[Pilgrimage] Head to Nasu-Shiobara, a hot spring resort where the souls of famous authors live on. A large-scale collaboration project with the popular game “Bungo to Alchemist” called “Nasu-Shiobara Literary Walk” has been announced!

The Nasu-Shiobara City Tourism Bureau (448-4 Sekiya, Nasu-Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, Director: Oda Tomotomi) is pleased to announce a collaboration with DMM GAMES’s popular female-oriented literary reincarnation simulation game, “Bungo and Alchemist,” to hold a stamp rally around Shiobara Onsen. Shiobara Onsen boasts a history spanning over 1,200 years, and during the Meiji and Taisho periods, many literary figures, including Natsume Soseki and Ozaki Koyo, visited the area to soothe their bodies and minds. As a result, Shiobara Onsen boasts numerous literary monuments inscribed with poems and diary entries written in Shiobara. This tour allows visitors to experience the history and culture of Shiobara Onsen, beloved by Meiji-era literary figures, through the worldview of “Bungo and Alchemist.” This tour will bring new charm to Nasu-Shiobara, bringing it to fans and anyone interested in history and literature.

Boasting a history spanning more than 1,200 years since its founding, Shiobara Onsen is a place where numerous literary figures, including Natsume Soseki, Ozaki Koyo, and Yosano Tekkan and Akiko, have soothed their bodies and minds and inspired their creative endeavors. The poems and diaries they left behind are still scattered throughout the hot spring resort as literary monuments, conveying the atmosphere of those days. The strong resonance between this local resource of a “holy hot spring resort where the souls of literary figures live on” and the theme of “Bungo and Alchemist,” which aims to preserve literature by reincarnating literary figures, led to the creation of this tie-up. The aim is for game fans to experience the deep history and culture of Nasu-Shiobara through a “pilgrimage” to places associated with the characters.

The most important base for this project is the Shiobara Monogatarikan, located in the heart of Shiobara Onsen. To commemorate the collaboration between the literary giant and Alchemist, a special exhibition will be held at the Shiobara Monogatarikan. The Shiobara Monogatarikan exhibits materials from the time about literary figures who visited Shiobara Onsen, mainly during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Inside the museum, a special exhibition will be held that brings together all the precious materials of the literary giants. It will feature a collection of items that have never been sold outside the museum, making it a must-see for anyone, even if you’re not a fan. Main exhibits: Furthermore, the study space, which is also the background of the key visual, is a faithful reproduction of the interior of the “Shiobara Monogatarikan.” It is a must-see for fans, as they can take commemorative photos in the same space as the characters. [Shiobara Monogatarikan Facility Information] • Opening hours: 8:30-18:00 • Admission fee: 300 yen for adults / 200 yen for children, people aged 65 and over, and people with disabilities

Visit the literary monuments located in Shiobara Onsen and collect all the stamps to receive a clear file with the same design as the key visual. •Period: Friday, March 20th, 2026 – Sunday, April 19th, 2026 •Participation Fee: Free [How to participate] 1. Obtain a stamp rally sheet distributed by the Nasu-Shiobara City Tourism Bureau, Shiobara Onsen Tourism Association, and other facilities. 2. Visit literary monuments with flags and collect stamps. 3. Show the sheet with all the stamps at the Nasu-Shiobara City Tourism Bureau or Shiobara Onsen Tourism Association to receive a clear file. • Exchange locations: Nasu-Shiobara City Tourism Bureau or Shiobara Onsen Tourism Association • Note: Limited to one per person.

Life-size panels will be installed at restaurants, tourist facilities, accommodations, etc. around Shiobara Onsen. Enjoy a stroll around the hot spring town while searching for your favorite characters. [Installed characters] Natsume Soseki, Tanizaki Junichiro, Shimazaki Toson, Muro Saisei, Ozaki Koyo, Kunikida Doppo, Koda Rohan, Tokutomi Roka, Saito Mokichi, Yosano Tekkan

Limited edition badges featuring the maple trees that are common around the “Red Suspension Bridge” featured in the key visual will be sold at restaurants, tourist facilities, accommodations, etc. around Shiobara Onsen.

Cafe Restaurant Yoto, located on the second floor of Shiobara Monogatarikan, will be offering a limited-time menu for the stamp rally, including non-alcoholic cocktails inspired by famous writers who visited Shiobara Onsen, a sweets set that Natsume Soseki loved, and special meals. When you order from the limited-time menu, you will receive a randomly selected limited-edition coaster as a gift. Some drinks are also available for takeout.