Detective Conan Kitahaku Town, Tottori Prefecture Complete Guide | Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum and Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
Kitahaku 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 enveloped in the world view of Conan, making it 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 Kitahaku Town, access methods, and ways to enjoy your visit.
What is Kitahaku Town, Tottori Prefecture? Basic Information About Conan’s Town
Overview of Kitahaku Town
Kitahaku Town (北栄町) is located in central Tottori Prefecture with a population of approximately 14,000. It was born in 2005 through the merger of the former Hokuto Town and former Daiei Town. Facing the Sea of Japan, this naturally rich area is also famous as a production region for sand dunes and watermelons.
The Relationship Between Gosho Aoyama and Kitahaku Town
Gosho Aoyama was born and raised in the former Daei Town (now Kitahaku Town) in 1963. From childhood, he aspired to be a manga artist, graduating from local elementary and junior high schools before attending the College of Art at Nihon University. He debuted as a manga artist in 1986 and began serializing “Detective Conan” in 1994.
With the deep commitment of Aoyama-sensei to his hometown, Kitahaku Town has developed as “Conan’s Town” for regional revitalization. It is now considered 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 museum where you can experience the world of Aoyama-sensei’s works and the secrets of his creative process. It is located about a 20-minute walk from JR Yura Station, at the end of Conan Street.
Facility Basic Information:
- Address: 1414 Yurasuku, Kitahaku Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (last admission 5:00 PM)
- Closed: Open year-round (occasional temporary closures)
- Admission: Adults ¥700, Junior and High School Students ¥500, Elementary School Children ¥300, Preschoolers Free
- Parking: Free (approximately 50 regular parking spaces)
Highlights of the Museum
First Floor: The World of Gosho Aoyama
The first floor introduces Aoyama-sensei’s life and creative process. You can see a recreation of the actual workspace he uses, exhibitions of original manuscripts, and a collection of works from his debut to “Detective Conan.”
Particularly noteworthy is a section that faithfully recreates the arrangement of art supplies and desk space actually used by the sensei. It’s a valuable exhibition where you can catch a glimpse of a professional manga artist’s workplace.
Second Floor: Experience the World of Conan
The second floor features interactive exhibits:
- Professor Agasa’s Invention Experience Corner: You can actually experience inventions appearing in the series, such as the turbocharged skateboard and butterfly-shaped voice-changing bowtie
- Trick Experience Corner: Interactive exhibits where you can experience and solve tricks from the series
- Mystery-Solving Game: A game where you solve mysteries while exploring the museum (separate fee)
- Conan Quiz: Touch-panel quizzes to test your knowledge
Museum Shop
The museum shop sells numerous exclusive goods available only at the Hometown Museum. Here you can find items unavailable elsewhere, making it perfect for commemorating your visit. The selection includes limited-edition T-shirts, keychains, stationery, and snacks with a wide variety.
Special Exhibitions and Events
The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum holds various special exhibitions and events throughout the year. There are planned exhibitions coinciding with theatrical releases, birthday events (Aoyama-sensei: June 21, Conan: May 4), and many other attractions worth returning for again and again.
We recommend checking the official website for the latest information before visiting.
Conan Street: 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 placed along the way.
Main Monuments and Spots
Around JR Yura Station
- Conan Station (nickname for Yura Station): The station building itself is designed in Conan style
- Conan Bridge: A pedestrian bridge in front of the station with Conan illustrations
- Conan Statue: A large bronze statue of Conan placed in front of the station. A standard spot for commemorative photos
Along Conan Street
Along the 1.4 km street, you’ll find monuments such as:
- Character Bronze Statues: Over 20 bronze statues including Conan, Ran, Shinichi, and Detective Boys members
- Conan’s House (Beika Shopping Street): Objects modeled after buildings appearing in the series, such as Professor Agasa’s house and the Kudo residence
- Detective Conan Stone Statue: Large stone statues near the Michi-no-Eki Daei rest area
- Manhole Covers: Multiple Conan-designed manhole covers are installed
How to Walk Conan Street
Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes one-way on foot; with photo opportunities and monument viewing, allow 1.5–2 hours round trip
Recommended Route:
- Enjoy the atmosphere of Conan Station at JR Yura Station
- Take a commemorative photo at the station’s Conan statue
- Walk Conan Street while taking photos at each monument
- Visit the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum (1–2 hours)
- Purchase souvenirs at Michi-no-Eki Daei
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, parasol or hat (summer), drinks
Michi-no-Eki Daei: A Treasure Trove of Conan Goods
Facility Overview
Michi-no-Eki Daei (nickname: Conan’s Village) is a rest area adjacent to the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum.
Basic Information:
- Address: 1458-10 Yurasuku, Kitahaku Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (hours vary by season)
- Closed: Second Wednesday of each month (open in August), New Year’s holidays
- Parking: Free (approximately 100 regular parking spaces)
Main Facilities
Conan Goods Shop
The largest Conan goods store in Kitahaku Town carries official merchandise to local exclusive items. Popular items include:
- Kitahaku Town Exclusive Goods: Original products available only here
- Various Conan Merchandise: Figures, plushies, stationery, apparel
- Collaborative Products with Local Specialties: Conan-packaged Daei watermelon products, local sake, etc.
Restaurants and Cafes
There is a restaurant offering menus themed around Conan:
- Conan Curry: A popular menu item with Conan’s face drawn in rice
- Phantom Thief Kid’s White Curry
- Conan Latte Art: Cafes also offer latte art
- Dishes Made with Local Ingredients: Tottori beef, fresh seafood, etc.
Agricultural Direct Sales Store
Local farmers’ fresh vegetables and fruits are sold here. Summer is peak season for Daei watermelons, famous nationwide for their sweetness and crisp texture.
Other Conan Spots in Kitahaku Town
Conan’s Village Project
Kitahaku Town implements the “Conan’s Village Project” throughout the town to present the Conan world view.
Conan Decorations Around 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
Renamed “Conan Station” in 2013, JR Yura Station is entirely Conan-themed:
- Station Name Plate: Displays “Conan Station” with Conan illustration
- Departure Melody: The “Detective Conan Main Theme” plays
- Waiting Room: Decorated with Conan illustrations and displays
- Memorial Stamp: You can stamp an original Conan Station stamp
Facilities Around the Station
In front of the station, there are Conan house objects and a Conan statue, with a tourist information center also established. Bicycle rentals are available, allowing you to tour Conan Street by bicycle.
Kitahaku Mirai Densho-kan (Kitahaku Town Library)
A library along Conan Street with a well-stocked Conan-related book section. It is free to use and you can also read Conan manga here.
Access to Kitahaku Town
By Train
From Tokyo
- Shinkansen + Limited Express Route
- Tokyo Station → (Shinkansen) → Okayama Station → (Limited Express Super Inaba) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local train) → Yura Station
- Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
- Fare: Approximately ¥20,000~
- Airplane + Bus/Train Route
- Haneda Airport → Tottori Airport → (Bus) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local train) → Yura Station
- Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
- Fare: Approximately ¥25,000~ (cheaper with advance discounts)
From Osaka/Kansai Region
- Limited Express Route
- Osaka Station → (Limited Express Super Hakuto) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local train) → Yura Station
- Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Fare: Approximately ¥6,000~
- Highway Bus Route
- Osaka/Kobe → (Highway bus) → Kurayoshi Station → (Local train) → Yura Station
- Time: Approximately 4 hours
- Fare: Approximately ¥4,000~
From JR Yura Station to Main Attractions
- To Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: About 20 minutes on foot, about 5 minutes by taxi
- To Michi-no-Eki Daei: About 20 minutes on foot
- Conan Street: About 1.4 km from station to museum
By Car
Using Highways
- From Osaka: Chugoku Expressway → Inshoji IC → National Route 179 → National Route 313 → Kitahaku Town (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
- From Okayama: Sanyo Expressway → Okayama IC → National Route 53 → National Route 313 → Kitahaku Town (approximately 2 hours)
- From Tottori City: Via National Route 9 in approximately 40 minutes
Car Navigation Setup
- Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: 1414 Yurasuku, Kitahaku Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
- Michi-no-Eki Daei: 1458-10 Yurasuku, Kitahaku Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
Parking Information
- Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum: Free parking for approximately 50 vehicles
- Michi-no-Eki Daei: Free parking for approximately 100 vehicles
- JR Yura Station: Free parking available
By Bus
Take a route bus “Hokuto Line” from Kurayoshi Station to Yura Station. However, buses are limited, so checking the timetable in advance is necessary.
Model Courses for Kitahaku Town Tourism
Day Trip Course (Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours)
9:30 AM Arrive at JR Yura Station (Conan Station)
- View station building, take commemorative photo at Conan statue (30 minutes)
10:00 AM Tour Conan Street
- Walk while taking photos at various monuments (40 minutes)
10:40 AM Visit Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum
- Carefully view museum exhibits (1 hour 30 minutes)
12:10 PM Lunch at Michi-no-Eki Daei
- Enjoy Conan menu (1 hour)
1:10 PM Purchase souvenirs at rest area
- Browse goods shop and specialty products store (1 hour)
2:10 PM Return along Conan Street while taking photos
- Take photos at spots missed on the way there (40 minutes)
3:00 PM Depart from JR Yura Station
1 Night 2 Day Course
Day 1
- Arrive in Kitahaku Town in the afternoon
- Leisurely visit Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum
- Browse souvenirs at the rest area
- Stay at a hot spring inn in Kurayoshi City in the evening
- Explore Kurayoshi’s Shirakabe Dozo (Kurayoshi City’s famous tourist attraction)
Day 2
- Morning: Tour Conan Street
- Take photos carefully at each monument
- Drive along Kitahaku Town’s coastline
- Visit nearby tourist attractions such as Tottori Sand Dunes
Family-Friendly Course
- Enjoy experience corners at Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum
- Lunch with Conan menu at the rest area
- Tour Conan Street by rental bicycle (children’s bicycles available)
- Rest at Kitahaku Town parks
- Purchase souvenirs
Conan Goods and Souvenirs in Kitahaku Town
Exclusive Goods
Exclusive to Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum
- Original T-shirts (designs available only at the museum)
- Limited-edition keychains
- Clear files
- Postcards
- Museum-exclusive figures
Exclusive to Kitahaku Town
- Various Conan merchandise (available at Michi-no-Eki Daei)
- Conan-designed local specialty products
- Limited sweets (cookies, crackers, chocolate, etc.)
Food and Specialty Products
Daei Watermelon Products
Products using “Daei Watermelon,” Kitahaku Town’s specialty:
- Watermelon jelly
- Watermelon juice
- Watermelon jam
- Watermelon soda
Conan-Packaged Products
- Local sake “Detective Conan” series
- Conan-labeled sweets
- Collaborative products with Tottori Prefecture products
Souvenir Purchase Tips
- Purchase limited items early: Popular items may sell out
- Purchase heavy items at the rest area: Parking is nearby and easy to load into cars
- Hometown tax return gifts: Conan merchandise is available as Kitahaku Town hometown tax return gifts
Important Notes and Advice for Kitahaku Town Tourism
Recommended Visiting Seasons
Spring (March–May)
- Mild climate
- Particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season
- Golden Week period is crowded
Summer (June–August)
- Peak season for Daei watermelons
- Sunscreen is essential due to strong sunlight
- Busy with families during summer vacation
Autumn (September–November)
- Pleasant weather
- Peak tourism season
- Autumn foliage is also enjoyable
Winter (December–February)
- Relatively mild, though windy some days
- Fewer tourists; leisurely viewing possible
- Winter-exclusive events sometimes available
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday visits are recommended
- Visiting shortly after opening (9:30–10:00 AM) is relatively uncrowded
- Expect crowds during Golden Week, summer vacation, and theatrical release periods
- Check the official website in advance for event information
Clothing and What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes: Conan Street is approximately 1.4 km
- Camera/Smartphone: 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 Dozo: A tourist attraction with preserved Edo-period townscapes
- Kurayoshi Museum
- Utsutsumi 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)
- One of the world’s finest radon hot springs
- Day-use bathing available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much time do you need?
Plan for 1–2 hours to view the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum, 1–2 hours to explore Conan Street, and about 1 hour for shopping and dining at the rest area, for a total of 3–5 hours. We recommend allocating a half day to a full day to fully enjoy the experience.
Can families with children enjoy it?
Very much so. The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum has many interactive exhibits designed to keep children entertained. Stroller entry is possible, with nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities available.
Is it okay on rainy days?
The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum is an indoor facility, so rainy days are no problem. However, an umbrella is needed to explore Conan Street. If traveling by car, weather impact is minimal.
Are you free to take photos?
Outdoor monuments and objects can be freely photographed. Some areas within the museum are photography-restricted, though many areas allow photos. Follow the signs inside the museum.
Is English support available?
The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum has English pamphlets, and some exhibits feature English labels. Many international fans visit.
Can pets accompany you?
Pets can accompany you on outdoor Conan Street, but are not allowed inside the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum (except service animals like guide dogs).
Can you tour in a wheelchair?
The Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum is wheelchair-accessible for entry. Elevators are also complete. Conan Street is generally flat, so wheelchair touring is possible.
Can you buy merchandise online?
Some items are available through online shops, but many limited-edition items are only available on-site. We recommend purchasing thoroughly during your visit.
Conclusion: Fully Enjoy the World of Conan in Kitahaku Town
Kitahaku Town in Tottori Prefecture is a sacred site that fans of Detective Conan should visit at least once. In this hometown of Gosho Aoyama-sensei, you can experience something special where love of the work and community pride merge.
A deep understanding of the work at the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum, meetings with characters along Conan Street, purchasing exclusive merchandise, and savoring local cuisine. All of these create unforgettable memories unique to Kitahaku Town.
While access is not necessarily convenient, that very inconvenience makes the emotion of visiting all the more special. Day trips from Tokyo and Osaka are possible, but we recommend visiting for 1–2 nights combined with nearby attractions.
With the catchphrase “The truth is always one!” enjoy special time in Kitahaku Town, where Conan’s world has become reality. It’s sure to become a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Confirm the latest information on the Kitahaku Town Tourism Association and the official website of the Gosho Aoyama Hometown Museum, plan your visit carefully, and fully enjoy Conan’s sacred site.
