“Mizuki Shigeru Road” in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, is one of Japan’s premier yokai spots created in the birthplace of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru. For fans of Mizuki’s works, including “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” this is truly a sacred site worth visiting. Stretching approximately 800 meters from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, the road features 178 yokai bronze statues that guide visitors into a mysterious world of yokai.
This article provides a thorough explanation of the attractions of Mizuki Shigeru Road. From how to encounter yokai that show different faces by day and night, to must-see spots and efficient ways to explore the area, we offer information to help you enjoy your pilgrimage to this sacred site to the fullest.
What is Mizuki Shigeru Road? Its History and Appeal as a Sacred Site
Background of Its Creation and Development History
Mizuki Shigeru Road was born in July 1993 (Heisei 5). This street was developed to embody the world of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, a native of Sakaiminato, and to revitalize the local area. It began with 23 yokai bronze statues, but as popularity grew, the number of statues increased year by year, expanding to 177 statues by 2018 (now 178).
In 2018, a large-scale renovation was implemented to commemorate the 25th anniversary, including barrier-free improvements, one-way traffic on the car lane, sidewalk expansion, and increased rest areas, making it more comfortable to enjoy encounters with the yokai.
Selected as an Anime Holy Site 88—An Internationally Popular Spot
In August 2017, it was selected as one of the “88 Anime Holy Sites in Japan You’d Want to Visit (2018 Edition)” by the Anime Tourism Association. It has garnered strong support from anime fans both domestically and internationally and is recognized as one of Japan’s premier anime tourism holy sites.
This area, centered around Honmachi, Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, is more than just a tourist destination—it’s a place where you can experience yokai from Mizuki Shigeru’s works as if they “actually exist,” truly deserving of the title of sacred site.
The Moment You Step Off Sakaiminato Station, You Enter the World of Yokai
The Yokai World Begins Immediately from the Station
The instant you step off JR Sakaiminato Station, you’re already entering the world of yokai. The station building itself is affectionately known as “Kitaro Station,” and familiar characters like Kitaro, Medama Oyaji, and Nezumi Otoko welcome you from within the station.
Multiple yokai bronze statues are already installed in the station plaza, making it an extremely popular photo spot. As you exit the station and head toward the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, you’ll begin encountering yokai appearing successively on both sides of the road.
A Story Woven by 178 Yokai Bronze Statues
The greatest attraction of Mizuki Shigeru Road is undoubtedly its 178 yokai bronze statues. These statues are made of black granite and are characterized by their meticulous craftsmanship. From main characters of “GeGeGe no Kitaro” to popular yokai like Ittan-momen, Sunakake-babaa, Konaki-jiji, and Nurikabe, as well as more niche yokai, all inhabitants of the Mizuki world are gathered here.
Each yokai bronze statue has an explanation plaque where you can learn about that yokai’s characteristics and folklore. Many visitors enjoy treasure-hunt-style searching to find and complete all the statues. Take your time walking the approximately 800-meter route back and forth, and savor the encounters with the yokai.
The Charm of Mizuki Shigeru Road: Changing Faces Between Day and Night
The Bustle of Daytime and the Yokai’s Expressions
During the day, Mizuki Shigeru Road bustles with families and tourists in the lively atmosphere of a shopping street. Under bright sunlight, the yokai bronze statues can be observed down to the finest details, allowing you to fully enjoy the characteristics of the yokai as drawn by Mizuki Shigeru.
Along the road, souvenir shops dealing in yokai merchandise and restaurants themed around yokai line the street, allowing you to enjoy shopping and cuisine as well. Both children and adults can experience yokai in a bright and fun way during the daytime.
The Fantastical World of Yokai Visible Only at Night
When darkness falls, Mizuki Shigeru Road reveals an entirely different face. Through nighttime illumination, the yokai bronze statues emerge like phantom silhouettes, enveloped in a mystical atmosphere different from daytime.
Particularly noteworthy are the yokai shadow images projected on the road. The shadows created by the angle of lighting create an illusion as if the yokai are coming to life. The nighttime Mizuki Shigeru Road is filled with mysterious charm that adults can savor, offering a different sacred site pilgrimage experience from daytime.
The special performances that appear only at night and the encounters with yokai found in the darkness are truly sensations like “encountering real yokai.” We recommend visiting both during the day and at night to experience both charms.
Complete Guide to Must-See Spots on Mizuki Shigeru Road
Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum: Deeply Understanding the Sensei’s World of Works
The “Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum,” located at the end of Mizuki Shigeru Road, is the most important spot in a sacred site pilgrimage. The museum features abundant exhibits filled with Mizuki Shigeru Sensei’s life, works, and philosophy about yokai, allowing you to deepen your understanding of the works.
With displays of original artwork, recreations of the Sensei’s workspace, and exhibits where you can experience the world of yokai, there’s plenty to see. Visiting the memorial museum will make the yokai on Mizuki Shigeru Road feel closer and more endearing. It’s a high-quality museum worth visiting regardless of whether you’re a fan.
Yokai Shrine: The Holy Site Within the Holy Site to Receive Yokai Power
The “Yokai Shrine” located within Mizuki Shigeru Road is a truly special spot that can be called the holy site within the holy site. With an Ittan-momen torii gate, Medama Oyaji’s purification water, and ema (votive plaques) with yokai depicted on them, this is a yokai-themed shrine unlike any other.
At the Yokai Shrine, you can draw a “yokai fortune” and receive messages from various yokai. Amulets and ema related to yokai are also popular, with many visitors purchasing them as mementos of their sacred site pilgrimage. Receive yokai power and wish for good fortune.
Kappa no Izumi (Kappa Spring): Encountering Water Yokai
“Kappa no Izumi” is a waterside spot within Mizuki Shigeru Road where bronze statues of kappa and other water yokai are arranged. The sound of flowing water combined with the presence of yokai creates a refreshing and mystical atmosphere.
Particularly in summer, it becomes a popular rest spot, with the coolness of the water’s edge and the mysterious allure of the yokai working together. With benches installed, it’s an ideal place to take a break while quietly gazing at the yokai.
Gegege no Yokai Rakuen: An Interactive Attraction Experience
“Gegege no Yokai Rakuen,” located along Mizuki Shigeru Road, is an interactive facility where you can engage more deeply with yokai. It features recreations of the yokai world, photo spots, and yokai merchandise sales—there’s plenty to enjoy.
It’s particularly popular with families with children, featuring corners where you can take commemorative photos with yokai and game corners themed around yokai. It can also be used as a rest spot when tired from walking Mizuki Shigeru Road.
Practical Guide for Mizuki Shigeru Road Pilgrimage
Access Methods and Time Required
Access by Train:
- Get off at JR Sakai Line “Sakaiminato Station”—immediately accessible
- Approximately 45 minutes from Yonago Station to Sakaiminato Station
- The Sakai Line vehicles themselves are character trains like the “Kitaro Train,” making the journey itself enjoyable
Access by Car:
- Approximately 40 minutes from “Yonago IC” on the Yonago Expressway
- Paid parking available in the area (parking spaces have been established after the renovation)
Time Required:
- About 30 minutes to walk one way while viewing bronze statues
- 1.5 to 2 hours walking back and forth while taking photos carefully
- Allow 3 to 4 hours to include visits to facilities like the memorial museum and Yokai Shrine
Efficient Ways to Explore and Recommended Routes
Basic Route:
- At Sakaiminato Station, first photograph the station building and yokai in front
- Head toward the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum while searching for bronze statues
- Stop at the Yokai Shrine along the way for worship and fortune-telling
- Take a short break at Kappa Spring
- Spend time at the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum immersed in the world of works
- On the return journey, walk along the opposite sidewalk to check for any missed yokai
- Purchase yokai merchandise and souvenirs at shops along the road
Tips for Completion Seekers:
- Obtain an official guide map (distributed at tourist information centers or the memorial museum)
- Mark found statues with your smartphone map app
- Visit early in the morning when there are fewer people for easier photography
- Viewing all 178 statues may require 2-3 round trips
Best Seasons and What to Wear When Visiting
Recommended Seasons:
- Spring (March-May): Comfortable weather ideal for strolling
- Autumn (September-November): Cool and pleasant; autumn foliage can also be enjoyed
- Summer (June-August): Hot, but summer vacation season with many events. Umbrella or hat is essential
- Winter (December-February): Cold, but fewer tourists allow for a more peaceful experience
Clothing Tips:
- Comfortable sneakers are essential (for walking the approximately 800-meter round trip plus frequent stops)
- In summer, don’t forget sun protection and hydration
- In winter, prepare proper cold-weather gear (windy as it’s near the coast)
- In rainy weather, a raincoat is more convenient than an umbrella (keeps both hands free for photography)
Souvenirs and Dining: A Yokai-Filled Shopping Experience
Souvenir Shops With Yokai Merchandise
Numerous unique souvenir shops themed around yokai line Mizuki Shigeru Road. Offering everything from Kitaro and Medama Oyaji plush toys, yokai T-shirts, yokai stationery, and yokai food products—limited edition goods available nowhere else are abundant.
Particularly popular items include:
- “Medama Oyaji Manjū” (Eyeball Father steamed buns)
- Yokai-designed keychains and straps
- Postcards and reproduction paintings using Mizuki Shigeru Sensei’s original artwork
- Wooden carved yokai figurines and ornaments
As a memento of your sacred site pilgrimage, find your favorite yokai merchandise.
Restaurants Themed Around Yokai
Restaurants along the road offer unique menus themed around yokai.
Popular Menu Items:
- Medama Oyaji Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard)
- Yokai Ramen
- Kitaro Curry
- Various yokai sweets
- Fresh seafood from local Sakaiminato (also available in yokai-motif presentations)
Dishes served with yokai-motif plating and dishware allow you to enjoy both taste and appearance. The meal itself becomes part of your sacred site pilgrimage—a special experience.
Surrounding Tourist Spots and Combined Plans
Tottori Sand Dunes Tour
Located approximately 50 minutes by car from Mizuki Shigeru Road, “Tottori Sand Dunes,” one of Japan’s largest sand dunes, is Tottori Prefecture’s other major tourist attraction. A popular one-day tour plan combines this with the adjacent “Sand Museum.”
Spend the morning encountering yokai on Mizuki Shigeru Road, then enjoy the grand natural scenery of Tottori Sand Dunes in the afternoon—experiencing contrasting charms in a single day.
Miho Shrine and Miho Cape Lighthouse
Located in Mihoseki, adjacent to Sakaiminato, are “Miho Shrine,” the head shrine of Ebisu, and “Miho Cape Lighthouse,” selected as one of Japan’s 50 Best Lighthouses. Approximately 20 minutes by car from Mizuki Shigeru Road and easily accessible.
You can enjoy shrine visits and scenic coastal drives—we recommend this as a refined adult tour course.
Overnight at Kaike Hot Spring
“Kaike Hot Spring” in Yonago is located approximately 30 minutes by car from Mizuki Shigeru Road and is a premier hot spring resort in the San’in region. Offering open-air baths overlooking the Japan Sea and dishes made with fresh seafood.
For those wanting to enjoy Mizuki Shigeru Road both day and night, we recommend a two-day sacred site pilgrimage plan with accommodation at Kaike Hot Spring.
Things to Know Before Visiting Mizuki Shigeru Road
Etiquette and Precautions
- Handle bronze statues gently when touching: Many people touch them, so handle with care to prevent deterioration
- Remember this is a shopping street: It’s also a residential street for locals, so avoid loud noise and blocking the road
- Be mindful of surroundings when photographing: Confirm your surroundings before photographing to avoid bothering other tourists or passersby
- Always take trash with you or dispose in designated areas: Show environmental consideration to maintain this beautiful sacred site
Stamp Rallies and Special Events
Various events are held seasonally at Mizuki Shigeru Road.
- Yokai Stamp Rally: Collect stamps at multiple spots to receive commemorative items
- Halloween Events: October features special yokai decorations and cosplay events
- Summer Yokai Night: Summer-exclusive special nighttime illumination
- Mizuki Shigeru Sensei’s Birthday Events: Special projects may be held around March 8
Checking the official website for event information before your visit allows for an even more fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage.
Conclusion: Experiencing a True Sacred Site Pilgrimage at Mizuki Shigeru Road
Mizuki Shigeru Road transcends a mere tourist destination—it is a true sacred site for fans. The approximately 800-meter road lined with 178 yokai bronze statues embodies the very world of yokai that Mizuki Shigeru Sensei spent his lifetime depicting.
From the moment you step off Sakaiminato Station, encounters with yokai begin. The fantastical atmosphere that shows different faces by day and night, deepened understanding of the works at the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, special experiences at the Yokai Shrine—all these combine to create a uniquely irreplaceable sacred site pilgrimage experience.
Visit Tottori Prefecture’s Sakaiminato, immerse yourself in the world of “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” and encounter the yokai that Mizuki Shigeru Sensei loved. This journey will reaffirm your love for his works and be filled with new discoveries and emotions.
Please take your time to experience both day and night, and enjoy encounters with all 178 yokai. Mizuki Shigeru Road is a profound sacred site where new discoveries await no matter how many times you visit.
