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

【Detective Conan】Hokuei Town (Hokuei Town, Tōhaku District, Tottori Prefecture)

Hokuei Town in Tottori Prefecture is known as the birthplace of Gosho Aoyama, the creator of the world-renowned manga “Detective Conan,” and the entire town is wrapped in Conan’s world view as a special place. 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 (Hokueicho) is a town with a population of about 14,000 located in central Tottori Prefecture. It was born in 2005 from the merger of the former Hokujō Town and former Taiei Town. Located on the Sea of Japan coast, this natural and rich region is also famous as a producer of sand dunes and watermelons.

Relationship between Gosho Aoyama and Hokuei Town

Gosho Aoyama was born and raised in the former Taiei Town (now Hokuei Town) in 1963. From childhood, he aspired to be a manga artist, and after graduating from local elementary and junior high schools, he enrolled in Nihon University’s College of Art. He debuted as a manga artist in 1986 and began serializing “Detective Conan” in 1994.

With the cooperation of Aoyama, who has deep feelings for his hometown, Hokuei Town has developed town revitalization as “Conan’s Town.” Today, it has become a successful example of anime tourism representing Japan.

Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan: Sacred Site for Conan Fans

What is Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan?

“Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan,” which opened in March 2007, is a memorial hall where you can experience Aoyama’s works and the secrets of his creation. Located about a 20-minute walk from JR Yura Station, at the end of Conan Street.

Facility Basic Information:

• Address: 1414 Yura-juku, Hokuei Town, Tōhaku District, Tottori Prefecture
• Opening Hours: 9:30–17:30 (Last admission 17:00)
• Closed: Open year-round (temporary closures possible)
• Admission Fee: Adults 700 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 500 yen, Elementary School Students 300 yen, Preschool Free
• Parking: Free (approximately 50 standard vehicles)

Highlights of the Museum

1st Floor: The World of Gosho Aoyama

The first floor introduces Aoyama’s life and creative process. You can see a recreation of his actual work room, original manuscript displays, and his works from debut to “Detective Conan.”

Particularly noteworthy is the corner that faithfully recreates the art supplies and desk arrangement actually used by the artist. It’s a valuable display where you can catch a glimpse of a professional manga artist’s workspace.

2nd Floor: Experience the World of Conan

The second floor features abundant interactive displays:

• Professor Agasa’s Invention Experience Corner: You can actually experience inventions that appear in the work, such as a turbo engine-equipped skateboard and bowtie-shaped voice-changing device
• Trick Experience Corner: Participatory exhibits where you can experience and solve tricks from the series
• Mystery-Solving Game: A game where you solve mysteries while touring the museum (separate fee)
• Conan Quiz: Test your knowledge with touchscreen quizzes

Museum Shop

The museum shop sells numerous furusato-kan exclusive goods. Products available only here are popular, making them perfect souvenirs. Limited T-shirts, keychains, stationery, candy, and more offer a wide variety.

Special Exhibitions and Events

Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan hosts various special exhibitions and events throughout the year. Planned exhibits tied to movie releases, birthday events (Aoyama: June 21, Conan: May 4), and more mean new discoveries with every visit.

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

Conan Street: A 1.4 km Sacred Pilgrimage Road

Overview of Conan Street

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

Main Monuments and Spots

Around JR Yura Station

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

Along Conan Street

Along the 1.4 km street, monuments like the following are scattered:

1. Character Bronze Statues: Over 20 bronze statues are installed, including Conan, Ran, Shinichi, and the Detective Boys members
2. Conan’s House (Yonehana Shopping Street): Objects modeled after buildings that appear in the work, such as Professor Agasa’s house and the Kudo residence
3. Detective Conan Stone Statue: Large stone statues are also installed near the Michi-no-Eki Taiei
4. Manhole Covers: Multiple Conan-designed manhole covers are installed

How to Walk Conan Street

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

Recommended Route:

1. Enjoy the atmosphere of Conan Station at JR Yura Station
2. Commemorative photo at the station’s Conan statue
3. Take photos at each monument while walking Conan Street
4. Visit Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan (1–2 hours)
5. Purchase souvenirs at Michi-no-Eki Taiei

Items to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, parasol or hat (summer), drinks

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

Facility Overview

Michi-no-Eki Taiei (nickname: Conan no Sato) is a roadside station adjacent to Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan.

Basic Information:

• Address: 1458-10 Yura-juku, Hokuei Town, Tōhaku District, Tottori Prefecture
• Business Hours: 9:00–18:00 (may vary by season)
• Closed: 2nd Wednesday (no closure in August), year-end and New Year
• Parking: Free (approximately 100 standard vehicles)

Main Facilities

Conan Goods Shop

Tottori’s largest Conan goods sales floor offers a wide selection from official merchandise to local limited products. Particularly popular are:

• Hokuei Town Limited Goods: Original products available only here
• Various Conan Goods: Figures, plushies, stationery, apparel
• Collaboration Products with Local Specialties: Taiei watermelon products with Conan packaging, local sake, and more

Restaurant and Café

A restaurant serving menu items featuring Conan:

• Conan Curry: A popular menu item with Conan’s face drawn in rice
• Phantom Thief Kid’s White Curry
• Conan Latte Art: Latte art is also available at the café
• Dishes Using Local Ingredients: Tottori beef, seafood, and more

Agricultural Products Direct Sales

Local farmers’ fresh vegetables and fruits are sold. Summer Taiei watermelons are famous nationwide, known for their sweetness and crispy texture.

Other Conan Spots in Hokuei Town

Conan no Sato Project

Hokuei Town develops the “Conan no Sato Project,” presenting Conan’s world view throughout the entire town.

Conan Decorations Throughout the Town

• Street Lamps: Character illustrations on street lamps along Conan Street
• Vending Machines: Multiple Conan-designed vending machines installed
• Bus Stops: Bus stops decorated with Conan characters
• Mailboxes: Conan-designed mailboxes also available

Conan Station (JR Yura Station)

Station Features

JR Yura Station, given the nickname “Conan Station” in 2013, has the entire station in Conan style:

• Station Name Plates: “Conan Station” display with Conan illustrations
• Departure Melody: The “Detective Conan Main Theme” plays
• Waiting Room: Decorated with Conan illustrations and displays
• Commemorative Stamps: Original Conan Station stamps can be stamped

Facilities Around the Station

A Conan house (object) and Conan statue are located in front of the station, with a tourist information office also installed. Rental bicycles are available, allowing you to tour Conan Street by bike.

Hokuei Mirai Densho-kan (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 here.

Access Methods to Hokuei Town

By Train

From Tokyo

1. Shinkansen + Express Route

• Tokyo Station → (Shinkansen) → Okayama Station → (Express Super Inaba) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local Train) → Yura Station
• Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours
• Fare: Approximately 20,000 yen or more

1. Airplane + Bus/Train Route

• Haneda Airport → Tottori Airport → (Bus) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local Train) → Yura Station
• Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
• Fare: Approximately 25,000 yen or more (cheaper with early-bird discounts)

From Osaka and the Kansai Region

1. Express Route

• Osaka Station → (Express Super Hakuto) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local Train) → Yura Station
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Fare: Approximately 6,000 yen or more

1. Highway Bus Route

• Osaka/Kobe → (Highway Bus) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local Train) → Yura Station
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours
• Fare: Approximately 4,000 yen or more

From JR Yura Station to Major Spots

• To Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan: About 20 minutes on foot, about 5 minutes by taxi
• To Michi-no-Eki Taiei: About 20 minutes on foot
• Conan Street: Approximately 1.4 km from station to museum

By Car

Using Highways

• From the Osaka area: Chugoku Expressway → Inshoji IC → National Route 179 → National Route 313 → Hokuei Town (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
• From the Okayama area: Sanyo Expressway → Okayama IC → National Route 53 → National Route 313 → Hokuei Town (about 2 hours)
• From within Tottori City: Via National Route 9, about 40 minutes

Car Navigation Setting

• Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan: 1414 Yura-juku, Hokuei Town, Tōhaku District, Tottori Prefecture
• Michi-no-Eki Taiei: 1458-10 Yura-juku, Hokuei Town, Tōhaku District, Tottori Prefecture

Parking Information

• Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan: Free parking for approximately 50 vehicles
• Michi-no-Eki Taiei: Free parking for approximately 100 vehicles
• JR Yura Station: Parking available

By Bus

From Kurayoshi Station, take the local bus “Hokujō Line” and get off at Yura Station. However, as service is limited, advance checking of timetables is necessary.

Model Courses for Hokuei Town Tourism

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

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

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

10:00 Stroll along Conan Street

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

10:40 Visit Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan

• Thoroughly view museum exhibits (1 hour 30 minutes)

12:10 Lunch at Michi-no-Eki Taiei

• Enjoy Conan menu items (1 hour)

13:10 Shop for souvenirs at the roadside station

• Browse goods shops and specialty product sales areas (1 hour)

14:10 Return along Conan Street while photographing

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

15:00 Depart from JR Yura Station

One-Night, Two-Day Course

Day 1

• Arrive in Hokuei Town in the afternoon
• Leisurely visit Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan
• Select souvenirs at the roadside station
• In the evening, stay at a hot spring inn in Kurayoshi City
• Explore Kurayoshi Shirakabe Earthenware Storehouse District (a tourist attraction in Kurayoshi City)

Day 2

• Morning stroll along Conan Street
• Take photos carefully at each monument
• Drive along Hokuei Town’s coast
• Visit surrounding tourist attractions like the Tottori Sand Dunes

Family-Oriented Course

• Enjoy the experience corners of Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan mainly
• Have Conan menu lunch at the roadside station
• Tour Conan Street by rental bicycle (children’s bikes available)
• Rest at a park in Hokuei Town
• Purchase souvenirs

Conan Goods and Souvenirs in Hokuei Town

Limited Goods

Exclusive to Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan

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

Hokuei Town Limited

• Various Conan goods (available for purchase at Michi-no-Eki Taiei)
• Conan-designed local specialty products
• Limited confectionery (cookies, rice crackers, chocolate, and more)

Food and Specialty Products

Taiei Watermelon Products

Products made from “Taiei Watermelon,” Hokuei Town’s specialty:

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

Conan Package Products

• Local sake “Detective Conan” series
• Candy with Conan labels
• Collaboration products with Tottori Prefecture specialties

Tips for Souvenir Purchasing

• Limited Items Early: Popular products may sell out
• Heavy Items at the Roadside Station: Parking is nearby and easy to load into vehicles
• Hometown Tax Donation Return Gifts: You can select Conan goods through Hokuei Town’s hometown tax donations

Notes and Advice for Hokuei Town Tourism

Recommended Visiting Seasons

Spring (March–May)

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

Summer (June–August)

• Peak season for Taiei watermelons
• Strong sunlight requires sun protection
• Summer vacation period attracts families

Autumn (September–November)

• Comfortable climate
• Best season for tourism
• Autumn foliage also enjoyable

Winter (December–February)

• Relatively mild but sometimes windy
• Fewer tourists allow leisurely viewing
• Winter-limited events may be held

Tips to Avoid Crowds

• Weekday visits recommended
• Early in the day (9:30–10:00) is relatively quiet
• Golden Week, summer vacation, and movie premiere periods are crowded
• Check the official website for event information beforehand

Clothing and Items to Bring

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

Combining with Nearby Tourism

Kurayoshi City (About 15 minutes by car)

• Shirakabe Earthenware Storehouse District: A tourist destination with remaining Edo-period townscapes
• Kurayoshi Museum
• Utsutsuki Park

Tottori Sand Dunes (About 40 minutes by car)

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

Misasa Hot Spring (About 30 minutes by car)

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Much Time is Required?

Plan 1–2 hours for the Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan museum visit, 1–2 hours for Conan Street strolling, and approximately 1 hour for shopping and dining at the roadside station, totaling 3–5 hours. For a thorough experience, securing a half day to full day is recommended.

Can Families with Children Enjoy It?

Very much so. Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan features many interactive exhibits designed to keep children engaged. Stroller entry is permitted, with nursing rooms and diaper-changing stations available.

Is It Okay to Visit on Rainy Days?

Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan is an indoor facility, so rainy days are no problem. However, Conan Street strolling requires an umbrella. Car travel minimizes weather impact.

Can Photography Be Done Freely?

Outdoor monuments and objects can be photographed freely. Some areas inside Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan prohibit photography, but many spots allow it. Follow museum instructions.

Is There English Support?

Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan has English pamphlets, and some exhibits have English signage. International fans frequently visit.

Can Pets Accompany Visitors?

Pets can accompany visitors on outdoor Conan Street, but they’re prohibited inside Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan (except guide dogs and service animals).

Can Visitors Using Wheelchairs Tour?

Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan is barrier-free accessible for wheelchair users. An elevator is installed. Conan Street is basically flat, so wheelchair touring is possible.

Can Goods Be Purchased Online?

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

Conclusion: Fully Enjoy Conan’s World in Hokuei Town

Hokuei Town in Tottori Prefecture is a sacred site that Detective Conan fans must visit at least once. In this hometown of Gosho Aoyama, you can experience something special where devotion to the work and regional pride fuse together.

A deep understanding of works at Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan, character encounters on Conan Street, limited souvenir purchases, and enjoyment of local cuisine. All these become memories unique to Hokuei Town.

While access is not exceptionally convenient, the emotion felt upon visiting is all the more profound. A day trip from Tokyo or Osaka is possible, but a one- to two-day visit combined with nearby tourism is recommended.

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

Check the latest information on the Hokuei Town Tourism Association and Gosho Aoyama Furusato-kan’s official website, plan your visit, and fully enjoy Conan’s sacred site.