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

Tottori Prefecture’s Hokuei Town is known as the birthplace of Gosho Aoyama, the author of the world-renowned manga “Detective Conan,” and is a special place wrapped in Conan’s world view throughout the entire town. With over 200,000 fans visiting annually, this town is truly a sacred site for Conan fans. This article provides detailed information about Conan-related spots in Hokuei Town, access methods, and ways to enjoy them.

What is Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture? Basic Information About Conan’s Town

Overview of Hokuei Town

Hokuei Town (Hokuei-cho) is a town of approximately 14,000 people located in central Tottori Prefecture. It was created in 2005 through the merger of the former Hokjo Town and former Daiei Town. Facing the Sea of Japan, it is a naturally rich area famous as the production region for sand dunes and watermelons.

Relationship Between Gosho Aoyama Sensei and Hokuei Town

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

With the cooperation of Aoyama Sensei, who has deep affection for his hometown, Hokuei Town has developed as “Conan’s Town” for regional revitalization. It has now become a successful example of anime tourism representing 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 Aoyama Sensei’s artistic world and the secrets of his creative process. Located approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Yura Station and at the end of Conan Street.

Facility Basic Information:

• Address: 1414 Yura-Juku, Hokuei Town, Togo District, Tottori Prefecture
• Hours: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)
• Closed: Open year-round (temporary closures possible)
• Admission: Adults ¥700, Middle/High School ¥500, Elementary School ¥300, Preschool Free
• Parking: Free (approximately 50 regular vehicles)

Highlights of the Museum

1st Floor: The World of Gosho Aoyama

The 1st floor introduces Aoyama Sensei’s life and creative process. Visitors can see a recreation of his actual work room, displays of original manuscripts, and his body of work from his debut to “Detective Conan.”

Particularly noteworthy is a corner that faithfully recreates the art supplies and desk arrangement actually used by the sensei. It’s a valuable exhibition offering a glimpse into a professional manga artist’s workspace.

2nd Floor: Experience the World of Conan

The 2nd floor features interactive exhibits:

• Professor Agasa’s Invention Experience Corner: Experience actual inventions from the series such as the Turbo Engine skateboard and bow tie-shaped voice-changing device
• Trick Experience Corner: Interactive exhibits where visitors can experience and solve tricks from the series
• Mystery-Solving Game: A game where visitors solve mysteries while exploring the museum (additional fee required)
• Conan Quiz: A touchscreen quiz to test your knowledge

Museum Shop

The museum shop sells numerous Hometown Museum exclusive merchandise. Items available only here are particularly popular, making them perfect as souvenirs. The lineup includes limited T-shirts, keychains, stationery, and snacks.

Special Exhibitions and Events

The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum hosts various special exhibitions and events throughout the year. These include exhibitions timed to theatrical releases and birthday events (Aoyama Sensei: June 21, Conan: May 4). There’s always something new to discover no matter how many times you visit.

It’s recommended to check the official website for the latest information before visiting.

Conan Street: A 1.4 km Sacred Site Pilgrimage Road

Overview of Conan Street

The approximately 1.4 km 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.

Main Monuments and Spots

Around JR Yura Station

• Conan Station (Yura Station’s nickname): The station building itself is designed in Conan style
• Conan Bridge: A pedestrian overpass in front of the station with Conan illustrations
• Conan Statue: A large bronze statue of Conan installed in front of the station. A classic spot for commemorative photos

Along Conan Street

Along the 1.4 km street, monuments include:

1. Character Bronze Statues: Over 20 bronze statues depicting Conan, Ran, Shinichi, Detective Boys members, and others
2. Conan’s House (Yonehana Shopping Street): Objects modeled after buildings appearing in the series, such as Professor Agasa’s house and the Kudo residence
3. Detective Conan Stone Statue: A large stone statue near Daiei Station
4. Manhole Covers: Multiple manhole covers with Conan designs are installed

How to Walk Conan Street

Time Required: Approximately 20–30 minutes one way on foot; with photo stops and monument viewing, allow 1.5–2 hours round trip

Recommended Route:

1. Enjoy the atmosphere of Conan Station at JR Yura Station
2. Take commemorative photos at the station-front Conan statue
3. Walk Conan Street while photographing each monument
4. Tour the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum (1–2 hours)
5. Purchase souvenirs at Daiei Station

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

Daiei Station: A Treasure Trove of Conan Merchandise

Facility Overview

Daiei Station (nickname: Conan’s Village) is a roadside station adjacent to the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum.

Basic Information:

• Address: 1458-10 Yura-Juku, Hokuei Town, Togo District, Tottori Prefecture
• Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (hours vary seasonally)
• Closed: 2nd Wednesday (open year-round in August), New Year’s
• Parking: Free (approximately 100 regular vehicles)

Main Facilities

Conan Merchandise Shop

Hokuei Town’s largest Conan merchandise sales floor offers a wide variety of official products and local limited items. Popular items include:

• Hokuei Town Limited Merchandise: Exclusive products available only here
• Various Conan Goods: Figures, plushies, stationery, apparel
• Local Specialty Collaboration Products: Daiei watermelon products in Conan packaging, local sake, and more

Restaurants and Cafes

Restaurants serving Conan-themed menus:

• Conan Curry: A popular menu item with Conan’s face drawn in rice
• Phantom Thief Kid’s White Curry
• Conan Latte Art: Cafes offer latte art as well
• Local Cuisine: Tottori beef, fresh seafood, and other regional dishes

Agricultural Products Direct Sales Shop

Fresh vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers are sold here. Particularly famous in summer are Daiei watermelons, known throughout the country for their sweetness and crisp texture.

Other Conan Spots in Hokuei Town

Conan’s Village Project

Hokuei Town implements a “Conan’s Village Project” that creates the Conan world view throughout the entire town.

Conan Decorations at Various Locations in Town

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

Conan Station (JR Yura Station)

Station Features

JR Yura Station, which was given the nickname “Conan Station” in 2013, has Conan theming throughout:

• Station Sign: Features “Conan Station” marking and Conan illustrations
• Departure Melody: The “Detective Conan Main Theme” plays
• Waiting Room: Decorated with Conan illustrations and displays
• Commemorative Stamp: Visitors can stamp a Conan Station original stamp

Facilities Around the Station

In front of the station are Conan’s House (object) and Conan statue, with a tourist information center also established. Bicycle rentals are available, and you can also tour Conan Street by bicycle.

Hokuei Mirai Transmission Museum (Hokuei Town Library)

Located along Conan Street, this library has an extensive Conan-related book section. It’s free to use and you can read Conan manga as well.

Access Methods to Hokuei Town

Access by Train

From the Tokyo Area

1. Shinkansen + Limited Express Route

• Tokyo Station → (Shinkansen) → Okayama Station → (Limited Express Super Inaba) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local train) → Yura Station
• Time Required: Approximately 5–6 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥20,000 and up

1. Airplane + Bus/Train Route

• Haneda Airport → Tottori Airport → (Bus) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local train) → Yura Station
• Time Required: Approximately 3–4 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥25,000 and up (less with early discount)

From Osaka/Kansai Area

1. Limited Express Route

• Osaka Station → (Limited Express Super Hakuto) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local train) → Yura Station
• Time Required: Approximately 3 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥6,000 and up

1. Highway Bus Route

• Osaka/Kobe → (Highway bus) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local train) → Yura Station
• Time Required: Approximately 4 hours
• Cost: Approximately ¥4,000 and up

From JR Yura Station to Main Attractions

• To Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: Approximately 20 minutes on foot, 5 minutes by taxi
• To Daiei Station: Approximately 20 minutes on foot
• Conan Street: Approximately 1.4 km from station to museum

Access by Car

Using Highways

• From Osaka Area: Chugoku Expressway → Inshoji IC → Route 179 → Route 313 → Hokuei Town (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
• From Okayama Area: Sanyo Expressway → Okayama IC → Route 53 → Route 313 → Hokuei Town (approximately 2 hours)
• From within Tottori City: Via Route 9 in approximately 40 minutes

Navigation Settings

• Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: 1414 Yura-Juku, Hokuei Town, Togo District, Tottori Prefecture
• Daiei Station: 1458-10 Yura-Juku, Hokuei Town, Togo District, Tottori Prefecture

Parking Information

• Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: Free parking for approximately 50 vehicles
• Daiei Station: Free parking for approximately 100 vehicles
• JR Yura Station: Free parking available

Access by Bus

Take the route bus “Hokjo Line” from Kurayoshi Station to Yura Station. However, buses are limited, so check the schedule in advance.

Model Courses for Sightseeing in Hokuei Town

Day Trip Course (Duration: Approximately 5–6 Hours)

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

• View station building and take commemorative photos at Conan statue (30 minutes)

10:00 AM Stroll along Conan Street

• Walk while taking photos at various monuments (40 minutes)

10:40 AM Tour Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum

• Carefully view exhibits (1 hour 30 minutes)

12:10 PM Lunch at Daiei Station

• Enjoy Conan-themed menu (1 hour)

1:10 PM Purchase souvenirs at Daiei Station

• Browse merchandise shop and specialty products (1 hour)

2:10 PM Return along Conan Street while photographing

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

3:00 PM Depart from JR Yura Station

1 Night 2 Days Course

Day 1

• Arrive in Hokuei Town in the afternoon
• Leisurely tour Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum
• Select souvenirs at Daiei Station
• In the evening, stay at a hot spring inn in Kurayoshi City
• Browse Kurayoshi Shirabe Kura-gun (a major tourist attraction in Kurayoshi City)

Day 2

• Walk along Conan Street in the morning
• Take photos at each monument
• Drive along the Hokuei Town coastline
• Visit nearby attractions such as Tottori Sand Dunes

Family-Friendly Course

• Focus on the experience areas at Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum
• Have lunch with Conan-themed menu at Daiei Station
• Tour Conan Street by rental bicycle (child bicycles available)
• Rest at parks in Hokuei Town
• Purchase souvenirs

Conan Merchandise and Souvenirs in Hokuei Town

Limited Merchandise

Exclusive to Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum

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

Hokuei Town Limited

• Various Conan merchandise (available at Daiei Station)
• Local specialty products with Conan design
• Limited sweets (cookies, crackers, chocolate, etc.)

Food and Local Specialties

Daiei Watermelon Products

Products made with “Daiei Watermelon,” a local specialty:

• Watermelon jelly
• Watermelon juice
• Watermelon jam
• Watermelon cider

Conan-Packaged Products

• Local sake “Detective Conan” series
• Candy with Conan labels
• Tottori Prefecture product collaborations

Tips for Souvenir Shopping

• Purchase limited items early: Popular products may sell out
• Buy heavy items at Daiei Station: Parking is nearby and convenient for loading into vehicles
• Hometown Tax Return Products: Conan merchandise is available as Hokuei Town hometown tax return benefits

Notes and Advice for Sightseeing in Hokuei Town

Recommended Visiting Periods

Spring (March–May)

• Mild climate
• Cherry blossoms are particularly beautiful
• Golden Week is crowded

Summer (June–August)

• Daiei watermelon season
• Strong sunlight requires sun protection
• Busy with families during summer vacation

Fall (September–November)

• Comfortable climate
• Best sightseeing season
• Autumn foliage is also enjoyable

Winter (December–February)

• Relatively mild but windy at times
• Few tourists allow for leisurely viewing
• Winter-limited events may occur

Tips to Avoid Crowds

• Weekday visits are recommended
• Just after opening (9:30–10:00 AM) is relatively quiet
• Golden Week, summer vacation, and theatrical release periods are crowded
• Check the official website beforehand for event information

Clothing and What to Bring

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

Combining with Nearby Attractions

Kurayoshi City (Approximately 15 Minutes by Car)

• Shirabe Kura-gun: A historic area with preserved Edo-period streetscape
• Kurayoshi Museum
• Uchifuki Park

Tottori Sand Dunes (Approximately 40 Minutes by Car)

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

Misasa Hot Spring (Approximately 30 Minutes by Car)

• World-class radon hot spring
• Day-trip bathing available

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does sightseeing take?

Plan for 1–2 hours for the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum, 1–2 hours for Conan Street exploration, and about 1 hour for shopping and meals at Daiei Station, totaling 3–5 hours. For thorough enjoyment, allocate a half day to a 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. Strollers are permitted, and nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities are available.

Is it okay if it rains?

The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum is an indoor facility, so rainy weather poses no problem. However, an umbrella is necessary for Conan Street exploration. If traveling by car, weather impact is minimal.

Can I take photos freely?

Outdoor monuments and objects are free to photograph. Some areas inside the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum have photography restrictions, though many areas allow photography. Follow the museum’s instructions.

Is English support available?

The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum has English pamphlets, and some exhibits have English labels. Many international fans visit.

Can pets accompany me?

Pets are allowed on outdoor Conan Street, but not inside the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum (service animals are exempt).

Can I sightsee in a wheelchair?

The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum is barrier-free and wheelchair accessible. An elevator is also equipped. Conan Street is basically flat, making wheelchair exploration possible.

Can I buy merchandise online?

Some products are available through online shops, but most limited items are only available in-person. Purchase thoroughly during your visit.

Summary: Enjoy the World of Conan in Hokuei Town

Hokuei Town in Tottori Prefecture is a must-visit sacred site for Detective Conan fans. In Aoyama Sensei’s hometown, you can experience a special encounter where affection for the work and regional pride blend together.

Deep understanding of the work at the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum, encounters with characters along Conan Street, purchasing limited merchandise, and enjoying local cuisine. All of these become cherished memories unique to Hokuei Town.

While access is not particularly convenient, this makes the experience all the more moving. Day trips from Tokyo or Osaka are possible, but a 1–2 night stay combined with nearby attractions is recommended.

Accompanied by the phrase “The truth is always one!” experience special time in Hokuei Town, where Conan’s world becomes reality. It will surely become a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Check the latest information on the Hokuei Town Tourism Association and Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum official websites, plan your visit carefully, and fully enjoy Conan’s sacred site.