Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum Complete Guide | Detective Conan Sacred Site Pilgrimage in Tottori Prefecture
What is the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum?
The Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum is a memorial hall located in Kitahaku Town, Touhaku District, Tottori Prefecture, the birthplace of manga artist Gosho Aoyama, known for works such as “Detective Conan,” “YAIBA,” and “Magic Kaito.” Opened in March 2007, it has become a sacred site for Conan fans nationwide, allowing visitors to experience Aoyama’s creative world and artistic journey.
The museum features a recreated version of Aoyama’s work studio, exhibitions of original artwork, trick art experiences, and more. Additionally, numerous limited edition goods available only here are popular as souvenirs from the sacred site pilgrimage.
Why Kitahaku Town in Tottori Prefecture Became a Detective Conan Sacred Site
Birthplace of Gosho Aoyama
Kitahaku Town (formerly Daiei Town), Tottori Prefecture, is where manga artist Gosho Aoyama was born and raised in 1963. After graduating from local elementary and middle schools, he nurtured his dreams of becoming a manga artist in this town. In tribute to Aoyama’s achievements and his deep affection for his hometown, the entire town has been developing urban planning that incorporates the world of Conan.
Birth of Conan Street
The approximately 1.4 km road leading to the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum has been named “Conan Street,” and bronze statues of Detective Conan characters are scattered along the way. Characters like Shinichi Kudo, Ran Mouri, Haibara Ai, and Kaito Kid welcome visitors, making this street a highlight of the sacred site pilgrimage.
Highlights of the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum
Recreation of Aoyama’s Work Studio
One of the most popular areas in the museum is a faithful recreation of Aoyama’s actual work studio. Art supplies used in manga production, reference materials, and the desk where the artist worked are displayed, offering a glimpse into a professional manga artist’s creative environment.
The arrangement of pens, ink, and tone tools provides a valuable opportunity to understand how manga is created.
Original Artwork Exhibitions
Precious original artwork by Aoyama is displayed on a rotating basis. Visitors can view up close the brushwork, pen techniques, and correction marks that cannot be conveyed in printed works, providing an emotional experience for fans.
Since the exhibition content changes regularly, there are always new discoveries with each visit.
Trick Art Experience Corner
A trick art corner where visitors can experience the world of Detective Conan is also popular. Visitors can take photos with Conan and his companions, creating Instagram-worthy souvenirs.
Features include trick art of Conan skateboarding and recreated crime scenes, packed with setups to experience famous scenes from the series.
Junior Detective Club Mystery Game
Mystery-solving games for visitors are also available at the museum. This hands-on attraction allows both children and adults to enjoy collecting clues while viewing exhibits and solving cases.
Museum Shop
The museum shop with abundant original goods exclusive to the Hometown Museum is an ideal place to purchase sacred site pilgrimage souvenirs.
A wide variety of items are available, including stationery, T-shirts, keychains, and snacks featuring limited illustrations. Original artwork goods by Aoyama are so popular they sometimes sell out immediately.
How to Access the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum
Train Access
Access from JR Yura Station
- Get off at “Yura Station” on the JR Sanin Main Line, approximately 20-minute walk
- Yura Station is also known by the affectionate nickname “Conan Station”
- The station building and surrounding area are decorated with Conan designs, allowing visitors to enjoy the sacred site atmosphere from the moment of arrival
Travel Time from Major Cities
- From Tottori Station: approximately 40 minutes on the JR Sanin Main Line
- From Yonago Station: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes on the JR Sanin Main Line
- From Kurayoshi Station: approximately 30 minutes by bus
Car Access
Using Expressways
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Hojo IC” on the Sanin Expressway
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Daiei Tohaku IC” on the Sanin Expressway
Parking Information
- The Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum has a free parking lot (approximately 50 regular cars)
- Large bus parking spaces are also available, making group visits possible
Access from Airport
From Tottori Sakyu Conan Airport
- Approximately 30 minutes by taxi
- Move to Kurayoshi Station by airport shuttle bus, then approximately 30 minutes by bus or taxi
Tottori Sakyu Conan Airport is also decorated with Detective Conan themes, allowing visitors to enjoy the sacred site pilgrimage atmosphere upon arrival.
Operating Hours, Admission Fees, and Closed Days
Operating Hours
- April–October: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
- November–March: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
Admission Fees (as of 2024)
- Adults: 700 yen
- High school/Middle school students: 500 yen
- Elementary school children: 300 yen
- Preschool children: Free
- Group discount (20 or more): 100 yen off each admission price
Closed Days
- Open year-round (though temporary closures may occur for exhibit changes)
- It is recommended to check the official website for the latest information before visiting
Nearby Detective Conan Sacred Sites
Conan Street (Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum Road)
The approximately 1.4 km road from JR Yura Station to the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum has been developed as “Conan Street.” More than 20 bronze statues of Detective Conan characters are installed along this street, making it a popular photo spot.
Major Bronze Statues
- Shinichi Kudo
- Ran Mouri
- Haibara Ai
- Kaito Kid
- Heiji Hattori
- Kazuha Toyama
- Hiroshi Agasa
- Junior Detective Club members (Ayumi, Genta, Mitsuhiko)
Each statue recreates a famous scene from the series, and fans will immediately recognize which scene is being depicted.
Conan Station (JR Yura Station)
JR Yura Station is affectionately known as “Conan Station.” A giant illustration of Conan is painted on the station building, and the station interior features Conan goods displays and photo spots.
The station’s departure melody uses the Detective Conan theme song, building excitement for the start of the sacred site pilgrimage.
Conan’s House Beika Shopping Street
“Conan’s House Beika Shopping Street,” within walking distance of the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum, is a commercial facility recreating “Beika Town” from the series. It features buildings modeled after locations from the work, such as Cafe Poirot and the Mouri Detective Agency, offering an experience of stepping into Conan’s world.
Cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops offer Conan-themed cuisine and sweets.
Kitahaku Town Library
Kitahaku Town Library also features Detective Conan-themed decorations. The interior has an Aoyama Gosho works corner where visitors can read the entire Conan series.
The library’s exterior is also illustrated with Conan designs, making it a popular photo spot.
Michi no Eki Daiei
“Michi no Eki Daiei” (roadside station) near the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum sells both local specialties and Detective Conan goods. Items include confections made from Tottori’s famous “Twentieth Century Pears” and Conan-packaged products, making it ideal for souvenir shopping.
Recommended Sacred Site Pilgrimage Course
Half-Day Course (approximately 4 hours)
9:30 AM Arrival at JR Yura Station (Conan Station)
- Commemorate photo with station building’s Conan illustration
- View Conan goods displays in the station
10:00 AM Explore Conan Street
- Take commemorative photos with bronze statues while walking leisurely
- Don’t miss major character statues
11:00 AM Arrive at and tour Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum
- Appreciate exhibitions carefully (approximately 1.5–2 hours)
- Attempt the mystery-solving game
- Purchase souvenirs at the museum shop
1:00 PM Lunch at Conan’s House Beika Shopping Street
- Enjoy Conan-themed cuisine
2:00 PM Purchase souvenirs at Michi no Eki Daiei
Full-Day Course (approximately 7 hours)
In addition to the half-day course, also visit:
3:00 PM Kitahaku Town Library
- Read works in the Conan corner
- Photograph the library exterior
4:00 PM Explore surrounding nature spots
- Enjoy Kitahaku’s beautiful rural landscapes
- Visit the Japan Sea coastline (approximately 10 minutes by car)
5:00 PM Watch the sunset
- Appreciate the beautiful sunset over the Japan Sea
Tips for Enjoying the Sacred Site Pilgrimage More
Preliminary Preparation
Review the Works
Reviewing Detective Conan anime or manga before your visit will help you understand the sources of the exhibits and statues, enhancing your experience. It is especially recommended to refresh your knowledge of Aoyama’s early works and memorable Conan episodes.
Check the Official Website
Special exhibitions and event information are regularly updated on the official website. Information about limited merchandise sales is also posted, so be sure to check before visiting.
Photography Tips
Photography with Bronze Statues
Taking photos in the same pose as the characters at the Conan Street statues creates pictures as if stepping into the series’ world. Photography platforms are sometimes set up in front of each statue.
Photography Restrictions Indoors
Some areas within the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum, such as original artwork exhibition areas, are often off-limits for photography. Follow the signs inside the museum. Take full advantage of photography opportunities at trick art corners and other permitted areas.
Obtaining Limited Goods
Popular limited goods may sell out early in the day. Visiting shortly after opening is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. While some items are available through online shops, many are exclusive to the museum, so purchasing on-site is more certain.
Combining with Other Tottori Prefecture Tourist Attractions
Tottori Sand Dunes
Located approximately 40 minutes by car from the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum, Tottori Sand Dunes are famous as Japan’s largest sand dunes. Visitors can enjoy magnificent natural landscapes and participate in activities such as camel rides and paragliding.
Mizuki Shigeru Road (Sakaiminato City)
Another manga sacred site in Tottori Prefecture is Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato City. The birthplace of Shigeru Mizuki, author of “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” features a shopping street themed around youkai. Located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum, the “Manga Kingdom Tottori” tour visiting both sacred sites is popular.
Misasa and Kaike Hot Springs
Tottori Prefecture has numerous historic hot spring resorts. To ease the fatigue of sacred site pilgrimage, staying at Misasa or Kaike Hot Springs is recommended. Some hot spring inns offer plans that collaborate with Detective Conan.
Kurayoshi White Wall Storehouse District
Kurayoshi City, approximately 20 minutes by car from the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum, features a white wall storehouse district preserving Edo and Meiji period buildings. Visitors can enjoy a retro atmosphere while strolling through the historic streetscape.
Event Information by Season
Spring Events
Special Exhibitions During Cherry Blossom Season
Cherry blossom-themed special exhibitions may be held in spring. Visiting in conjunction with cherry blossom viewing spots in Kitahaku Town makes for a more enriched trip.
Summer Events
Conan Mystery-Solving Events
Special mystery-solving events for children may be held during summer vacation. Large-scale mystery games using both indoor and outdoor spaces are popular with families.
Fall Events
Birthday Event for Aoyama Gosho
Around Aoyama’s birthday (June 21), commemorative events may be held. Limited merchandise sales and special exhibitions are must-see content for fans.
Winter Events
Christmas and New Year Events
Winter features Christmas and New Year-themed decorations and exhibits. Conan Street covered in snow also has a picturesque quality, offering a winter-unique sacred site pilgrimage experience.
Accommodation Information
Accommodation in Kitahaku Town
Several private lodgings and small hotels are available in Kitahaku Town. Many inns feature cuisine made with local ingredients and offer a homey atmosphere.
Accommodation in Kurayoshi City
Approximately 20 minutes by car, Kurayoshi City offers a wide range of accommodation from business hotels to hot spring inns. Using Kurayoshi as a base to visit the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum and nearby attractions is also convenient.
Accommodation in Tottori City
Tottori City has abundant large hotels and business hotels. If visiting both Tottori Sand Dunes and the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum, staying in Tottori City is also recommended.
Dining and Gourmet Information
Conan Cafes and Conan Cuisine
Cafes within Conan’s House Beika Shopping Street
Menus feature abundant Conan-themed items. Dishes include curry rice modeled after Conan’s face and sweets inspired by characters—cuisine that is enjoyable both visually and gastronomically.
Tottori Prefecture Local Cuisine
Twentieth Century Pears
Tottori Prefecture is famous as a pear-producing region. The Twentieth Century Pear is characterized by refreshing sweetness, and sweets and juices made with pears are also recommended.
Matsuba Crab
During winter (November–March), Matsuba crabs caught in the Japan Sea are in season. Many restaurants serve fresh crab dishes.
Seafood Rice Bowl
Facing the Japan Sea, Tottori Prefecture offers abundant fresh seafood. Seafood rice bowls made with local fish are exceptional.
Recommended Souvenirs
Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum Limited Goods
- Limited Illustration Goods: Stationery, clear files, and postcards featuring Aoyama’s original illustrations
- Plushies: Hometown Museum exclusive design plushies of Conan and companions
- Apparel: T-shirts, tote bags, towels, and other practical items
Tottori Prefecture Local Products
- Twentieth Century Pear Confections: Pear jelly, pear tart, pear jam, and more
- Inaba White Rabbit Goods: Sweets and miscellaneous items based on Tottori Prefecture’s mythological “White Rabbit of Inaba”
- Ago Cutlet: Fried fish cake made from flying fish (ago)
- Pickled Vegetables (Rakkyou): Pickled vegetables grown in Tottori Sand Dunes, a specialty product
Precautions When Visiting
Crowded Seasons
Golden Week, summer vacation, and year-end and New Year holidays are expected to be crowded. Particularly on weekends, parking lots may become full, so plan to use public transportation or arrive early.
Weather Preparation
Summer
Tottori Prefecture summers can be hot. When walking along Conan Street, prepare hats, umbrellas, and refreshments.
Winter
It may snow during winter. If driving, prepare studless tires or chains. Also prepare warm clothing.
Barrier-Free Information
The Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum is accessible, allowing wheelchair entry. The interior is equipped with elevators and multi-purpose restrooms. However, some sections of Conan Street have narrow sidewalks, requiring attention.
History and Future of the Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum
Background of Opening
The Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum opened in March 2007 to honor local native Gosho Aoyama and promote regional revitalization through his works. Since opening, it has welcomed over 100,000 visitors annually and has become one of Tottori Prefecture’s representative tourist attractions.
Renovations and Expansion
Since opening, exhibits have been regularly renewed with new content added. A major renovation was conducted in 2017 to commemorate the 10th anniversary, enriching hands-on exhibits.
Future Prospects
Detective Conan continues to grow in popularity domestically and internationally, with increasing numbers of overseas tourists. Future enhancements to exhibits and events that appeal to more fans are anticipated.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage Experience
The Aoyama Gosho Hometown Museum and surrounding sacred sites are places Detective Conan fans should visit once in a lifetime. Experiencing the series’ world and touching Aoyama’s creative footprints will deepen understanding and affection for the works.
When visiting, check the official website for the latest information beforehand and plan with ample time. From exploring Conan Street to enjoying museum exhibits and regional cuisine, make the most of Tottori Prefecture’s unique sacred site pilgrimage experience.
Why not spend special time immersed in the world of Detective Conan in Kitahaku Town, Tottori Prefecture? It will surely be an unforgettable memory.
