For families visiting Kyushu, there is a special adventure that combines anime excitement with the stunning landscapes of Japan’s volcanic heartland. If your children—or perhaps you—are fans of the world-famous anime and manga series One Piece, Kumamoto Prefecture offers a unique “scavenger hunt” experience like no other.
Scattered across the prefecture are ten high-quality bronze statues of the Straw Hat Pirates (Mugiwara no Ichimi). Created under the supervision of series creator Eiichiro Oda, a Kumamoto native, these statues are part of the “Kumamoto Revival Project” established to support the region’s recovery after the devastating 2016 earthquakes.
For parents, this is the perfect excuse to explore the wider Kumamoto region. The statues are strategically placed in towns that were hit hard by the disaster, meaning your journey supports the local economy while taking you to beautiful parks, zoos, and museums you might otherwise miss.
This guide details exactly where to find Luffy and his crew, how to navigate the locations with kids, and how to turn this quest into an unforgettable family road trip.
Why This Scavenger Hunt is Perfect for Families
Traveling with kids requires a balance of sightseeing for the parents and engagement for the little ones. The One Piece statue hunt provides a clear goal for the day: “Let’s go find the next pirate!”
Because the statues are located in public spaces—often near playgrounds, train stations, or educational facilities—there is always something for children to do once you arrive. You aren’t just driving to a statue; you are driving to a destination where the kids can run around and play.
Before you start planning your route, we highly recommend reading our comprehensive pillar guide, The Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto with Kids: Nature, Volcanoes & History, to understand the geography of the region and other major attractions you can pair with your statue hunt.
The Captain: Monkey D. Luffy (Kumamoto City)
The adventure usually begins in the heart of the city with the captain himself.
Location: Kumamoto Prefectural Offices (Kumamoto City) Setting: A grand promenade lined with ginkgo trees.
Luffy stands proudly right in front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office building. The statue captures his signature grin and determination. For families, this is the easiest statue to access if you are staying in the city center. The promenade is wide and safe, perfect for toddlers to run along without worrying about traffic. In autumn, the ginkgo trees turn a brilliant gold, making for spectacular family photos.
Nearby Family Activity: After visiting Luffy, you are in a prime location to explore the city’s history. Just a short drive or tram ride away is one of Japan’s premier castles. To make the most of that visit, check out our guide on Kumamoto Castle with Kids: History, Ninja Guides & Accessibility. It explains how to meet the “Omotenashi Bushotai” samurai warriors, which keeps the excitement high after meeting a pirate captain.
The Doctor: Tony Tony Chopper (Kumamoto City)
Location: Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens Setting: Located near the main entrance plaza of the zoo.
Chopper, the ship’s doctor, is fittingly located at the zoo, surrounded by animals. This is arguably the best statue location for younger children. The statue is adorable and relatively small, allowing kids to get close for a photo.
Why it works for kids: You have a built-in activity here. After snapping a photo with Chopper, you can spend the next 2-3 hours exploring the zoo and botanical gardens. The zoo features elephants, giraffes, and a petting zoo area. In the summer, there is often a night zoo event that helps beat the heat.
The Cook: Sanji (Mashiki Town)
Location: Mashiki Town Athletics Park Setting: A sports park area with running tracks and green spaces.
Mashiki was the town most severely affected by the 2016 earthquakes. Sanji stands here as a symbol of providing warm meals and support. The statue depicts Sanji in a suit, holding a plate of food.
Why it works for kids: The statue is located at a large athletic park. If your kids have been cooped up in a rental car or on a train, this is the place to let them burn off energy. There is plenty of open space to run. Mashiki is located very close to Kumamoto Airport, making this an ideal first stop if you are arriving by plane.
The Swordsman: Roronoa Zoro (Ozu Town)
Location: Ozu Central Park Setting: A local community park with play equipment.
Zoro stands with his three swords drawn, looking fierce and protective. Ozu Town is known for its samurai history, making it the perfect home for the swordsman.
Why it works for kids: This is a genuine local park with playground equipment. While parents admire the detail of the bronze statue, children can play on the slides and swings. It’s a low-stress stop that feels very much like a slice of local Japanese life.
The Navigator: Nami (Nishihara Village)
Location: Moe no Sato (Moo Moo Farm) in Nishihara Village Setting: A hillside agricultural park filled with flowers.
Nami stands amidst the winds of the valley, holding her Clima-Tact. This location is stunning, especially in autumn when millions of cosmos flowers bloom on the hillside behind her.
Why it works for kids: “Moe no Sato” is fantastic for families. It is a local market and farm area. You can buy fresh local milk and ice cream (a must-do in Kyushu!), and there is a large grassy slope where local families bring sleds or cardboard to slide down. It’s a perfect picnic spot.
The Sniper: Usopp (Aso City)
Location: JR Aso Station Setting: Directly in front of the train station entrance, with Mt. Aso in the background.
Usopp is one of the most photogenic statues because of the backdrop. On a clear day, the smoking peaks of Mt. Aso loom behind him.
Getting There: This location is unique because it is easily accessible by train. In fact, getting here can be half the fun. We highly recommend taking the dedicated sightseeing train. Read our detailed review on Riding the “Aso Boy!” Train with Kids: Seats, Bento & Ball Pit Guide. The train pulls right up to where Usopp is waiting, making for a seamless adventure.
The Shipwright: Franky (Takamori Town)
Location: Takamori Station (Minamiaso Railway) Setting: A quaint, rural train station terminal.
Franky stands tall and massive, striking his signature “Super!” pose. Takamori Station is the terminal for the Minamiaso Railway, a scenic local train line that offers beautiful views of the caldera.
Why it works for kids: The train station often has small exhibits or toys, and the sheer size of the Franky statue impresses children. Takamori is deep in the Aso caldera, offering a sense of adventure and remoteness that feels like a real RPG journey.
The Archaeologist: Nico Robin (Minamiaso Village)
Location: Tokai University Aso Campus (Earthquake Museum) Setting: A sobering but educational plaza overlooking preserved earthquake ruins.
Robin stands at the former campus of Tokai University. The university buildings here were torn apart by the earthquake fault line, and they have been preserved as a memorial museum.
Why it works for kids: While the subject matter is serious, it serves as an important educational moment for older children about the power of nature and resilience. For families touring the area, it connects nicely with a wider exploration of the Aso region.
Accommodation Tip: Since the statues of Usopp, Franky, and Robin are all located within the Aso Caldera, it makes sense to stay overnight in this area rather than rushing back to the city. For a truly memorable family stay, check out Aso Farm Land Guide: The Ultimate Family Stay in Kumamoto’s Dome Hotels. The whimsical dome houses look like something out of a fantasy world—perhaps even the One Piece world itself!
The Musician: Brook (Mifune Town)
Location: Mifune Dinosaur Park (near the Dinosaur Museum) Setting: A park themed around dinosaurs and music.
Mifune Town is famous for dinosaur fossil discoveries. Brook, the skeleton musician, fits right in. He stands in a pose playing his Soul Solid guitar.
Why it works for kids: Dinosaurs and skeletons? It’s a winning combination for most kids. The nearby Mifune Dinosaur Museum is excellent and worth a visit. The park area often features dinosaur statues, adding another layer to the scavenger hunt.
The Helmsman: Jinbe (Uto City)
Location: Sumiyoshi Coast Park Setting: A palm-tree-lined park overlooking the Ariake Sea.
Jinbe sits grandly with a sake cup, looking out over the ocean. This location is famous for its long tides and seaweed production.
Why it works for kids: The area feels tropical and open. Nearby, you can see the “Road into the Sea” (Naganoshita road), which disappears at high tide—a magical sight that resembles the train tracks in Spirited Away.
Suggested Itineraries for Families
Trying to visit all 10 statues in one day is technically possible with a car, but it would be exhausting and miserable for children. We recommend splitting them up based on geography.
Plan A: The Kumamoto City & East Route (1 Day)
- Morning: Luffy (Prefectural Office)
- Late Morning: Chopper (Zoo) – Spend 2 hours playing.
- Lunch: Eat near the Zoo or drive toward Mashiki.
- Afternoon: Sanji (Mashiki Athletics Park) – Let the kids run.
- Late Afternoon: Zoro (Ozu Central Park) or Nami (Moo Moo Farm) for ice cream.
Plan B: The Aso Caldera Route (1 Day)
This route requires a rental car or careful planning with trains/buses.
- Morning: Drive up to Aso. Visit Usopp (Aso Station).
- Mid-Day: Drive to Takamori for Franky (Takamori Station).
- Lunch: Enjoy “Akaushi” beef bowls in the Aso area.
- Afternoon: Robin (Tokai University Museum).
- Stay: Overnight at Aso Farm Land.
If you are incorporating this into a longer trip across Kyushu, you can see how these routes fit into a larger schedule by reading our 7-Day Kyushu Family Itinerary: Fukuoka, Beppu, and Kumamoto by Train.
Practical Tips for the Statue Hunt
- Rent a Car: While Usopp, Franky, and Luffy are accessible by public transport, the others (especially Nami and Robin) are much harder to reach without a vehicle. A car gives you the freedom to stop for bathroom breaks and snacks on your own schedule.
- Collect the “Mini” Statues: Many souvenir shops at these locations sell small golden replicas of the statues. They make for great souvenirs (and bribes for good behavior in the car!).
- Digital Stamps: Check if the “One Piece Kumamoto Restoration Project” is running a digital stamp rally on your phone during your visit. You can often get digital wallpapers or small prizes for visiting multiple locations.
- Sun Protection: Most statues are outdoors with little shade. In summer, Kumamoto is very hot. Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Final Thoughts
The One Piece statues in Kumamoto are more than just photo opportunities. They are waypoints that guide you through the resilience and beauty of the Kumamoto region. For families, they provide structure to a road trip that might otherwise feel aimless to a child. Whether you find all ten or just your favorite character, the journey will take you to parks, farms, and volcanoes that you will remember long after you return home.