[After School Fishing Log] Ashikita Town, Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture

Introduction: What is “Houkago Teibou Nisshi”

“Houkago Teibou Nisshi” is a manga work by Yasuyuki Kosaka that was broadcast as a television anime from April to September 2020. It tells the story of the protagonist Hina Tsurugi, who moves from the city and joins the teibou (breakwater) club, awakening to the joy of fishing.

One of the major attractions of this work is its faithful depiction of the beautiful coastal scenery of Kumamoto Prefecture. Background art modeled after actual locations has become extremely popular among fans as the subject of “sacred site pilgrimages.”

This article provides a thorough explanation of the sacred site pilgrimage spots in Kumamoto Prefecture that served as the setting for “Houkago Teibou Nisshi.” It covers practical visiting methods, recommended routes, and surrounding tourist information, providing comprehensive guidance for those planning sacred site pilgrimages.

The Setting of the Work: Ashikita Town, Kumamoto Prefecture

Overview and Geography of Ashikita Town

The main setting of “Houkago Teibou Nisshi” is Ashikita Town in Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture. Ashikita Town is a town of about 15,000 people located on the Shiranui Sea, an inland sea in southern Kumamoto Prefecture, characterized by beautiful coastlines and a warm climate.

The Shiranui Sea is a calm inland sea known as a fishing spot, and it provides an environment where fishing activities depicted in the work, such as breakwater fishing, sabiki fishing, and casting fishing, can actually be enjoyed.

Why Ashikita Town Was Chosen as the Setting

The original author, Yasuyuki Kosaka, is from Kumamoto Prefecture and is familiar with the scenery and fishing culture of Ashikita Town. The work features many real locations, with familiar landscapes to local residents faithfully reproduced in the anime.

In the anime production, the production staff actually visited Ashikita Town for location scouting, with meticulous attention paid to the arrangement of buildings, the color of the sea, and the overall atmosphere. This thorough realism enhances the charm of sacred site pilgrimages.

Detailed Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots

1. Around Ashikita Town Hall

Appearance Scenes: Frequently appears in Episode 1 and other scenes depicting the town’s landscape

Ashikita Town Hall is located near the place that served as a model for “Umino High School” in the work and is depicted as the center of the town. The actual area around the town hall has an atmosphere very similar to the cityscape that appears in the anime.

Access Information:

• Address: Ashikita 2015, Ashikita Town, Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• About 15 minutes on foot from “Shashiki Station” on the Hisatsu Orangeline
• Parking: Visitor parking available at the town hall (public parking nearby is recommended for sacred site pilgrimages)

Pilgrimage Tips:
Since the town hall itself is a public facility, care should be taken not to interfere with operations. You can enjoy the surrounding streetscape and take photos from the same angles as in the anime.

2. Shashiki Castle Ruins (Shiraki Mountain)

Appearance Scenes: Opening sequence, scenes overlooking the town, etc.

Shashiki Castle Ruins are located on a high point overlooking Ashikita Town and serve as a model for scenes in the work where the entire town is viewed from above. It’s particularly impressively used in the opening sequence and is a classic sacred site pilgrimage spot.

Access Information:

• Address: Shashiki, Ashikita Town, Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• About 10 minutes by car from Shashiki Station, about 40 minutes on foot (hiking trail available)
• Parking: Space for a few vehicles at the base of the mountain

Pilgrimage Tips:
From the summit at about 200 meters elevation, you can see a panoramic view of the Shiranui Sea and the town of Ashikita. The scenery at dusk is particularly spectacular and ideal for recreating scenes from the anime. The hiking trail is well-maintained, but comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.

3. Otachimisaki Park (御立岬公園)

Appearance Scenes: Fishing scene in Episode 3, camping scene in Episode 7, etc.

Otachimisaki Park is a representative tourist attraction of Ashikita Town and appears multiple times in the work as an important setting. The spacious grounds include a campground, beach, observation deck, and other facilities, depicted in the work as a place where teibou club members conduct their activities.

Access Information:

• Address: Tanoura Town 145, Ashikita Town, Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• About 15 minutes on foot from “Tanoura Otachimisaki Park Station” on the Hisatsu Orangeline
• About 10 minutes by car from “Tanoura IC” on the Kyushu Expressway
• Parking: Free parking available (approximately 500 spaces)

Pilgrimage Tips:
The breakwater in the park is an actual fishing spot where you can enjoy sabiki fishing and casting fishing just as depicted in the work. However, if you fish, it’s important to prepare fishing gear and follow local fishing rules.

The campground is actually available for use, allowing you to re-experience the camping scene from the work. Reservations may be required at certain times, so check in advance.

Facility Information:

• Operating Hours: Varies by facility (Campground check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 10:00 AM)
• Admission: Free entry, campground use is fee-based (tent sites from 3,000 yen per section)
• Inquiries: 0966-87-0737 (Otachimisaki Park Management Office)

4. Michi no Eki Tanoura

Appearance Scenes: Episode 5 and other scenes where club members stop to shop or rest

Michi no Eki Tanoura is a rest stop located along National Route 3, depicted in the anime as a place where club members stop for preparation and rest. Fresh seafood and local specialty products are sold here, making it an ideal rest stop for sacred site pilgrimages.

Access Information:

• Address: 162-1 Tanoura Town, Ashikita Town, Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• About 3 minutes on foot from “Tanoura Otachimisaki Park Station” on the Hisatsu Orangeline
• Along National Route 3
• Parking: Free parking available (73 regular vehicles, 7 large vehicles)

Pilgrimage Tips:
Inside the facility there is also a tourist information corner for Ashikita Town where you may be able to obtain sacred site pilgrimage maps. There is also a dining facility where you can enjoy meals using local seafood, and you can taste regional limited gourmet items such as Dekopom soft serve ice cream.

Operating Information:

• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (varies by store)
• Closed: Second Wednesday of the month (open every day in August)
• Inquiries: 0966-87-9737

5. Around Shashiki Port and Tsurugahama Beach

Appearance Scenes: Breakwater fishing scene in Episode 1, coastal scenes in Episode 6, etc.

The area around Shashiki Port is the setting for an important scene where the protagonist Hina attempts breakwater fishing for the first time. The actual shape of the breakwater and surrounding buildings are faithfully reproduced in the anime, making this a core sacred site pilgrimage spot.

Access Information:

• Address: Shashiki, Ashikita Town, Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• About 10 minutes on foot from Shashiki Station on the Hisatsu Orangeline
• Space for a few vehicles around the port

Pilgrimage Tips:
The breakwater is an actual fishing location, but care must be taken not to disturb local fishermen. Especially on weekends and early mornings, there are many fishermen, so keep photography modest.

From the coastal walking paths, you can enjoy views of the calm Shiranui Sea and fully experience the atmosphere of the work.

6. Ashikita Kaihintotal Park

Appearance Scenes: Fishing tournament scene in Episode 9, etc.

Ashikita Kaihintotal Park is a park with extensive grassy areas and coastline, depicted in the work as a location where a fishing tournament takes place. It actually has fishing areas available and is popular with families.

Access Information:

• Address: 1400 Tsurugiyama, Ashikita Town, Ashikita District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• About 5 minutes by car from “Umioura Station” on the Hisatsu Orangeline
• Free parking available

Pilgrimage Tips:
Walking paths are maintained throughout the park, allowing you to reminisce about anime scenes while walking along the coast. There are also picnic areas, so it’s recommended to spend a leisurely day with a packed lunch.

7. Various Stations on the Hisatsu Orangeline

Appearance Scenes: Opening, ending, movement scenes, etc.

The Hisatsu Orangeline is a local railway connecting Yatsushiro Station to Sendai Station in Kagoshima Prefecture and appears in the work as a transportation method used by club members. Stations such as “Shashiki Station,” “Tanoura Otachimisaki Park Station,” and “Umioura Station” appear in the work.

Access Information:

• Main Stations: Shashiki Station, Tanoura Otachimisaki Park Station, Umioura Station
• Service Frequency: 1–2 trains per hour
• Fares: Vary by section (approximately 320 yen for Shashiki to Tanoura Otachimisaki Park)

Pilgrimage Tips:
Actually riding the Hisatsu Orangeline and enjoying the same scenery as the work’s characters is part of the charm of sacred site pilgrimages. The view from the windows showcases the beautiful Shiranui Sea scenery, especially spectacular at dusk.

Some trains have featured collaboration projects with “Houkago Teibou Nisshi,” with posters and panels sometimes displayed in stations.

Model Courses for Sacred Site Pilgrimages

1-Day Course: Complete Major Spots Plan

Duration: Approximately 8 hours (including travel time)

9:00 AM – Arrival at Shashiki Station
Arrive at Shashiki Station by Hisatsu Orangeline. While enjoying the atmosphere around the station, head toward town hall on foot.

9:30 AM – Exploring Around Ashikita Town Hall
Explore the town center and photograph the streetscape that appears in the anime.

10:30 AM – Shashiki Port and Breakwater
Head to the breakwater, the setting for an important scene in Episode 1. Immerse yourself in the work’s world while gazing at the sea.

12:00 PM – Lunch at Michi no Eki Tanoura
Travel to Michi no Eki Tanoura for lunch. Enjoy local cuisine and check for souvenirs.

1:30 PM – Otachimisaki Park
Spend the afternoon leisurely at Otachimisaki Park. Enjoy the views from the observation deck and try fishing if possible.

4:00 PM – Shashiki Castle Ruins (if time and energy permit)
Head to Shashiki Castle Ruins before sunset to enjoy the spectacular view of the town.

5:30 PM – Return from Shashiki Station

Half-Day Course: Compact Pilgrimage Plan

Duration: Approximately 4 hours

1:00 PM – Arrival at Tanoura Otachimisaki Park Station

1:15 PM – Michi no Eki Tanoura
Light meal and rest, information gathering.

2:00 PM – Otachimisaki Park
Thoroughly explore the main spot.

4:00 PM – Around Shashiki Station
Travel by train and explore the Shashiki Port or town hall areas.

5:00 PM – Return

2-Day Course: Thorough Enjoyment Plan

Day 1:

• Morning: Shashiki Station area, town hall, Shashiki Castle Ruins
• Afternoon: Shashiki Port, area around Tsurugahama Beach
• Evening: Camp at Otachimisaki Park (overnight stay)

Day 2:

• Morning: Early morning fishing experience at Otachimisaki Park
• Afternoon: Ashikita Kaihintotal Park, Michi no Eki Tanoura
• Evening: Return journey on Hisatsu Orangeline while viewing the sunset

Access Methods and Transportation

Access from Kumamoto City

By Train:

1. JR Kagoshima Main Line from Kumamoto Station to Yatsushiro Station (about 40 minutes by express)
2. Transfer to Hisatsu Orangeline at Yatsushiro Station
3. Continue to Shashiki Station or Tanoura Otachimisaki Park Station (approximately 30-40 minutes)

Total Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Fare: Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 yen one way

By Car:

1. Use the Kyushu Expressway
2. Exit at Matsushiro IC or Yatsushiro IC
3. Head south on National Route 3 to Ashikita Town

Travel Time: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from Kumamoto City
Distance: Approximately 70 km

Access from Fukuoka/Kagoshima Areas

From Fukuoka:

• Kyushu Shinkansen to Shin-Yatsushiro Station (about 1 hour from Hakata)
• Taxi or rental car from Shin-Yatsushiro Station to Ashikita Town (approximately 30 minutes)

From Kagoshima:

• Head north on Hisatsu Orangeline
• About 1.5 hours from Sendai Station to Shashiki Station

Rental Car Information

Since there are few rental car shops in Ashikita Town itself, it’s recommended to rent from around Yatsushiro or Kumamoto stations. Major rental car companies have offices in front of stations.

Advantages of Rental Car:

• Efficiently visit multiple spots
• Easy luggage transportation
• Less time constraints

Advantages of Public Transportation:

• Better experience of the work’s atmosphere
• No driving fatigue
• Environmentally friendly

Precautions When Fishing

Necessary Preparations and Equipment

Many people want to actually experience fishing while on a sacred site pilgrimage of “Houkago Teibou Nisshi.” The following preparations are necessary.

Basic Equipment:

• Fishing rod and reel (local rental or purchase also available)
• Rigging (sabiki rig, casting rig, etc.)
• Bait (krill, krill, etc.)
• Cooler box (if you want to take home caught fish)
• Bucket
• Towel

Clothing:

• Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• Hat (sun protection)
• Non-slip shoes
• Sunscreen

How to Obtain Fishing Gear

Local Tackle Shops:
There are tackle shops around Ashikita Town where you can purchase rigging and bait. The shop staff can also provide information on recommended spots and fish that are biting that day.

Michi no Eki Tanoura:
Basic fishing gear sets may be available for purchase.

Rental:
Otachimisaki Park may offer fishing rod rental services (check in advance).

Fishing Rules and Manners

1. Always take trash with you: Fishing line and other rigging waste are dangerous to marine life.
2. Don’t enter off-limits areas: Certain areas like harbor facilities are off-limits for fishing.
3. Prioritize local fishermen: Avoid taking spots occupied by regulars.
4. Stay quiet: Especially early morning and evening.
5. Proper handling of caught fish: Release or return small fish, practicing resource conservation.
6. Safety first: Be careful of falling from breakwaters; life jacket wear is recommended.

Fish Species by Season

Spring (March–May):

• Black seabream, horse mackerel, dace, black seabream

Summer (June–August):

• Horse mackerel, mackerel, dace, small migratory fish

Fall (September–November):

• Horse mackerel, mackerel, ribbon fish, squid

Winter (December–February):

• Black seabream, rockfish, flatfish

The fish that club members catch in the work can actually be caught during these seasons.

Surrounding Tourist Spots

Yunoko Onsen

A hot spring resort located in the southern part of Ashikita Town offering spectacular views of the Shiranui Sea with outdoor hot spring baths. It’s ideal for relaxing after sacred site pilgrimage fatigue.

Access: About 15 minutes by car from Shashiki Station
Day-Use Bathing: Available at most inns (approximately 500–1,000 yen)

Tsunagi Town Art Museum

An art museum in the neighboring town of Tsunagi featuring contemporary art. Located on a high ground overlooking the sea, the building itself is beautiful.

Access: About 15 minutes on foot from “Tsunagi Station” on the Hisatsu Orangeline
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
Admission: 500 yen for general admission

Hitoyoshi and Kuma Region

If you have extra time, it’s also recommended to visit the inland city of Hitoyoshi. You can enjoy the attractions of southern Kumamoto Prefecture, including Kumakawa river cruises, Hitoyoshi Castle ruins, and hot springs.

Access: About 1 hour from Yatsushiro Station on JR Hisatsu Line

Accommodation Information

Accommodations in Ashikita Town

Otachimisaki Park Campground:

• The best way to experience the work’s atmosphere
• Tent sites, bungalows, log houses available
• Rates: Tent sites from 3,000 yen, bungalows from 5,000 yen
• Reservations: By phone or website

Guesthouses and Inns:
Several guesthouses and inns in Ashikita Town serve fresh seafood cuisine.

• Rates: Approximately 7,000–10,000 yen per night including two meals

Accommodations in Nearby Areas

Hotels in Yatsushiro City:
About 30 minutes by car from Ashikita Town, Yatsushiro City has numerous business and city hotels.

• Rates: Single rooms approximately 5,000–8,000 yen
• Advantage: Many restaurants for evening dining options

Inns at Yunoko Onsen:
Hot spring inns offering both hot springs and fresh seafood.

• Rates: Approximately 10,000–20,000 yen per night including two meals
• Advantage: Relax in hot springs

Gourmet Information: Local Specialties of Ashikita Town

Fresh Seafood

Fish and shellfish caught in the Shiranui Sea are exceptional. The following are particularly recommended.

Ribbon Fish:
A specialty of Ashikita Town, fatty ribbon fish is exquisite when served as sashimi or grilled with salt. Available at Michi no Eki Tanoura and local eateries.

Horse Mackerel and Mackerel:
Fish frequently caught in the work. Fresh mackerel sashimi and grilled mackerel with salt are exceptional.

Oysters:
Limited to winter season, but Ashikita Town’s oysters are large with rich flavor. Oyster shacks offering all-you-can-eat are popular.

Dekopom

Kumamoto Prefecture, including Ashikita Town, is known as the birthplace of Dekopom. Michi no Eki Tanoura sells sweets and juice made with Dekopom.

Recommendation: Dekopom soft serve ice cream (available for purchase at Michi no Eki Tanoura)

Local Restaurants

Seafood Restaurants:
Around Shashiki Station and along National Route 3 are eateries serving fresh seafood set meals.

• Rates: Seafood set meals approximately 1,000–1,500 yen

Ramen Shops:
Shops offering rich tonkotsu ramen in the Kumamoto ramen tradition are also available.

Souvenir Information

Work-Related Merchandise

Michi no Eki Tanoura:
Collaboration merchandise with “Houkago Teibou Nisshi” may be sold. Check for limited items like postcards and clear files.

Hisatsu Orangeline Stations:
Some stations display posters and panels from the work, serving as memorial photo spots.

Local Specialties

Seafood Products:

• Ribbon fish dried goods
• Whitebait
• Seaweed
• Salted fish

Dekopom-Related Products:

• Dekopom jelly
• Dekopom juice
• Dekopom jam

Local Alcohol:
Kumamoto Prefecture sake and shochu are abundantly available.

Precautions and Manners During Visits

Consideration for Local Residents

Sacred site pilgrimages are enjoyable, but Ashikita Town is a place where local people live, not just a tourist destination. Please note the following:

1. Don’t trespass on private property: Even if a location appears in the work, it may be private land.
2. Avoid noise: Be especially quiet early morning and late evening.
3. Take trash with you: Always take all garbage with you to keep the town beautiful.
4. Follow traffic rules: Avoid parking on roadsides or taking photos in dangerous locations.
5. Patronize local shops: Supporting local shops contributes to the regional economy.

Photography Manners

1. Respect privacy rights: Be considerate so local residents aren’t photographed.
2. Follow facility rules: Don’t photograph in no-photography areas.
3. Avoid tripod use: Don’t use tripods in ways that block pedestrian traffic.
4. Avoid monopolizing spaces: Be considerate of other tourists and pilgrims.

Safety Precautions

1. Prevent accidents at sea: Be careful as breakwaters and rocks are slippery. Life jacket wear is recommended.
2. Heat stroke prevention: Drink water frequently, especially in summer.
3. Check weather: Coastal weather changes quickly, so check the forecast beforehand.
4. Check sunset time: Especially in winter, plan early as daylight is limited.

Recommended Visit Seasons

Spring (March–May)

Advantages:

• Mild climate, pleasant weather
• Cherry blossoms and spring flowers
• Start of prime fishing season

Disadvantages:

• Potential crowds during Golden Week

Recommendation: ★★★★★

Summer (June–August)

Advantages:

• Swimming in the sea possible
• Experience the same seasonal feeling as the anime broadcast
• Summer fishing season

Disadvantages:

• Very hot (heat stroke risk)
• Rainy season (early June to early July) is wet

Recommendation: ★★★☆☆

Fall (September–November)

Advantages:

• Most comfortable climate
• Enjoy fall cuisine
• Fall fishing season including ribbon fish
• Fall foliage also enjoyable (November)

Disadvantages:

• Typhoon season (September–October)

Recommendation: ★★★★★

Winter (December–February)

Advantages:

• Fewer tourists, quieter
• Winter delicacies like oysters are delicious
• Clear air and beautiful scenery

Disadvantages:

• Cold (though Kumamoto’s south is relatively warm)
• Short daylight
• Some facilities may be closed

Recommendation: ★★★☆☆

Overall Best Season: Spring (April–May) and fall (October–November) are recommended.

Tips for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimages More

Prior Preparation

1. Rewatch the anime: Rewatching before your visit will double your emotional impact.
2. Obtain sacred site pilgrimage maps: Gather information from the internet and fan sites.
3. Research shooting angles: Save anime screenshots to make it easier to shoot from the same angles.
4. Check weather forecast: Coastal weather changes quickly, so definitely check.

Enjoying on Site

1. Take your time: It’s better to enjoy the town’s atmosphere slowly rather than rush.
2. Interact with locals: Enjoy conversations with locals at tackle shops or eateries.
3. Actually try fishing: The best way to experience the work’s world.
4. Enjoy seasonal scenery: Enjoy the landscapes specific to your visiting season.

Social Media Posting

When sharing sacred site pilgrimage records on social media, these hashtags are useful:

• #放課後ていぼう日誌
• #ていぼう日誌
• #聖地巡礼
• #芦北町
• #熊本
• #肥薩おれんじ鉄道

You can reference other fan posts and exchange information.

Conclusion: The Charm of “Houkago Teibou Nisshi” Sacred Site Pilgrimages

The sacred site pilgrimage of “Houkago Teibou Nisshi” has value beyond merely visiting anime filming locations. The beautiful nature of Ashikita Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, warm people, delicious seafood, and the experiential pleasure of fishing—all of these combine to create a truly special journey.

By actually visiting the town you learned about through anime, your understanding of the work deepens, and you can rediscover the charm of rural Japan. It may also be the beginning of discovering fishing as a new hobby.

While Ashikita Town is not a major tourist destination, that is precisely why it retains the simple Japanese scenery and leisurely pace of time. Why not escape your busy daily life, immerse yourself in the world of “Houkago Teibou Nisshi,” and spend some unhurried time?

Through sacred site pilgrimages, we hope your love for the work deepens further, and Ashikita Town in Kumamoto Prefecture becomes a new “special place” for you. And while on pilgrimage, practice respectful and courteous conduct toward the community.

May your sacred site pilgrimage create wonderful memories.