For families visiting Kyushu, there is one adventure that mixes anime excitement with the landscapes of Japan’s volcanic heartland.
If your children—or perhaps you—are fans of the world-famous series One Piece, Kumamoto Prefecture offers a “scavenger hunt” you cannot do anywhere else on earth.
Scattered across the prefecture are ten high-quality bronze statues of the Straw Hat Pirates (Mugiwara no Ichimi).
They were created under the supervision of series creator Eiichiro Oda, a Kumamoto native, as part of the “Kumamoto Revival Project” supporting recovery after the 2016 earthquakes.
For parents, this is the perfect excuse to explore the wider Kumamoto region. The statues stand in towns that were hit hard by the disaster.
That means your journey quietly supports the local economy while taking you to parks, zoos, and museums you would otherwise drive straight past.
This guide shows exactly where all ten statues are, how long each stop takes with kids, and how to turn the quest into a two-day family road trip.
Quick Answer: 10 Statues, 2 Days, Zero Admission
Kumamoto has 10 One Piece bronze statues, and all of them are free to visit. They are spread across roughly 60 km, from Kumamoto City to the Aso Caldera and the Ariake coast.
Two relaxed days with a rental car covers all ten. Luffy, Usopp, and Franky are reachable by tram or train; the other seven realistically need a car.
Book these three things first (they sell out before the statues ever do):
- A Kyushu rental car on Klook — the single thing that decides whether you see 3 statues or 10.
- Kumamoto attraction tickets and day passes on Klook — zoo, castle, and Aso experiences in one basket.
- One night inside the Aso Caldera on Agoda — so Day 2 does not end with a 90-minute drive back to the city.
Not Driving? Private Driver for Kumamoto & AsoAll 10 One Piece Statues at a Glance: Locations & Access
Before you map out coordinates on your phone, use this table to see every statue, its town, and how easy it is to reach with kids.
Good news for budgets: all ten statues stand in public spaces and are completely free to visit. Only the attached zoos, museums, and farms charge their own admission.
| Statue (Crew Role) | Town / Location | Easiest Access | Family Hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luffy (Captain) | Kumamoto City – Prefectural Office | Tram / walk | Wide ginkgo promenade |
| Chopper (Doctor) | Kumamoto City Zoo & Gardens | Bus / car | Built-in zoo day |
| Sanji (Cook) | Mashiki Town Athletics Park | Car (near airport) | Open space to run |
| Zoro (Swordsman) | Ozu Central Park | Train / car | Playground equipment |
| Nami (Navigator) | Nishihara Village – Moo Moo Farm | Car only | Fresh milk & grass slope |
| Usopp (Sniper) | JR Aso Station | Train | Mt. Aso backdrop |
| Franky (Shipwright) | Takamori Station (Minamiaso Rail) | Train / car | Giant statue, caldera ride |
| Robin (Archaeologist) | Tokai Univ. Aso (Quake Museum) | Car | Educational stop |
| Brook (Musician) | Mifune Dinosaur Park | Car | Dinosaur museum nearby |
| Jinbe (Helmsman) | Uto City – Sumiyoshi Coast Park | Car / train + taxi | Tropical “Road into the Sea” |
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 statue hunt gives the day one clear goal: “Let’s go find the next pirate!”
Because the statues sit in public spaces—often near playgrounds, train stations, or museums—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 plan 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.
If you start in Kumamoto City, pairing the statues with a free live show at Kumamon Square makes an easy character-themed day.
The Captain: Monkey D. Luffy (Kumamoto City)
The adventure usually begins in the heart of the city with the captain himself.
Location: Kumamoto Prefectural Office, Suizenji district, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City.
Access: about a 5-minute walk from the “Kenchomae” bus stop, or roughly 15–20 minutes on foot from the Suizenji-koen tram stop.
Time needed: 20–30 minutes. Cost: free, 24 hours.
Luffy stands proudly right in front of the Prefectural Office building, his signature grin fully intact.
For families, this is the easiest statue to reach if you are staying in the city center. The promenade is wide and traffic-free, so toddlers can run along it safely.
In autumn, the ginkgo trees turn brilliant gold, making for spectacular family photos.
Nearby Family Activity: after visiting Luffy, you are a short tram ride from one of Japan’s premier castles.
To make the most of that visit, read our guide on Kumamoto Castle with Kids: History, Ninja Guides & Accessibility.
It explains how to meet the “Omotenashi Bushotai” samurai, keeping the excitement high after meeting a pirate captain. You can pre-book Kumamoto City attraction tickets on Klook to skip the queues with tired kids.
The Doctor: Tony Tony Chopper (Kumamoto City)
Location: Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Kengun area, Higashi-ku.
Access: roughly 20–25 minutes by bus or car from the city center; the statue is near the main entrance plaza.
Zoo admission: around ¥500 for adults and ¥100 for elementary and junior-high children, typically open 9:00–17:00 and closed on Mondays (check the official site before you go).
Chopper, the ship’s doctor, is fittingly surrounded by animals. This is arguably the best statue location for younger children.
The statue is small and adorable, so kids can stand right beside it for a photo.
Why it works for kids: you have a built-in activity here. After the photo, plan 2–3 hours for the zoo and botanical gardens.
The zoo features elephants, giraffes, and a petting area. In summer, a night zoo event helps beat the heat.
To bundle the zoo with other family activities, browse Kumamoto day passes and tickets on Klook before you go.
The Cook: Sanji (Mashiki Town)
Location: Mashiki Town Athletics Park.
Access: about 10 minutes by car from Kumamoto Airport, or roughly 30 minutes from central Kumamoto. Free parking on site.
Time needed: 30–60 minutes if you let the kids play.
Mashiki was the town most severely affected by the 2016 earthquakes. Sanji stands here as a symbol of warm meals and support.
The statue shows him in a suit, holding a plate of food.
Why it works for kids: the statue sits inside a large athletic park with running tracks and open lawns.
If your kids have been cooped up in a car or on a plane, this is the place to let them burn off energy before the next drive.
Because it is so close to the airport, it is the ideal very first stop if you land in the morning and pick up a rental car on arrival.
The Swordsman: Roronoa Zoro (Ozu Town)
Location: Ozu Central Park, Ozu Town.
Access: roughly a 10–15 minute walk from JR Hohi Line Higo-Ozu Station, or 15 minutes by car from Kumamoto Airport.
Time needed: 30–45 minutes with playground time.
Zoro stands with his three swords drawn, looking fierce and protective.
Ozu Town is known for its samurai history, which makes it the perfect home for the swordsman of the crew.
Why it works for kids: this is a genuine local park with playground equipment.
While parents admire the detail of the bronze, children can play on the slides and swings. It is a low-stress stop that feels like a real slice of local Japanese life.
The Navigator: Nami (Nishihara Village)
Location: Moe no Sato (Moo Moo Farm), Nishihara Village.
Access: car only, roughly 20–30 minutes from Kumamoto Airport. There is no practical bus service for visitors.
Time needed: 45–90 minutes, longer if you picnic.
Nami stands in the valley wind, holding her Clima-Tact.
The setting is stunning in autumn, when cosmos flowers bloom across the hillside behind her.
Why it works for kids: “Moe no Sato” is a local farm market where you can buy fresh milk and soft-serve ice cream—a must-do in Kyushu.
There is also a big grassy slope where local families slide down on cardboard or sleds. Pack a picnic and you have an easy hour.
This is the stop that decides your transport plan: without a rental car booked in advance, Nami is effectively out of reach.
The Sniper: Usopp (Aso City)
Location: JR Aso Station forecourt, Aso City.
Access: zero walking—the statue is directly outside the station entrance, with Mt. Aso behind it.
Time needed: 15–20 minutes.
Usopp is one of the most photogenic statues purely because of that backdrop.
On a clear day, the smoking peaks of Mt. Aso loom right behind his slingshot pose.
Getting There: this location is unusual because it is genuinely easy by train, and getting here can be half the fun.
We highly recommend the dedicated sightseeing train. Read our detailed review on Riding the “Aso Boy!” Train with Kids: Seats, Bento & Ball Pit Guide.
The train pulls up almost exactly where Usopp is waiting.
Seats sell out fast in peak season, so secure your ride and other Aso experiences early via Klook’s Kumamoto & Aso activity passes.
The Shipwright: Franky (Takamori Town)
Location: Takamori Station, terminal of the Minamiaso Railway.
Access: about 30 minutes by car from JR Aso Station, or by the Minamiaso Railway itself.
Time needed: 20–30 minutes, more if you time a train departure.
Franky stands tall and massive, striking his signature “Super!” pose.
Takamori Station is the terminus of a scenic local line with beautiful caldera views, so pair the statue with a short ride if the timetable allows.
Why it works for kids: the station often has small exhibits and toys, and the sheer size of Franky impresses children who barely know the series.
Takamori sits deep inside the Aso caldera, giving the day a sense of remoteness that feels like a real RPG quest.
The Archaeologist: Nico Robin (Minamiaso Village)
Location: former Tokai University Aso Campus, beside the earthquake memorial museum, Minamiaso Village.
Access: car recommended, roughly 20 minutes from Takamori.
Cost: the statue and outdoor fault-line site are free; the indoor museum charges a small separate admission (check current hours, as it closes on some weekdays).
Robin stands where the campus buildings were torn apart by the earthquake fault line and preserved as a memorial.
Why it works for kids: the subject is serious, but for older children it is a powerful lesson in the force of nature and in resilience.
For families touring the caldera, it slots neatly between Franky and your hotel.
Accommodation Tip: since Usopp, Franky, and Robin all sit inside the Aso Caldera, stay overnight here rather than rushing back to the city.
For a memorable family stay, read 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 the One Piece world itself. Compare caldera dome stays and other Aso hotels on Agoda for the best family rates.
If you still have a spare day in the area, the gorge boats pair well with this route: see our Takachiho Gorge day trip guide with kids.
The Musician: Brook (Mifune Town)
Location: Mifune Dinosaur Park, next to the Mifune Dinosaur Museum.
Access: about 30 minutes by car from central Kumamoto City.
Museum admission: roughly ¥500 for adults with cheaper child rates; the park and statue themselves are free.
Mifune Town is famous for its dinosaur fossil discoveries.
Brook, the skeleton musician, fits right in, posed mid-song with his Soul Solid guitar.
Why it works for kids: dinosaurs and skeletons are a winning combination for most children, and the museum next door is genuinely good.
The park area also features dinosaur statues, which adds a second scavenger hunt inside the first one.
The Helmsman: Jinbe (Uto City)
Location: Sumiyoshi Coast Park, Uto City.
Access: about 15 minutes by taxi or car from JR Uto Station; roughly 40 minutes by car from Kumamoto City.
Time needed: 30 minutes, or longer if you time the tide.
Jinbe sits grandly with a sake cup, looking out over the Ariake Sea.
This coast is known for its huge tidal range and its seaweed farming.
Why it works for kids: the palm-lined park feels tropical and open after a day of driving.
Nearby you can see the “Road into the Sea” (Naganoshita road), which vanishes at high tide—a magical sight that resembles the train tracks in Spirited Away.
Suggested Itineraries for Families
Visiting all 10 statues in one day is technically possible by car, but it would be exhausting and miserable for children.
We recommend splitting them by geography across two days.
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 and 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.
Adding the Last Three (Half Day)
Brook (Mifune) and Jinbe (Uto) sit south of the city, so most families add them as a relaxed half-day on the way to or from Kumamoto Airport or the Amakusa coast.
If you are folding this into a longer trip across Kyushu, see how these routes fit a wider schedule in our 7-Day Kyushu Family Itinerary: Fukuoka, Beppu, and Kumamoto by Train.
Practical Tips for the Statue Hunt
- Rent a Car: Usopp, Franky, and Luffy are reachable by public transport, but the others—especially Nami and Robin—are much harder without a vehicle. A car also lets you stop for bathroom breaks and snacks on your own schedule. Compare Kyushu rental car deals on Klook before you fly in.
- Collect the “Mini” Statues: Many souvenir shops sell small golden replicas. They make great souvenirs (and bribes for good behavior in the car).
- Digital Stamps: Check whether the “One Piece Kumamoto Restoration Project” is running a digital stamp rally. You can often earn wallpapers or small prizes for visiting multiple locations.
- Sun Protection: Most statues are outdoors with little shade, and Kumamoto summers are very hot. Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
- Budget the Drive Time: Allow 30–45 minutes between most stops and 60–90 minutes between the city and the caldera. Three to four statues a day is a happy pace with young kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the One Piece statues free to visit? Yes. All ten bronze statues stand in public spaces—parks, station forecourts, and plazas—and are free to see and photograph. Only the attached zoos, museums, and farms charge separate admission.
Can you see all 10 statues without a car? It’s difficult. Luffy, Usopp, and Franky are reachable by tram or train, but Nami, Robin, Brook, and Jinbe are far more practical with a rental car.
Most families combine the train-accessible Aso statues with a car for the rest.
How many days do you need for all ten? Two relaxed days work best with kids—one for the Kumamoto City and east cluster, one for the Aso Caldera. One day is possible by car but tiring for children.
Where do you start the statue hunt? Most families start with Luffy at the Prefectural Office in Kumamoto City. If you land at Kumamoto Airport, start instead with Sanji in Mashiki, which is only about 10 minutes away.
Why were the statues built? They are part of the Kumamoto Revival Project, created with the supervision of Kumamoto-born creator Eiichiro Oda to support recovery after the 2016 earthquakes.
Final Thoughts
The One Piece statues in Kumamoto are more than photo opportunities.
They are waypoints that guide you through the resilience and beauty of the Kumamoto region.
For families, they give 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 you will remember long after you fly home.
Related Guides
- Takachiho Gorge Day Trip from Kumamoto with Kids: Complete Family Guide
- 7-Day Kyushu Family Itinerary: Fukuoka, Beppu, and Kumamoto by Train
- Riding the “Aso Boy!” Train with Kids: Seats, Bento & Ball Pit Guide
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