Chikuwan of Hinagu: The Coolest Hot-Spring Mascot You’ve Never Met (Yet)

If Japanese mascots (yuru-chara) had personalities like anime characters, Chikuwan (ちくワン) would be the low-key, reliable hero that everyone secretly roots for. And as of 2024, that secret is out—he officially won the Yuru-verse Grand Prix, crowning him the top mascot in Japan.

As the official face of Hinagu Onsen in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, Chikuwan isn’t trying to be the loudest character in the room. He doesn’t rely on stunts or bright neon colors. Instead, he embodies the very spirit of the town he represents: cozy, historic, and effortlessly cool.

The Story Behind the Design: Fish Cakes and Wordplay

At first glance, Chikuwan might just look like a friendly dog with a unique shape. However, his design is a clever nod to local culinary culture.

• The Inspiration: He is modeled after Chikuwa, the tube-shaped fish cake that has been a Hinagu specialty for centuries.
• The Name: His name is a playful portmanteau of "Chikuwa" and "Wan" (the Japanese onomatopoeia for a dog’s bark).
• The Stats: Standing exactly "4 chikuwa tall" and created in 2015, he is a design choice that is weird, smart, and distinctly Japanese.

A Mascot That Matches the Atmosphere

Hinagu Onsen is one of the oldest hot spring areas in Kumamoto Prefecture. Founded in 1409, it has served as a healing retreat for over 600 years, even hosting the feudal lords of the Hosokawa clan. A loud, hyperactive mascot would feel out of place here.

Instead, the town leaned into "local legend" energy. Chikuwan feels like the quiet NPC in a video game who knows all the town's secrets. With his soft colors and calm expression, he represents the "slow life" appeal of the region: warm baths, local food, and community connection.

Why Chikuwan Resonates (The Vibe Check)

In a country saturated with high-energy mascots fighting for viral fame, Chikuwan stands out by doing the opposite. He isn't a superhero; he is a vibe mascot.

He captures the feeling of a cozy town rather than a chaotic theme park. This "quiet luxury" approach is backed by numbers: Hinagu Onsen Station sees an average of only about 78 passengers per day. Seeing Chikuwan on a local towel or poster evokes a specific emotion: safety. He signals to travelers that they have arrived in a place where they can finally relax—a sentiment shared by famous haiku poet Santoka Taneda, who once wrote of Hinagu: "The hot springs are good... I don't ever want to leave."

Travel Tips: Visiting Hinagu Onsen

If Chikuwan has convinced you to visit this historic onsen town, here is how to make the most of your trip:

1. Eat the Chikuwa: You cannot visit Chikuwan’s home without trying fresh, grilled chikuwa. Look for the "skin-on" variety, famous for its crispy texture.
2. Soak in History: Visit the Banpeiyu public bath or stay in a traditional ryokan. The water is weakly alkaline, known for soothing nerve pain and fatigue.
3. Getting There: Hinagu Onsen is accessible via the Hisatsu Orange Railway. It is a scenic ride that perfectly matches the slow-travel mood.