[Information Embargo Lifted] Kyushu Sanko Group x Anime Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Collaboration Confirmed!
Kyushu Sanko Group will collaborate with the anime film 'Hotarubi no Mori e'. They will operate wrapped buses and original bus tours focusing on Aso and Takamori, the model locations for the film, starting in July 2026.
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Kyushu Sanko Group (Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City / Kyushu Sanko Holdings Co., Ltd., President: Masayuki Oda) has decided to implement a collaboration project with the popular animated film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' based on the original work by Yuki Midorikawa.
Focusing on Aso and Takamori, which served as the model locations for the work, we will sequentially roll out the operation of wrapped buses and original bus tours that visit beautiful landscapes reminiscent of the story's atmosphere.
Project Overview
1. [Limited Time] Operation of Animated Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Design Wrapped Bus
Kyushu Sanko Bus (4-13-34 Kamidai, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City) will operate a specially designed bus featuring the main visual of the work, the protagonist Gin and the young girl Hotaru, and the forest scenery symbolizing the story. The bus carrying the world of the work will run through the magnificent nature of Aso and Takamori.
- Operating Route: Scheduled mainly on the Aso-Takachiho route (Aso-chiho Go)
- Operating Period: Scheduled from early July 2026 to Wednesday, September 30
* During this period, the bus may not operate due to vehicle maintenance or other reasons.
* The operating schedule is determined 2 days in advance. Please contact the Sanko Bus Aso Office by phone for the schedule.
2. Original Tour 'Journey Through the Water and Forests of Aso and Takachiho' Organized!
Kyushu Sanko Tourism (4-3 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City) will conduct a bus tour exclusive to this project, efficiently visiting the model locations of the work and the beautiful scenic spots of water and greenery that Kyushu boasts.
● Journey Through the Water and Forests of Aso and Takachiho on the Animated Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Wrapped Bus!
- Tour Period: Saturday, July 4, 2026 - Tuesday, September 22 (Holiday) *Scheduled for a total of 7 days
- Minimum Number of Participants: 20 people
[Main Destinations]
Tsujunkyo: A national treasure stone arch bridge known for its magnificent water discharge.
Takachiho Gorge: A scenic spot with steep cliffs and famous waterfalls where you can feel the breath of mythology.
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine: The model location for this work. Famous for its approach lined with mystical stone lanterns.
Shirakawa Suigen: A clear spring water spot where you can feel the rich blessings of Aso.
Roadside Station Aso Bounosato Kugino: A superb rest spot with a panoramic view of the Five Peaks of Aso.
★ Lunch included
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine (Photo courtesy: Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation) Tsujunkyo (Photo courtesy: Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation)
[Tour Exclusive Novelty]
Original Film-style Bookmark
All participants will receive a limited-design bookmark featuring famous scenes from the work, available only on this tour.
<< Reservations Now Open! >>
https://www.kyusanko.co.jp/tourism/tour/kt1a-000372/
* All photos are for illustrative purposes. Contents are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Please contact the organizing company for details on how to make a reservation.
About the Work
Animated Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e'
An animated film adaptation of a short story by manga artist Yuki Midorikawa, also known for 'Natsume's Book of Friends' (released in 2011). Set in a rich forest, it is an ephemeral and heartbreaking summer love story woven by Gin, a mysterious boy who disappears when touched, and Hotaru, a human girl. Even years after its release, its quiet and beautiful world remains deeply engraved in the hearts of many fans.
Animated Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Website https://www.hotarubi.info/
© Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Production Committee
About Kyushu Sanko Group
Established in 1942, the group operates through 11 main companies centering on the transportation business (Kyushu Sanko Bus Co., Ltd. and Sanko Bus Co., Ltd.) covering Kumamoto Prefecture, as well as the tourism business (Kyushu Sanko Tourism Co., Ltd.), food/beverage and merchandise sales business (Kyushu Sanko Retail Co., Ltd.), and real estate business (Kyushu Sanko Landmark Co., Ltd.).
Kyushu Sanko Group https://www.kyusanko.co.jp/
Focusing on Aso and Takamori, which served as the model locations for the work, we will sequentially roll out the operation of wrapped buses and original bus tours that visit beautiful landscapes reminiscent of the story's atmosphere.
Project Overview
1. [Limited Time] Operation of Animated Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Design Wrapped Bus
Kyushu Sanko Bus (4-13-34 Kamidai, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City) will operate a specially designed bus featuring the main visual of the work, the protagonist Gin and the young girl Hotaru, and the forest scenery symbolizing the story. The bus carrying the world of the work will run through the magnificent nature of Aso and Takamori.
- Operating Route: Scheduled mainly on the Aso-Takachiho route (Aso-chiho Go)
- Operating Period: Scheduled from early July 2026 to Wednesday, September 30
* During this period, the bus may not operate due to vehicle maintenance or other reasons.
* The operating schedule is determined 2 days in advance. Please contact the Sanko Bus Aso Office by phone for the schedule.
2. Original Tour 'Journey Through the Water and Forests of Aso and Takachiho' Organized!
Kyushu Sanko Tourism (4-3 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City) will conduct a bus tour exclusive to this project, efficiently visiting the model locations of the work and the beautiful scenic spots of water and greenery that Kyushu boasts.
● Journey Through the Water and Forests of Aso and Takachiho on the Animated Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Wrapped Bus!
- Tour Period: Saturday, July 4, 2026 - Tuesday, September 22 (Holiday) *Scheduled for a total of 7 days
- Minimum Number of Participants: 20 people
[Main Destinations]
Tsujunkyo: A national treasure stone arch bridge known for its magnificent water discharge.
Takachiho Gorge: A scenic spot with steep cliffs and famous waterfalls where you can feel the breath of mythology.
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine: The model location for this work. Famous for its approach lined with mystical stone lanterns.
Shirakawa Suigen: A clear spring water spot where you can feel the rich blessings of Aso.
Roadside Station Aso Bounosato Kugino: A superb rest spot with a panoramic view of the Five Peaks of Aso.
★ Lunch included
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine (Photo courtesy: Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation) Tsujunkyo (Photo courtesy: Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation)
[Tour Exclusive Novelty]
Original Film-style Bookmark
All participants will receive a limited-design bookmark featuring famous scenes from the work, available only on this tour.
<< Reservations Now Open! >>
https://www.kyusanko.co.jp/tourism/tour/kt1a-000372/
* All photos are for illustrative purposes. Contents are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Please contact the organizing company for details on how to make a reservation.
About the Work
Animated Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e'
An animated film adaptation of a short story by manga artist Yuki Midorikawa, also known for 'Natsume's Book of Friends' (released in 2011). Set in a rich forest, it is an ephemeral and heartbreaking summer love story woven by Gin, a mysterious boy who disappears when touched, and Hotaru, a human girl. Even years after its release, its quiet and beautiful world remains deeply engraved in the hearts of many fans.
Animated Film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Website https://www.hotarubi.info/
© Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / 'Hotarubi no Mori e' Production Committee
About Kyushu Sanko Group
Established in 1942, the group operates through 11 main companies centering on the transportation business (Kyushu Sanko Bus Co., Ltd. and Sanko Bus Co., Ltd.) covering Kumamoto Prefecture, as well as the tourism business (Kyushu Sanko Tourism Co., Ltd.), food/beverage and merchandise sales business (Kyushu Sanko Retail Co., Ltd.), and real estate business (Kyushu Sanko Landmark Co., Ltd.).
Kyushu Sanko Group https://www.kyusanko.co.jp/