Yunomae Manga Museum
A unique art museum dedicated to manga, showcasing satirical cartoons and hosting special exhibitions of renowned artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Yunomae Manga Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique art museum dedicated to manga, showcasing satirical cartoons and hosting special exhibitions of renowned artists.
"A must-see for manga fans, offering rare original artwork and exclusive souvenirs."
Check Exhibition Dates Carefully
Special exhibitions have specific start/end dates and sometimes intermissions. Plan accordingly!
Bring Cash for Souvenirs
Merchandise is cash-only. Be prepared to buy postcards, clear files, and badges.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ryosuke Nasu Satirical Cartoons
Permanent Exhibition
Explore the sharp wit and unique style of Ryosuke Nasu, a native cartoonist whose works are a cornerstone of the museum.
Kenichi Muraeda Exhibitions
Special Exhibition Room
Witness rare original drawings from acclaimed manga artist Kenichi Muraeda, a must-see for fans of his iconic series.
Natsume's Book of Friends 15th Anniversary
Special Exhibition Room
Immerse yourself in the world of Natsume's Book of Friends with special exhibits celebrating its 15th anniversary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Exhibition Schedules
Cash is King for Merch
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Exhibition Dates Carefully
Special exhibitions have specific start/end dates and sometimes intermissions. Plan accordingly!
Bring Cash for Souvenirs
Merchandise is cash-only. Be prepared to buy postcards, clear files, and badges.
Photography Rules Vary
Original drawings are usually no-photo, but some exhibits like suits are allowed.
Free Admission for Locals
Yunomae residents get in free. Check if you qualify!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Exhibition Dates Carefully
Special exhibitions have specific start/end dates and sometimes intermissions. Plan accordingly!
Bring Cash for Souvenirs
Merchandise is cash-only. Be prepared to buy postcards, clear files, and badges.
Photography Rules Vary
Original drawings are usually no-photo, but some exhibits like suits are allowed.
Free Admission for Locals
Yunomae residents get in free. Check if you qualify!
Gift Rally Can Sell Out Fast
Popular events like the Natsume's Book of Friends gift rally can have gifts disappear quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Yunomae Manga Museum for its unique exhibitions, particularly those celebrating beloved manga series like "Natsume's Book of Friends" and showcasing artists like Kenichi Muraeda. The opportunity to see original artwork and the chance to purchase exclusive merchandise are significant highlights. However, some visitors note the rural location and the cash-only policy for merchandise as minor inconveniences.
"This art museum houses the works of the late satirical cartoonist Ryosuke Nasu, a native of Yunomae Town.
From July 26, 2025 to January 12, 2026, the "Work of Kenichi Muraeda" exhibition is being held, showcasing works by Kenichi Muraeda, a resident of Ashikita Town who celebrated his 38th year as an artist with the serialization of "Our Field," "Koujiro," "RED," and "Kamen Rider Spirits."
The first exhibition will run from July 26, 2025 to September 28, 2025.
The second exhibition will run from October 11, 2025 to January 12, 2026.
Note: The special exhibition room will be closed during the intervening period due to exhibit changes.
This is a particularly valuable exhibition, as opportunities to see the original drawings of Kenichi Muraeda's early works are rare.
Photography of the original drawings is prohibited, but there are some exhibits that are permitted for photography, such as the The End suit and the message board from Manga Festa.
As a bonus for admission to the first exhibition, you will receive a postcard. There are three designs to choose from: "Our Field," "Mobile Civil Servant Kamoshika," and "Little Sister Teacher Nagisa."
Merchandise items include postcards for 200 yen, clear files for 330 yen, and badges in eight varieties for 300 yen each.
To purchase merchandise, press the button for the item you want at the ticket machine at the entrance and exchange it at the reception desk.
Cash only, so please be careful if you prefer not to pay cash.
The museum is a unique building, and in addition to the permanent exhibition, it also hosts limited-time special exhibitions.
Admission is free for Yunomae residents.
Drawings by manga artists who have visited as guests at the Yunomae Manga Festa were also on display.
Various events are also planned, such as the Nasu Ryosuke Satirical Cartoon Award, the Yunomae Manga Festa, and manga classes.
Thank you very much for the fun events you organize every year.
PS
T-shirts and stickers were added to the merchandise list for the second half of the Kenichi Muraeda Work Exhibition.
It seems that reproductions of the original artwork will also be on sale in the latter half of the event, so we look forward to further official announcements."
信じるヤツがジャスティス
"The Natsume's Book of Friends Gift Rally started, and by the second day, all the complete gifts were gone. I know it's popular, but I can't help but be surprised by the devoted fans. This time, I lined up the night before to absolutely get the complete gift 😤. It was worth it, as I finally got my hands on the coveted Milk glass! 🎉 With the Yumae Manga Museum reopening after renovations, I felt it was fitting for our museum, where people can participate in the Natsume's Book of Friends Gift Rally, have fun taking photos, and receive the complete gift. It's also great that we're hosting the "Natsume's Book of Friends" Anime 15th Anniversary Exhibition! ✨ Fans who came from Kobe gave me coffee and Nyanko-sensei key folders, and I felt bad, but I was happy and enjoyed the experience. I'm grateful to the staff and fans. Thank you.
It's so nice that there are restrooms in the parking lot 🅿️❗️"
ヒロヨン
"I visited this photo spot for the Natsume's Book of Friends 15th anniversary exhibition.
On my way here, I made a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of the Natsume's Book of Friends, using the light-up shadow puppet show and the Hitoyoshi-Kuma digital stamp rally app.
It's very moving to watch the anime and manga, travel around the area and see the materials."
Kudou construction
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in a rural area. From the Hitoyoshi interchange, it's a scenic drive. Public transport options might be limited, so driving or checking local bus schedules is recommended.
Yes, there are restrooms in the parking lot, making it convenient for visitors.
Many fans combine a visit to the museum with exploring other 'Natsume's Book of Friends' pilgrimage sites in the region, using apps like the Hitoyoshi-Kuma digital stamp rally.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is free for Yunomae residents. For others, there's a fee, especially for special exhibitions. Check the official website for current pricing.
While specific discounts aren't widely mentioned, residents of Yunomae Town receive free admission.
Information on advance ticket purchases isn't readily available, but it's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly, especially for popular special exhibitions.
Operating hours can vary, especially with special exhibitions. It's best to consult the official Yunomae Manga Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
While specific accessibility details aren't detailed in reviews, the presence of parking lot restrooms suggests some level of visitor consideration. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for detailed accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography of original drawings is generally prohibited. However, some exhibits, like the The End suit and message boards from Manga Festa, may be permitted for photos. Always look for signage or ask staff.
Yes, especially during special events like the 'Natsume's Book of Friends' exhibition, there are often themed photo spots available for visitors to enjoy.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Merchandise typically includes postcards, clear files, and badges featuring artwork from the exhibitions. T-shirts and stickers may also be available during certain events.
Merchandise is purchased using a ticket machine at the entrance, and then exchanged at the reception desk. Remember, it's cash-only.
Specific dining facilities within the museum are not mentioned in reviews. Visitors may need to plan for meals before or after their visit, or explore nearby local eateries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While original artwork might not captivate very young children, the museum often has interactive elements or photo spots that can add to the fun. The availability of restrooms in the parking lot is a practical plus for families. However, be mindful that merchandise purchases are cash-only, so have some yen ready if your kids want a souvenir.
💖 Manga Enthusiasts & Collectors
Keep a close eye on the special exhibition schedule as these often feature highly sought-after works. The merchandise shop, though cash-only, can be a treasure trove for unique items like postcards and clear files that might be hard to find elsewhere.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Kumamoto
Combine your visit with exploring other local attractions or 'Natsume's Book of Friends' pilgrimage sites in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region. The museum's special exhibitions, like the "Natsume's Book of Friends" anniversary event, can be a primary draw for such trips.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exhibitions: A Rotating Showcase
It's crucial for visitors to check the exhibition calendar on the official website before planning their trip. Special exhibitions often have distinct start and end dates, and sometimes include brief intermissions for exhibit changes. Missing these dates means missing out on unique opportunities to see original artwork that is rarely displayed.
These special events not only showcase diverse artistic talent but also create a buzz, as seen with the "Natsume's Book of Friends" rally where gifts were quickly claimed by devoted fans.
Merchandise: Souvenirs with a Story
A key piece of advice for shoppers is to be prepared with cash. The museum operates on a cash-only basis for all merchandise purchases. Visitors use a ticket machine at the entrance to select their desired items and then exchange the ticket at the reception desk.
This system, while straightforward, requires visitors to have the correct change or sufficient yen on hand. Planning ahead ensures you don't miss out on unique souvenirs due to payment limitations.
Community and Events
Events like the "Natsume's Book of Friends" Gift Rally highlight the museum's ability to tap into popular fandoms and create interactive experiences. The rapid depletion of gifts for such rallies underscores the strong appeal and dedicated fanbase these events attract.
Furthermore, the museum occasionally hosts manga classes, providing opportunities for aspiring artists to learn from professionals. These initiatives contribute to the museum's vibrant atmosphere and its role as a cultural center for manga enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit