE sightseeing trip because it’s located in Kumamoto City, where you can also visit Kumamoto Castle and other attractions.
The Luffy statue represents the beginning of the recovery project and the determination to rebuild Kumamoto.
If you’re visiting on a weekday, you may also be able to see Oda’s handprints inside the prefectural government building. Check the building’s visitor information before going.
Access: Take a city bus to Kumamoto Kencho-mae. The statue is right in front of the prefectural government office.
2. Roronoa Zoro – Ozu Town
Location: Ozu Central Park
Zoro, the swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, stands in Ozu Central Park.
Ozu is known for its connection to swordsmanship and its local martial arts culture.
Zoro’s statue represents the town’s recovery and the spirit of people who continue to work toward rebuilding their community.
The statue is located in a park, so you can take your time looking around and enjoying the surroundings.
Access: Ozu Central Park is in Ozu Town, in the area east of Kumamoto City. Check local transportation and park access before visiting.
3. Nami – Nishihara Village
Location: Tawarayama Exchange Center Moenosato
Nami, the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates, is waiting in Nishihara Village.
Her statue is located at Tawarayama Exchange Center Moenosato, in an area with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Nami is associated with the recovery of Nishihara Village, which suffered damage during the 2016 earthquakes.
The location is especially appealing if you enjoy visiting places surrounded by nature.
You can combine the statue with other sightseeing in the Aso area, although you’ll need to consider transportation carefully.
Access: Nishihara Village is in the Aso region. A car is the most practical option for visiting this statue as part of a wider ONE PIECE trip.
4. Usopp – Aso City
Location: In front of JR Aso Station
Usopp, the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates, stands outside JR Aso Station.
This is one of the easiest statues to find if you’re traveling by train.
Aso is famous for its expansive grasslands and natural scenery. The area suffered damage during the 2016 earthquakes, including damage to its beloved grasslands.
Usopp’s statue represents the recovery of the region’s natural environment.
His connection to nature makes this location particularly meaningful for fans who know his role in the Straw Hat crew.
It’s also a great photo spot when arriving in Aso by train.
Access: The statue is directly outside JR Aso Station.
5. Sanji – Mashiki Town
Location: Mina Terrace in Mashiki Town
Sanji, the Straw Hat Pirates’ cook, is located in Mashiki Town.
His statue stands at Minami Terrace, in an area associated with public facilities and local community life.
Mashiki was one of the areas heavily affected by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes.
Sanji’s statue represents the recovery of the town and the importance of supporting its residents.
If you’re traveling around Kumamoto by car, this is a useful stop to include between other statues in the region.
Access: Mashiki Town is southeast of Kumamoto City. Check the latest local transportation information before visiting.
6. Tony Tony Chopper – Kumamoto City
Location: Entrance of Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Chopper, the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates, stands near the entrance of Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
His statue is one of the more convenient stops for visitors staying in Kumamoto City.
The location also makes sense for Chopper, whose role in the crew is to care for others.
You don’t need to enter the zoo just to see the statue, although you can combine your visit with the zoo if you have time.
Access: The statue is located at the entrance of Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Check the zoo’s current access information before visiting.
7. Nico Robin – Minamiaso Village
Location: Former Tokai University Aso Campus / Kumamoto Earthquake Museum KIOKU area
Robin, the archaeologist of the Straw Hat Pirates, stands in Minamiaso Village.
Her statue is connected to the preservation of earthquake-related remains and the importance of remembering what happened.
The location is near the former Tokai University Aso Campus, where visitors can learn about the 2016 disaster and its impact on the region.
Robin’s role in uncovering history makes her a fitting character for this place.
If you’re interested in both ONE PIECE and the history of Kumamoto’s recovery, this is one of the most meaningful stops.
Access: The site is in Minamiaso Village, in the Aso region. Check the museum’s opening days, access conditions, and current visitor information before going.
8. Franky – Takamori Town
Location: Near Takamori Station, Minamiaso Railway
Franky, the shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates, stands near Takamori Station.
His statue is connected to the recovery of the Minamiaso Railway, which suffered damage during the 2016 earthquakes.
The railway is an important part of the region’s transportation and tourism, making Franky a natural choice for this location.
Takamori Station is also a great place for railway fans.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to see the ONE PIECE-themed Sunny Train operated by the Minamiaso Railway.
However, the train doesn’t run every day or throughout the day, so check the current timetable before planning your visit.
Access: The statue is near Takamori Station on the Minamiaso Railway.
9. Brook – Mifune Town
Location: Mifune Town Fureai Square
Brook, the musician of the Straw Hat Pirates, is located in Mifune Town.
His statue stands at Fureai Square, near a dinosaur-themed park.
Mifune is known for its dinosaur-related attractions, making this an interesting stop for families and visitors who enjoy both anime and prehistoric creatures.
Brook’s statue adds a fun ONE PIECE element to the area.
If you’re traveling with children or enjoy unusual sightseeing spots, you may want to include Mifune in your itinerary.
Access: Mifune Town is southeast of Kumamoto City. Check local transportation and the current access information for Fureai Square.
10. Jinbe – Uto City
Location: Near Nagabeta Seabed Road
Jinbe, the helmsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, stands in Uto City.
His statue is located near Nagabeta Seabed Road, a scenic coastal area where the road can appear and disappear with the tides.
This location is especially interesting because of its connection to the sea.
Jinbe’s character and role as a helmsman make him a fitting member of the crew to represent this coastal community.
If you visit, check the tide information and local access conditions before going.
The scenery can change depending on the tide, so timing your visit may make a difference.
Access: Uto City is south of Kumamoto City. A car is useful for visiting this statue and other locations around the coast.
How to Plan Your ONE PIECE Statue Tour in Kumamoto
The statues are spread across several municipalities, so visiting all 10 in one day is not realistic for most travelers.
I personally completed the journey in two nights and three days by car, but even that left very little time for other sightseeing.
If you want to enjoy the trip without rushing, I recommend allowing at least three days.
Is Renting a Car Recommended?
Yes, especially if you want to visit all 10 statues.
Some locations are near train stations, but others are in areas where public transportation is limited or inconvenient.
A rental car makes it easier to move between the statues and adjust your schedule.
If you don’t want to drive, you can still visit selected statues using trains and buses.
However, you’ll need to plan carefully and check the current timetables.
Suggested 3-Day ONE PIECE Itinerary
This is a general itinerary idea rather than a fixed route. The order should be adjusted according to current road conditions, transportation schedules, and access information.
Day 1: Kumamoto City
- Visit the Luffy statue at Kumamoto Prefectural Government Office.
- Visit the Chopper statue at Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
- Explore Kumamoto Castle and the city center.
- Visit Mugiwara Store Kumamoto.
Day 2: Aso and Minamiaso
- Visit Usopp at JR Aso Station.
- Visit Robin near the former Tokai University Aso Campus.
- Visit Franky near Takamori Station.
- Visit Nami at Tawarayama Exchange Center Moenosato.
This day requires careful planning because the locations are spread across the Aso region.
Day 3: Other areas of Kumamoto
- Visit Zoro in Ozu Town.
- Visit Sanji in Mashiki Town.
- Visit Brook in Mifune Town.
- Visit Jinbe in Uto City.
Depending on your starting point and transportation, you may want to rearrange these stops or divide them across additional days.
Don’t forget that the statues are not the only attractions in Kumamoto. The prefecture has beautiful scenery, local food, historic sites, and hot springs.
If you have time, enjoy the region rather than rushing from one statue to the next.
ONE PIECE Shops in Kumamoto
After meeting the Straw Hat Pirates, you may want to shop for ONE PIECE merchandise.
One place to visit is Mugiwara Store Kumamoto.
The official shop is located inside a shopping mall near Kumamoto Station.
It’s a convenient stop if you’re traveling by train or staying in Kumamoto City.
You can find official ONE PIECE merchandise and souvenirs, including items that may be particularly appealing to fans visiting Kumamoto.
The shop is also a good place to look for gifts to take home.
Check the official store information for the latest location, opening hours, and merchandise availability before visiting.
More ONE PIECE Shopping in Tokyo
If you’re also planning to visit Tokyo, don’t miss my guide to official ONE PIECE shops in the capital.
In my article, Mugiwara Store and JUMP SHOP in Tokyo: A Must-Visit for ONE PIECE Fans, I introduce the stores, explain what makes them different, and share tips for planning your shopping trip.
Tokyo is a great place to look for official merchandise, while Kumamoto offers a completely different experience: visiting the places connected to the Straw Hat Pirates and the story of local recovery.
If you’re a serious ONE PIECE fan, combining both destinations could make your Japan trip even more memorable.
Extra Tips for ONE PIECE Fans Visiting Kumamoto
Check the Statue Locations Before You Go
The statues are spread across Kumamoto Prefecture, and some are in places that are not easy to reach by public transportation.
Use the official project website to check the locations and plan your route.
Official website: ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project
Look for Miniature Statue Figures
Miniature versions of the statues have been sold in connection with the project.
However, they may not be available directly beside each statue.
Check local shops and official project information if you want to collect them.
Try the Digital Stamp Rally
The project has also offered a digital stamp rally using the IKOU app.
The app and campaign details may change, so check the latest official information before relying on it for your trip.
Try Kumamoto’s ONE PIECE-Themed Food
You may find local snacks and food products featuring ONE PIECE characters.
These can make fun souvenirs, especially if you’re looking for something connected to Kumamoto rather than general merchandise.
Availability may vary by shop and season.
Don’t Miss the Sunny-Go Train Before Its Regular Service Ends!
If you’re a ONE PIECE fan visiting Kumamoto, don’t miss the chance to ride the Sunny-Go Train on the Minamiaso Railway!
The train is inspired by the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hat Pirates’ beloved ship, and runs through the beautiful scenery of the Aso region.
It’s a particularly special experience for fans because the train brings the world of ONE PIECE into the real-life landscape of Kumamoto.
However, there’s an important update for anyone planning a trip.
According to the ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project, regular scheduled service of the Sunny-Go Train is scheduled to end on July 19, 2027.
The announcement was made on July 10, 2026, because the train will need to be replaced due to the aging of the current vehicle.
The good news is that the train is scheduled to continue regular service until its final day, giving fans approximately one more year to enjoy the ride.
If riding the Sunny-Go Train is on your Japan travel bucket list, I recommend planning your Kumamoto trip before the end of regular service.
Please note that the announcement concerns the end of regular scheduled service. It does not necessarily mean that the train itself will disappear permanently, and future arrangements have not been confirmed.
The train operates between Tateno Station and Takamori Station on the Minamiaso Railway.
Before your visit, check the latest operating dates, timetable, and reservation information on the official Minamiaso Railway website and the ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project website.
Don’t leave this special ONE PIECE experience until the last minute!
Important Update: The July 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
Kumamoto experienced another major earthquake on July 28, 2026.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. in the Kumamoto region. It had a preliminary magnitude of 7.1, and a maximum seismic intensity of 7 was observed in Uki City and Hikawa Town.
The earthquake caused damage, and seismic activity continued afterward.
Because the ONE PIECE statues are spread across different municipalities, conditions may vary from one location to another.
If you’re planning a visit, please check:
- Current access conditions for each statue.
- Local transportation and road information.
- Official announcements from the relevant municipality.
- Museum opening information and any temporary closures.
- The latest earthquake and safety information.
The statues were created as part of a recovery project following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes.
They represent the connection between ONE PIECE and Kumamoto, as well as the determination of local communities to rebuild.
When visiting, please respect local residents and follow any safety guidance.
For the latest project information, check the official ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project website.
For earthquake information, refer to the Japan Meteorological Agency and official local announcements.
Final Thoughts: Kumamoto Is a Special Destination for ONE PIECE Fans
For ONE PIECE fans, Kumamoto is more than a place to take photos with anime statues.
It’s a destination where you can explore the hometown of Eiichiro Oda, meet all 10 members of the Straw Hat Pirates, and learn about the recovery of communities affected by the 2016 earthquakes.
Each statue has its own story, and visiting them gives you a different way to experience Kumamoto.
You can enjoy the scenery around Aso, explore the city, ride local trains, and discover places you might not otherwise visit.
If you have enough time, I recommend making Kumamoto part of a longer Kyushu trip rather than rushing through all the statues in one day.
And if you’re also visiting Tokyo, check out my guide to the Mugiwara Store and JUMP SHOP for another fun ONE PIECE experience.
Kumamoto and Tokyo offer different ways to enjoy the world of ONE PIECE—and both are worth adding to your Japan travel plans.