GeGeGe no Kitaro Tottori Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide | Mizuki Shigeru Road Complete Strategy Map
Sakaiminato City in Tottori Prefecture is known as the birthplace of Mizuki Shigeru, the creator of the nationally beloved anime “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” The “Mizuki Shigeru Road,” which stretches approximately 800 meters from Sakaiminato Station, is Japan’s largest-scale yokai theme park and a sacred site pilgrimage spot visited by countless fans every year.
This article provides detailed information about the must-visit sacred pilgrimage spots in Sakaiminato City for GeGeGe no Kitaro fans, along with efficient ways to explore them.
What is Mizuki Shigeru Road? The History and Charm of the Sacred Site
Mizuki Shigeru Road is a shopping street about 800 meters long that was born in 1993. Because Tottori’s Sakaiminato City is the birthplace of Mizuki Shigeru, the area was developed as part of local revitalization efforts.
Currently, 178 yokai bronze statues are installed on both sides of the street, welcoming visitors with characters from “GeGeGe no Kitaro” and legendary yokai from throughout Japan. The unique worldview created by the Showa retro townscape and yokai bronze statues is truly a mysterious space where reality and fantasy intersect.
Why Sakaiminato Became a Sacred Site
Mizuki Shigeru was born in Osaka Prefecture but spent his childhood in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture. His experiences in Sakaiminato had a major influence on his later works, particularly the yokai stories he heard from a woman in the neighborhood called “Nonnonbaa,” which became the foundation of Mizuki’s creative world.
From this deep connection, Sakaiminato has developed as the sacred site for Mizuki Shigeru’s works, especially “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” The entire town has been developed as a yokai world, making it a precious place for fans to immerse themselves in the world of the work.
Must-See! Complete Guide to 178 Yokai Bronze Statues
The main attraction of Mizuki Shigeru Road is undoubtedly the 178 yokai bronze statues. These statues are scattered from in front of Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall and are each intricately crafted.
Bronze Statues of Main Characters
Kitaro is, of course, the star of the road and is installed in multiple locations. Right after exiting Sakaiminato Station, there is a dignified standing statue of Kitaro that has become a standard souvenir photo spot.
Eyeball Father is small but has tremendous presence. It appears in various poses, including soaking in a rice bowl bath and riding on Kitaro’s shoulder.
Rat Man is popular for his comical expression and pose. The statue in the middle of the shopping street perfectly captures the cunning expression that is so characteristic of Rat Man.
Cat Girl is installed in various versions, from her cute form to her yokai form. It’s particularly popular as a photo spot among female fans.
Efficient Way to Tour the Bronze Statues
Viewing all 178 statues requires at least 2 to 3 hours. Here are some tips for touring efficiently:
- Proceed in one direction from Sakaiminato Station toward the Memorial Hall: Rather than going back and forth on both sides of the road, it’s more efficient to see one side on the way out and the other side on the way back.
- Utilize the stamp rally: A yokai stamp rally is conducted along Mizuki Shigeru Road. Stamp stations are placed at major spots, and using these as landmarks will help you avoid missing any.
- Consider the time of day for photography: Morning and late afternoon have good lighting for beautiful photos. Since midday attracts many tourists, early morning or late evening is recommended.
- Use the official map: Maps distributed at the tourist information center and station show the locations of all bronze statues.
Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall | Learn More About the Creative World
The Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall is located at the end of Mizuki Shigeru Road and is the highlight of the sacred site pilgrimage. As of 2024, it is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM) and operates year-round without closure.
Highlights of the Memorial Hall
Inside the museum, you can experience Mizuki Shigeru’s life and creative world.
The Mizuki World Exhibition displays original artwork from “GeGeGe no Kitaro” and other representative works, as well as yokai collections gathered by the teacher from around the world. The delicate brushwork of the original paintings has an impact that cannot be conveyed through printed materials.
The Tokiwa Apartment Recreation recreates the room of the legendary apartment Tokiwa where Mizuki lived in his younger days, allowing you to glimpse the origin of his creative work.
The Yokai Cave is a space modeled after a dark cave where various yokai appear. It’s an interactive exhibition that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
The Shop sells numerous museum-exclusive merchandise, making it ideal for purchasing souvenirs from your sacred site pilgrimage.
Tips for Visiting the Memorial Hall
- Time required: Allow 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to see everything thoroughly
- Crowded times: Weekends and holidays between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM are crowded; right after opening or before closing is recommended
- Photography: Some areas inside the museum are off-limits for photography, so pay attention to the signage
Yokai Shrine | Pray for Yokai Powers at This Power Spot
Located in the middle of Mizuki Shigeru Road is the Yokai Shrine, a rare shrine in Japan dedicated to yokai. Built in 2000, this shrine honors the spirits of yokai and is said to grant visitors yokai power (good fortune).
Characteristics of Yokai Shrine
The kami is a black granite stone standing over 3 meters tall in the form of a Hitsurei no Kinuta. The gigantic one-cloth-wood-cotton installed in place of a traditional torii gate exudes overwhelming presence.
Eyeball Father Purification Water features water flowing from an Eyeball Father statue, allowing visitors to purify themselves before prayer.
Yokai Ema are votive plaques decorated with various yokai designs where visitors can write wishes and offer them. Unique wishes like “Please grant me health like a yokai” and “Please watch over me like Eyeball Father” line the plaques.
Goshuin (shrine seals) are also bestowed, and limited designs are popular as souvenirs from your sacred site pilgrimage.
Method of Prayer
Prayer at Yokai Shrine follows the same etiquette as at regular shrines. However, in Sakaiminato style, it’s customary to pray to the yokai with affection, asking them to “grant me yokai powers.”
GeGeGe Yokai Paradise | Experience-Based Attractions
GeGeGe Yokai Paradise is an interactive yokai theme park located along Mizuki Shigeru Road. With various attractions both indoors and outdoors, it’s particularly popular with families.
Major Attractions
Yokai Plaza allows you to take commemorative photos with life-size yokai characters. Taking a souvenir photo in front of Kitaro’s house is the standard.
Yokai Maze is a thrilling attraction where you proceed through a dimly lit maze while encountering yokai.
Yokai Show is held mainly on weekends and is a participatory event where you can play yokai-exterminating games with Kitaro and friends.
Gourmet Corner offers yokai-themed foods like “Eyeball Father’s Buns” and “Yokai Ramen.”
Kappa Fountain | Perfect as a Rest Stop
The “Kappa Fountain” is an ideal resting spot during a stroll along Mizuki Shigeru Road. This small park features bronze statues of kappa and other water-dwelling yokai arranged around it.
The plaza centered on the fountain has benches where you can recover from the fatigue of your stroll. Especially in summer, the sound of the water provides a sense of coolness.
Shops selling yokai merchandise and cafes are concentrated around the Kappa Fountain, so you can enjoy shopping while taking a break.
Yokai Shop Tour | Acquire Sacred Site Exclusive Merchandise
Numerous yokai shops line Mizuki Shigeru Road, each selling their own unique yokai merchandise, making it fun to search for sacred site pilgrimage souvenirs.
Recommended Shops
Yokai Shop Ge-Ge-Ge is the largest merchandise shop on Mizuki Shigeru Road. It carries a wide range of goods from standard merchandise like T-shirts, key chains, and plushies to limited editions.
Yokai Food Research Institute is popular for edible yokai merchandise like “Eyeball Father Buns” and “Yokai Crackers.” Many items have long shelf lives, making them ideal souvenirs.
Yokai Shrine Granting Office sells shrine items like amulets and goshuin notebooks, with limited items available only here.
Target Limited Merchandise
- Seasonal limited items: New limited merchandise featuring different seasons appears throughout the year.
- Event limited items: Limited merchandise is sold only during special events like the Yokai Certification Exam.
- Store original items: Each shop plans its own unique products that can only be purchased at that shop.
Sakaiminato Station | The Starting Point of Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage
JR Sakaiminato Station is the starting point for sacred site pilgrimage along Mizuki Shigeru Road. The station itself is affectionately known as “Kitaro Station” and the entire station building is yokai-themed.
Highlights of Sakaiminato Station
The station exterior is decorated with illustrations of Kitaro and is immediately recognizable from afar.
Inside the station building, Eyeball Father hangs from the ceiling, and yokai statues are installed in the waiting room, so the yokai world begins the moment you step out.
The station plaza features large statues of Kitaro and Eyeball Father, making them standard souvenir photo spots.
The tourism information desk provides maps of Mizuki Shigeru Road and the latest event information. This is a must-stop before beginning your sacred site pilgrimage.
Kitaro Train | Make Your Journey Part of the Sacred Site Experience
For access to Sakaiminato, the “Kitaro Train” on the JR Sakaiminato Line is recommended. This train, which connects Yonago Station to Sakaiminato Station, is wrapped entirely with yokai character designs.
Types of Kitaro Trains
Six types of yokai trains are currently in operation:
- Kitaro Train: Features the protagonist Kitaro
- Rat Man Train: Characterized by its yellow body
- Cat Girl Train: Cute pink-based design
- Eyeball Father Train: The entire car is Eyeball Father
- Nurikabe Train: White body with Nurikabe depicted
- Konaki Jiji Train: A subdued-atmosphere car
Which train you board is a matter of luck, but that’s part of the fun. The onboard announcements are also made by yokai characters, making the travel time part of the sacred site experience.
Yokai Station Names at Each Station
Each station on the JR Sakaiminato Line has nicknames based on yokai:
- Yonago Station: Rat Man Station
- Fujimichō Station: Umbrella Monster Station
- Gotō Station: Dorotabo Station
- Sakaiminato Station: Kitaro Station
and so on, with all 16 stations named after yokai.
Annual Event Calendar
Various events are held throughout the year along Mizuki Shigeru Road.
Major Events
Yokai Certification Exam (once a year, around March): A certification test covering knowledge of Mizuki Shigeru’s works and yokai. Successful applicants receive limited merchandise.
Mizuki Shigeru Birthday Festival (around March 8): An event commemorating Mizuki Shigeru’s birthday. Special exhibitions and limited merchandise sales are held.
Yokai Bon Odori (August): As a summer tradition, you can enjoy bon dancing with yokai.
Halloween Yokai Parade (October): Participants in costumes parade along Mizuki Shigeru Road.
Yokai Illumination (November to January): During the winter season, Mizuki Shigeru Road is lit up with fantastical illuminations.
Access Information and Time Required
How to Get to Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture
By Plane:
- About 15 minutes by car from Yonago Kitaro Airport to Sakaiminato city center
- About 45 minutes by airport shuttle bus to Sakaiminato Station
By Train:
- About 45 minutes on the Sakaiminato Line from JR Yonago Station to Sakaiminato Station
- About 2 hours on the Limited Express Yakumo from Okayama Station to Yonago Station, then transfer to the Sakaiminato Line
By Car:
- About 30 minutes from Yonago IC on the Yonago Expressway
- Multiple parking lots around Mizuki Shigeru Road (paid and free mixed)
Time Required for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Minimum Course (2-3 hours):
- Stroll through Mizuki Shigeru Road + Photograph main bronze statues
Standard Course (4-5 hours):
- Mizuki Shigeru Road + Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall + Yokai Shrine + Shopping
Full Experience Course (6-8 hours):
- All of the above + GeGeGe Yokai Paradise + Dining + Complete all bronze statue collection
Best Season for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Mizuki Shigeru Road is enjoyable year-round, but each season offers different charms.
Spring (March to May):
- Mild weather is ideal for strolling
- Mizuki Shigeru Birthday Festival is held
- Cherry blossom season allows you to enjoy surrounding attractions as well
Summer (June to August):
- Summer events like Yokai Bon Odori are plentiful
- Strong sunshine makes hats or parasols essential
- Evening strolls to cool off are recommended
Autumn (September to November):
- The most comfortable season
- Halloween events bring excitement
- Fall foliage season allows enjoyment of surrounding attractions
Winter (December to February):
- Yokai Illumination is fantastical
- Relatively fewer tourists, allowing leisurely viewing
- Warm clothing is essential
Nearby Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
In addition to Mizuki Shigeru Road, there are other sacred site pilgrimage spots in Sakaiminato.
Ruins of Mizuki Shigeru’s Childhood Home
A memorial stone marks the site of the house where Mizuki Shigeru spent his childhood. Located about 10 minutes on foot from Mizuki Shigeru Road, it’s a place to feel the origin of his works.
Nonnonbaa’s Grave
The grave of “Nonnonbaa,” the woman who told young Mizuki yokai stories, is also in Sakaiminato. It’s an essential spot for tracing the roots of Mizuki’s works.
Miho Shrine
In Mihoseki, adjacent to Sakaiminato, stands Miho Shrine, the head shrine of Ebisu. It’s said that Mizuki Shigeru visited here, and the place exudes a mystical atmosphere.
Advance Preparation to Enrich Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Packing Checklist
- Camera/Smartphone: Essential for memorial photos with bronze statues
- Charger/Mobile battery: Photography drains batteries quickly
- Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for walking over 800 meters
- Hat/Parasol (summer): Sun protection
- Warm clothing (winter): Wind is strong near the coast
- Eco-bag: For purchasing souvenirs
- Small coins: For vending machines and goshuin
Works to Watch Beforehand
To enjoy your sacred site pilgrimage even more, it’s recommended to watch the following works in advance:
- Anime “GeGeGe no Kitaro” (various series)
- “Nonnonbaa and Me” (a semi-autobiographical work by Mizuki Shigeru)
- Documentary programs about Mizuki Shigeru
Confirm Official Information
Before your visit, check the following official sites for the latest information:
- Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall official site
- Sakaiminato City Tourism Association site
- Mizuki Shigeru Road official SNS
Event information and temporary closure notices are updated regularly.
Accommodation Information and Sample Itineraries
Accommodations in Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato has a variety of lodging options from business hotels to hot spring inns. Some accommodations feature yokai-themed rooms, allowing you to enjoy the sacred site pilgrimage atmosphere until the end.
One-Night, Two-Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- 12:00 Arrive at Sakaiminato Station, souvenir photo with Kitaro Train
- 12:30 Begin strolling Mizuki Shigeru Road
- 14:00 Visit Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall
- 16:00 Pray at Yokai Shrine
- 17:00 Shopping
- 18:00 Check in at accommodation
- 19:00 Dinner with fresh seafood from Sakaiminato
Day 2:
- 9:00 Leave hotel
- 9:30 GeGeGe Yokai Paradise
- 11:00 Photograph bronze statues you may have missed
- 12:00 Lunch with yokai food
- 13:30 Final souvenir shopping
- 14:30 Depart from Sakaiminato Station
Gourmet Information | Enjoy Yokai Food
Many restaurants themed around yokai are located near Mizuki Shigeru Road.
Recommended Cuisine
Yokai Ramen: Ramen with Eyeball Father floating in it and other visually entertaining dishes.
Yokai Burger: Green-bun Kitaro burgers are popular.
Eyeball Father Bun: Japanese sweets that have become famous as Sakaiminato specialties. Available both warm and cold.
Yokai Curry: Unique curries like the black-roux “Nurikabe Curry” can be enjoyed.
Seafood Donburi: Since Sakaiminato is a fishing port, fresh seafood dishes are superb. Definitely enjoy them alongside yokai cuisine.
Conclusion | Maximize Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage Experience
Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, is a sacred site that every “GeGeGe no Kitaro” fan should visit at least once in their lifetime. There are countless attractions including 178 yokai bronze statues, the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall, Yokai Shrine, and GeGeGe Yokai Paradise.
Key points for a successful sacred site pilgrimage are:
- Prepare thoroughly: Check official sites for the latest information and preview the works you want to see
- Allow plenty of time: Spend at least half a day, ideally a full day exploring leisurely
- Consider the season and events: Choose a time suited to your interests
- Don’t forget souvenirs: Take home limited merchandise and goshuin seals as mementos
- Enjoy nearby attractions as well: The local seafood cuisine in Sakaiminato and attractions like Mihoseki are equally worthwhile
At Sakaiminato, where yokai await, have a special experience where reality and fantasy intersect. In the hometown that Mizuki Shigeru loved, a unique time immersed in his creative world is surely waiting for you.
