[Detective Conan] Kitahaku Town, Tōhaku District, Tottori Prefecture

【Detective Conan】Hokue Town, Tottori Prefecture

Hokue Town in Tottori Prefecture is known as the hometown of Gosho Aoyama, the author of the world-famous manga “Detective Conan,” and the entire town is wrapped in the worldview of Conan, making it a special place. With over 200,000 fans visiting annually, this town is truly a sacred site for Conan enthusiasts. This article provides detailed information about Conan-related spots in Hokue Town, access methods, and how to enjoy them.

What is Hokue Town in Tottori Prefecture? Basic Information about the Town of Conan

Overview of Hokue Town

Hokue Town (北栄町) is a town with a population of approximately 14,000 located in central Tottori Prefecture. It was born in 2005 through the merger of the former Hojo Town and former Daiei Town. Located along the Sea of Japan in a nature-rich area, it is also famous as a producer of sand dunes and watermelons.

The Relationship Between Gosho Aoyama and Hokue Town

Gosho Aoyama was born and raised in former Daiei Town (now Hokue Town) in 1963. From childhood, he aspired to be a manga artist, graduated from local elementary and middle schools, and then enrolled in the Faculty of Art at Nihon University. He made his manga debut in 1986 and began serializing “Detective Conan” in 1994.

With the deep affection for his hometown, Aoyama actively cooperates with Hokue Town as it develops town revitalization under the theme of “Conan’s Town.” Today, it has become a leading example of successful anime tourism in Japan.

Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: A Must-Visit Sacred Site for Conan Fans

About the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum

The “Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum” opened in March 2007 and is a memorial hall where visitors can experience the world of Aoyama’s works and the secrets of his creative process. Located approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Yura Station and at the end of Conan Street.

Basic Facility Information:

• Address: 1414 Yura-juku, Hokue Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)
• Closed: Open year-round (temporary closures may occur)
• Admission: Adults ¥700, Junior/Senior High Students ¥500, Elementary School ¥300, Preschoolers Free
• Parking: Free (approximately 50 regular vehicles)

Highlights Inside the Museum

1st Floor: The World of Gosho Aoyama

The first floor introduces Aoyama’s life and creative process. Visitors can see a recreation of his actual work studio, displays of original manuscripts, and his works from debut until “Detective Conan.”

Particularly noteworthy is the corner faithfully recreating the art supplies and desk layout that the teacher actually uses, offering a rare glimpse into a professional manga artist’s workspace.

2nd Floor: Experience the World of Conan

The second floor features interactive exhibits:

• Professor Agasa’s Invention Experience Corner: Visitors can actually experience inventions from the series such as turbo-powered roller skates and butterfly-shaped voice-changing bowtie
• Trick Experience Corner: Interactive exhibits where visitors can experience and solve tricks from the series
• Mystery-Solving Game: A game where visitors solve puzzles while touring the museum (separate fee)
• Conan Quiz: Touch-panel style quizzes to test your knowledge

Museum Shop

The shop inside sells numerous museum-exclusive merchandise. Products available only here are popular souvenirs. The selection includes limited-edition t-shirts, keychains, stationery, snacks, and more with abundant variety.

Special Exhibitions and Events

The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum hosts various special exhibitions and events throughout the year. There are planned exhibitions timed with theatrical releases, birthday events (Aoyama: June 21, Conan: May 4), and much more to discover on repeat visits.

We recommend checking the official website for the latest information before visiting.

Conan Street: 1.4km Pilgrimage Road

Overview of Conan Street

The approximately 1.4km route from JR Yura Station to the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum is called “Conan Street,” with various Conan objects and monuments installed along the way.

Major Monuments and Spots

Around JR Yura Station

• Conan Station (nickname for Yura Station): The station building itself is designed Conan-themed
• Conan Bridge: A pedestrian bridge in front of the station with Conan illustrations
• Conan Statue: A large bronze Conan statue in front of the station, a standard photo spot

Along Conan Street

Various monuments are scattered along the 1.4km street:

1. Character Bronze Statues: Over 20 bronze statues including Conan, Ran, Shinichi, Detective Boys members, and more
2. Conan’s House (Yonehana Shopping Street): Objects modeled after buildings from the series including Professor Agasa’s house and the Kudo residence
3. Detective Conan Stone Monument: A large stone sculpture is installed near Michi-no-Eki Daiei
4. Manhole Covers: Several Conan-designed manhole covers are installed

How to Walk Conan Street

Time Required: Approximately 20-30 minutes on foot one way, or 1.5-2 hours round trip including photo sessions and monument appreciation

Recommended Route:

1. Enjoy the Conan Station atmosphere at JR Yura Station
2. Take a memorial photo at the Conan statue in front of the station
3. Walk Conan Street photographing each monument
4. Visit the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum (1-2 hours)
5. Purchase souvenirs at Michi-no-Eki Daiei

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, umbrella or hat (summer), drinks

Michi-no-Eki Daiei: A Treasure Trove of Conan Goods

Facility Overview

Michi-no-Eki Daiei (nickname: Conan Village) is a roadside station adjacent to the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum.

Basic Information:

• Address: 1458-10 Yura-juku, Hokue Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (hours vary seasonally)
• Closed: Second Wednesdays (no closures in August), year-end and New Year holidays
• Parking: Free (approximately 100 regular vehicles)

Main Facilities

Conan Goods Shop

Hokue Town’s largest Conan goods sales floor carrying official merchandise to local exclusive items. Particularly popular are:

• Hokue Town Exclusive Goods: Original products available nowhere else
• Various Conan Merchandise: Figures, plushies, stationery, apparel
• Collaboration Products with Local Specialties: Conan-packaged Daiei watermelon products, local sake, and more

Restaurant and Café

A restaurant offering menus featuring Conan themes:

• Conan Curry: Popular menu with Conan’s face depicted in rice
• Phantom Thief Kid’s White Curry
• Conan Latte Art: The café also offers latte art
• Dishes Using Local Ingredients: Tottori beef, seafood, and more

Agricultural Produce Store

Fresh vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers are sold. Summer Daiei watermelons are nationally famous, characterized by their sweetness and crisp, juicy texture.

Other Conan Spots in Hokue Town

Conan Village Project

Hokue Town implements a “Conan Village Project” to showcase the Conan worldview throughout the entire town.

Conan Decorations Throughout Town

• Street Lights: Street lights along Conan Street feature character illustrations
• Vending Machines: Multiple Conan-designed vending machines are installed
• Bus Stops: Bus stops decorated with Conan characters
• Mailboxes: Conan-designed postboxes are also available

Conan Station (JR Yura Station)

Station Features

JR Yura Station, nicknamed “Conan Station” in 2013, is entirely Conan-themed:

• Station Name Plate: “Conan Station” label with Conan illustration
• Departure Melody: “Detective Conan Main Theme” plays
• Waiting Room: Decorated with Conan illustrations and displays
• Commemorative Stamp: An original Conan Station stamp is available

Facilities Around the Station

Near the station are Conan’s House (object) and a Conan statue, with a tourist information center also available. Rental bicycles are available, allowing visitors to tour Conan Street by bike.

Hokue Mirai Transmission Museum (Hokue Town Library)

Located along Conan Street, this library has an extensive Conan-related book corner. Available for free use, visitors can also read Conan manga.

Access to Hokue Town

Access by Train

From Tokyo

1. Shinkansen + Express Route

• Tokyo Station → (Shinkansen) → Okayama Station → (Limited Express Super Inaba) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local Train) → Yura Station
• Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥20,000~

1. Airplane + Bus/Train Route

• Haneda Airport → Tottori Airport → (Bus) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local Train) → Yura Station
• Time: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥25,000~ (cheaper with early booking)

From Osaka/Kansai

1. Express Route

• Osaka Station → (Limited Express Super Hakuto) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local Train) → Yura Station
• Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥6,000~

1. Highway Bus Route

• Osaka/Kobe → (Highway Bus) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local Train) → Yura Station
• Time: Approximately 4 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥4,000~

From JR Yura Station to Major Spots

• To Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: Approximately 20 minutes on foot, about 5 minutes by taxi
• To Michi-no-Eki Daiei: Approximately 20 minutes on foot
• Conan Street: From station to museum approximately 1.4km

Access by Car

Using Expressways

• From Osaka: Chugoku Expressway → Inshojo IC → National Route 179 → National Route 313 → Hokue Town (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
• From Okayama: Sanyo Expressway → Okayama IC → National Route 53 → National Route 313 → Hokue Town (approximately 2 hours)
• From Tottori City: Via National Route 9 (approximately 40 minutes)

Navigation Setting

• Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: 1414 Yura-juku, Hokue Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
• Michi-no-Eki Daiei: 1458-10 Yura-juku, Hokue Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture

Parking Information

• Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: Free parking for approximately 50 vehicles
• Michi-no-Eki Daiei: Free parking for approximately 100 vehicles
• JR Yura Station: Free parking available

Access by Bus

Take the “Hokujyo Line” bus from Kurayoshi Station to Yura Station Front. However, service is limited, so checking the timetable in advance is necessary.

Model Courses for Hokue Town Tourism

Day Trip Course (Time: Approximately 5-6 hours)

9:30 AM Arrival at JR Yura Station (Conan Station)

• Station viewing, memorial photo at Conan statue (30 minutes)

10:00 AM Stroll through Conan Street

• Walking while taking photos at each monument (40 minutes)

10:40 AM Visiting Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum

• Thorough appreciation of museum displays (1 hour 30 minutes)

12:10 PM Lunch at Michi-no-Eki Daiei

• Enjoy Conan-themed menu (1 hour)

1:10 PM Souvenir shopping at the roadside station

• Browse the goods shop and specialty product area (1 hour)

2:10 PM Return along Conan Street while photographing

• Photography at spots missed on the way there (40 minutes)

3:00 PM Departure from JR Yura Station

1 Night, 2 Days Course

Day 1

• Afternoon arrival in Hokue Town
• Leisurely visit to Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum
• Souvenir selection at the roadside station
• Stay at a hot spring inn in Kurayoshi City in the evening
• Tour of Kurayoshi Shirakabe Warehouse Group (Kurayoshi sightseeing spot)

Day 2

• Morning stroll through Conan Street
• Detailed photography at each monument
• Drive along Hokue Town coastline
• Visit nearby sightseeing areas like Tottori Sand Dunes

Family-Friendly Course

• Focus on experience corners at Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum
• Lunch with Conan-themed menu at the roadside station
• Tour Conan Street by rental bike (children’s bikes available)
• Rest at Hokue Town parks
• Souvenir shopping

Conan Goods and Souvenirs in Hokue Town

Limited Edition Goods

Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum Exclusive

• Original T-shirts (designs available only at the museum)
• Exclusive keychains
• Clear files
• Postcards
• Museum-exclusive figures

Hokue Town Exclusive

• Various Conan merchandise (available at Michi-no-Eki Daiei)
• Conan-designed local specialty products
• Exclusive sweets (cookies, crackers, chocolate, etc.)

Food and Local Products

Daiei Watermelon Products

Hokue Town’s specialty “Daiei Watermelon” products:

• Watermelon jelly
• Watermelon juice
• Watermelon jam
• Watermelon soda

Conan-Packaged Products

• Local sake “Detective Conan” series
• Conan-labeled sweets
• Collaboration products with Tottori Prefecture specialties

Tips for Souvenir Shopping

• Limited items early: Popular items may sell out
• Heavy items at the roadside station: Parking is convenient and close to cars
• Furusato tax return gifts: Hokue Town’s furusato tax allows selection of Conan merchandise

Precautions and Advice for Hokue Town Tourism

Recommended Visiting Seasons

Spring (March-May)

• Mild weather
• Cherry blossom season is particularly beautiful
• Golden Week is crowded

Summer (June-August)

• Daiei watermelon season
• Strong sunlight; sunscreen necessary
• Summer vacation brings family visitors

Autumn (September-November)

• Comfortable weather
• Prime tourism season
• Fall foliage also enjoyable

Winter (December-February)

• Relatively mild but windy days possible
• Fewer tourists allow leisurely viewing
• Seasonal winter events may occur

Tips to Avoid Crowds

• Weekday visits recommended
• Early morning (9:30-10:00 AM) is relatively quiet
• Golden Week, summer vacation, theatrical release periods are crowded
• Check official website for event information beforehand

Clothing and What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes: Conan Street is approximately 1.4km
• Camera/smartphone: Fully charged
• Umbrella/hat: Essential in summer
• Drinks: Especially in summer
• Eco-bag: For souvenir purchases

Combining with Nearby Tourism

Kurayoshi City (approximately 15 minutes by car)

• Shirakabe Warehouse Group: Sightseeing spot with preserved Edo-period townscape
• Kurayoshi Museum
• Fubuki Park

Tottori Sand Dunes (approximately 40 minutes by car)

• Japan’s largest sand dunes
• Sand Museum
• Camel riding experience

Misasa Onsen (approximately 30 minutes by car)

• World-class radon hot spring
• Day bathing available

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take?

Plan 1-2 hours for the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum, 1-2 hours for Conan Street tour, and 1 hour for shopping and dining at the roadside station, totaling 3-5 hours. For thorough enjoyment, we recommend allocating a half day to full day.

Can families with children enjoy it?

Very much so. The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum has many interactive exhibits designed to keep children engaged. Stroller entrance is possible, with nursing and changing facilities provided.

Is it okay on rainy days?

The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum is an indoor facility, so rain poses no problem. For Conan Street tours, an umbrella is necessary. Car-based touring minimizes weather impact.

Can photography be done freely?

Outdoor monuments and objects can be photographed freely. Some areas inside the museum have photography restrictions, but many display areas allow photography. Follow facility guidance.

Is English available?

The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum has English pamphlets, with some exhibit text in English. Many international fans visit.

Can pets accompany visitors?

Pets may accompany visitors on Conan Street outdoors, but the museum interior doesn’t allow pets (assistance dogs excluded).

Is wheelchair accessibility available?

The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum is barrier-free accessible with wheelchair entry. Elevators are equipped. Conan Street is basically flat and wheelchair-accessible for touring.

Can goods be purchased online?

Some merchandise is available through online shops, but most limited items can only be purchased on-site. We recommend purchasing thoroughly during your visit.

Summary: Fully Experience Conan’s World in Hokue Town

Hokue Town in Tottori Prefecture is a sacred site every Detective Conan fan must visit once. In this hometown of Gosho Aoyama, a special experience awaits where affection for the works and regional pride merge.

A profound understanding of the series at the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum, meetings with characters along Conan Street, purchasing exclusive merchandise, and enjoying local cuisine—all become unforgettable Hokue Town memories.

Accessibility is not particularly convenient, making the visit’s emotional impact all the more profound. While day trips from Tokyo or Osaka are possible, a 1-2 day stay combining regional sightseeing is recommended.

With the catchphrase “The truth is always one!” spend special time in Hokue Town where Conan’s world becomes reality. Surely, you’ll want to visit again and again.

Confirm latest information through Hokue Town Tourism Association and the official Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum website, plan your visit carefully, and fully enjoy the sacred site of Conan.