GeGeGe no Kitaro and Sakaiminato City Complete Guide: Thorough Explanation from Mizuki Shigeru Road to Yokai Spots
Sakaiminato City in Tottori Prefecture is known as the town where Mizuki Shigeru, the creator of the nationally beloved manga “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” spent his childhood. Today, it has become a tourist destination that attracts fans from across the nation as Japan’s largest-scale yokai-themed town. This article will present all the attractions of Sakaiminato City.
The Deep Connection Between Sakaiminato City and GeGeGe no Kitaro
Mizuki Shigeru and Sakaiminato
Mizuki Shigeru was born in Osaka in 1922, but spent his childhood through adolescence in Sakaiminato City. His experiences in Sakaiminato, particularly the yokai stories he heard from a neighboring elderly woman called “Nonnonbaa,” had a major influence on his later works.
Sakaiminato City honored Mizuki’s achievements and developed the entire town as a yokai theme park. Since the birth of Mizuki Shigeru Road in 1993, Sakaiminato has become nationally known as the “Town of Yokai.”
The World of GeGeGe no Kitaro
“GeGeGe no Kitaro” is a work depicting a world where yokai and humans coexist. The protagonist Kitaro, the last surviving member of the ghost clan, resolves various problems that arise between humans and yokai. Eyeball Dad, Rat Man, Cat Girl, Child-Crying Grandpa, Sand-Throwing Hag, and other distinctive yokai appear in the series, continuing to be loved across generations.
Mizuki Shigeru Road: An 800-Meter Promenade Where Yokai Welcome You
Overview of Mizuki Shigeru Road
Mizuki Shigeru Road is a pedestrian walkway stretching approximately 800 meters from in front of JR Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum. Since its opening in 1993, it has undergone gradual improvements, with a major renovation implemented in July 2018.
Along both sides of the road, 178 yokai bronze statues are currently installed, welcoming visitors with characters from “GeGeGe no Kitaro” and traditional yokai from throughout Japan. Each bronze statue is accompanied by an explanation plate where you can learn the yokai’s name and characteristics.
Zone-Based Yokai Placement
The 2018 renovation rearranged the yokai into thematic zones. As you walk from the station toward the museum, you can enjoy the following zones:
Station Front Area: Main characters such as Kitaro and Eyeball Dad are concentrated here. The station itself is decorated as “Kitaro Station,” drawing you into the yokai world from the moment of arrival.
Shopping District Area: Various types of yokai bronze statues are scattered throughout, with shops featuring yokai themes lining the streets. You can enjoy shopping and tourism simultaneously, with yokai goods, souvenirs, and dining establishments.
Museum Vicinity Area: Spots where you can experience the yokai world in more detail are concentrated here.
Mizuki Shigeru Road at Night
The nighttime illumination that began with the 2018 renovation is a new attraction of Mizuki Shigeru Road. After sunset, yokai bronze statues and street trees are lit up, offering a fantastical atmosphere completely different from daytime.
The illumination runs from sunset until around 10 p.m., providing a special experience of nighttime yokai exploration. In contrast to the bustling daytime atmosphere, a quiet and mysterious world of yokai unfolds.
Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum: Deeply Understanding Works and Life
Characteristics of the Museum
The Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, located at the end of Mizuki Shigeru Road, comprehensively introduces Mizuki’s life, works, and the world of yokai.
Address: 5 Honmachi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: Adults 700 yen, High school and junior high students 500 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen
Exhibition Contents
The museum is divided into multiple zones, each with different themes:
Mizuki Shigeru’s Life: His childhood in Sakaiminato, war experiences, and the path of struggle and success as a manga artist are presented along with photographs and materials.
Works Gallery: You can view original artwork and production processes of representative works including “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” This is a rare opportunity to view Mizuki’s meticulous drawing technique and unique worldview up close.
Yokai Cave: In a space modeled after a dimly lit cave, various yokai are displayed. From children to adults, this interactive exhibition allows immersion in the yokai world.
Mizuki World: Ethnographic materials and masks from around the world that Mizuki collected are also displayed, allowing you to feel the international scope of yokai culture.
GeGeGe no Yokai Paradise: Interactive Attractions
Overview of Yokai Paradise
GeGeGe no Yokai Paradise, which opened in 2018 along Mizuki Shigeru Road, is an interactive facility where you can see, play, and enjoy the world of “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” It is particularly popular with families.
Address: 138 Sakaecho, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (varies by season)
Admission Fee: Adults 700 yen, High school and junior high students 500 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen
How to Enjoy Yokai Paradise
Nostalgic Carnival Games: Enjoy shooting galleries, ring toss, and smart ball games in a Showa retro atmosphere. All games incorporate yokai motifs, allowing you to experience the GeGeGe world.
Photo Spots: Numerous spots are set up where you can take photos with Kitaro, Eyeball Dad, and their companions. Life-size character statues and face-out panels provide plenty of Instagram-worthy shooting spots.
Yokai Attractions: Small-scale attractions allowing you to experience the yokai world are very popular with children.
Yokai Goods Shop: Purchase original and limited-edition merchandise.
Tips for Exploring the Grounds
Since Yokai Paradise is an outdoor facility, we recommend dressing appropriately for the weather. Rest areas are available in the grounds, allowing you to fully enjoy the yokai world. Plan for approximately 1-2 hours.
Other Yokai Spots
Yokai Shrine
Located mid-way along Mizuki Shigeru Road, Yokai Shrine is an unusual shrine built in 2000. The sacred object is a black granite stone approximately 3 meters tall, and the “Eyeball Stone” shaped like Eyeball Dad is also enshrined.
At Yokai Shrine, you can purchase amulets and ema (votive plaques) related to yokai. The “Yokai goshuin” (shrine seal) is particularly popular, sought after as a memento by many visitors.
Yokai Police Box
The police box along Mizuki Shigeru Road is also designed with a yokai theme. Statues of Kitaro and Rat Man are installed on the roof, and it provides tourism information. Police officers actually work there, providing security for tourists while enhancing the yokai worldview.
Yokai Signboards
Each shop in the shopping district displays different yokai-themed signboards. There are over 100 types of yokai signboards in total, and exploring them while walking is one of the attractions. Shops often provide merchandise and services featuring their own yokai motifs, making shop tours appealing as well.
Kappa Spring
A small plaza along Mizuki Shigeru Road where a kappa statue is displayed playing in the water. It is popular as a children’s water play spot during summer.
Access to Sakaiminato
Access from Yonago Kitaro Airport
Yonago Kitaro Airport (official name: Yonago Airport), located on the border between Tottori and Shimane Prefectures, functions as the gateway to Sakaiminato City. The airport’s nickname is “Yonago Kitaro Airport,” and you can enjoy the yokai atmosphere from arrival.
From the airport to the Sakaiminato city center, there are the following options:
Shuttle Bus: Approximately 45 minutes from the airport to Sakaiminato Station, fare approximately 900 yen. With only a few buses per day, checking the timetable in advance is recommended.
Taxi: Approximately 30 minutes, fare around 5,000 yen.
Rental Car: Rental car counters are available at the airport, convenient if you prefer flexible travel.
Access from Izumo Enmusubi Airport
Izumo Enmusubi Airport in Shimane Prefecture also provides access to Sakaiminato City. The airport to Sakaiminato is approximately one hour by car. This is convenient when planning a tourism route combining Izumo Taisha.
Access by JR
Take the JR Sanin Main Line to Yonago Station, then transfer to the Sakai Line to reach Sakaiminato Station. The Sakai Line is known as the “Kitaro Train,” with each car designed with a different yokai character. There are six sets: Kitaro, Rat Man, Cat Girl, Eyeball Dad, Child-Crying Grandpa & Sand-Throwing Hag, and Ichimoji Momen.
From Yonago Station to Sakaiminato Station takes approximately 45 minutes, fare 320 yen. Riding the Kitaro Train is itself a tourism experience, with yokai-themed station announcements.
Access by Car
From Osaka area: Chugoku Expressway → Yonago Expressway → About 40 minutes from Yonago IC
From Hiroshima area: Sanin Expressway → About 40 minutes from Yonago IC
From Okayama area: Yonago Expressway → About 40 minutes from Yonago IC
Multiple paid parking lots are available throughout Sakaiminato, scattered around Mizuki Shigeru Road. Rates are typically around 500 yen per day.
Suggested Touring Routes for Sakaiminato
Day-Trip Course (Duration: approximately 5-6 hours)
9:30 a.m. Arrival at Sakaiminato Station, commemorative photos with Kitaro and others at the station
10:00 a.m. Explore Mizuki Shigeru Road while visiting yokai bronze statues
11:30 a.m. Experience carnival games and photo spots at Yokai Paradise
12:30 p.m. Lunch at shopping district (enjoy yokai gourmet)
2:00 p.m. Carefully view exhibitions at Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum
3:30 p.m. Visit Yokai Shrine for prayers, souvenir shopping
4:30 p.m. Depart from Sakaiminato Station
1-Night 2-Day Course
Day 1
Arrive in the afternoon, explore Mizuki Shigeru Road, view night illumination, stay in Sakaiminato or Yonago City
Day 2
Visit Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum and Yokai Paradise in the morning, lunch followed by seafood shopping at Sakaiminato Sakana Center, or venture to Mihonoseki or Daisen areas
Sakaiminato Cuisine and Souvenirs
Yokai Gourmet
Sakaiminato offers various cuisines featuring yokai motifs:
Eyeball Dad Chestnut Buns: Popular sweets shaped like Eyeball Dad
Yokai Ramen: Ramen with black soup or green noodles, visually entertaining
Kitaro Pancake: Kitaro-faced taiyaki-style cakes
Yokai Soft Serve: Colorful and mysterious soft serves in blue, purple, and other hues
Sakaiminato Fresh Seafood Gourmet
Sakaiminato is also one of Japan’s leading fishing ports. In particular, Benizuwai crab catches are number one nationally.
Crab Cuisine: Fresh Benizuwai crab dishes available year-round
Seafood Bowls: Fresh seafood bowls made with fish landed at Sakaiminato
Nodoguro: High-end fish known as red throat, also a specialty of Sakaiminato
Souvenirs
Yokai Goods: Stuffed animals, keychains, stationery, and diverse yokai merchandise
Yokai Sweets: Cookies, crackers, and chocolates with yokai motifs
Mizuki Shigeru-related Publications: Manga, art books, yokai encyclopedias, etc.
Sakaiminato Seafood: Dried fish, delicacies, crab products, etc.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Miho Shrine and Mihonoseki
Located approximately 20 minutes by car from Sakaiminato, Miho Shrine is known as the head shrine of Ebisu. You can also enjoy the scenic port town landscape including the Mihonoseki Lighthouse and Aohishi Tatami Street.
Daisen (Mount Daisen)
The highest peak in the Chugoku region, Daisen is approximately one hour by car from Sakaiminato. Hiking, skiing, and nature exploration offer activities for each season.
Adachi Museum of Art
Located in Yasuki City, Shimane Prefecture, the Adachi Museum of Art’s Japanese garden is internationally acclaimed. About 40 minutes by car from Sakaiminato, you can view Japanese painting collections and beautiful gardens.
Izumo Taisha
Famous as the shrine of romantic matchmaking, Izumo Taisha is approximately one hour by car from Sakaiminato. It is popular as a tourism route combined with Sakaiminato.
Practical Information for Sakaiminato Tourism
Tourism Information Offices
Sakaiminato Station Tourism Information Office: Located within JR Sakaiminato Station, it provides tourism map distribution, accommodation facility introductions, and baggage storage services. Yokai stamp rally sheets are also available here.
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Open year-round)
Best Seasons
Sakaiminato can be enjoyed year-round, but particularly recommended times are:
Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather ideal for strolling
Summer (July-August): Popular with families during summer vacation, numerous events held
Autumn (October-November): Beginning of crab season, gourmet experiences available
Winter (November-March): Peak crab season, relatively fewer tourists, peaceful tourism possible
Expected Duration
Mizuki Shigeru Road exploration only: 2-3 hours
Basic course including museum: 4-5 hours
Comprehensive course including Yokai Paradise: 6-7 hours
1-night 2-day trip including surrounding attractions: Recommended
Clothing and Items to Bring
Since Mizuki Shigeru Road exploration is primarily outdoors, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are necessary. In summer, protect against strong sunlight with hats and sunscreen; in winter, prepare adequate warm clothing.
Cameras and smartphones are essential items. If you want to photograph all 178 yokai bronze statues, ensure sufficient battery and memory capacity.
Event Information
Mizuki Shigeru Birthday Festival
Held annually in March to celebrate Mizuki Shigeru’s birthday. Special exhibitions, talk shows, and limited merchandise sales are held.
Yokai Bronze Statue Cleaning Volunteer
A citizen participation-style event held regularly to polish and clean yokai bronze statues. Tourists can also participate, offering opportunities for closer connection with the yokai.
Sakaiminato Yokai Jazz Festival
A music event held in autumn where Mizuki Shigeru Road is filled with jazz sounds.
Mizuki Shigeru Road Illumination
Winter may feature special illumination events offering dazzling displays different from regular lighting.
Conclusion: Fully Experience the Yokai World in Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato City in Tottori Prefecture is a one-of-a-kind tourist destination where you can fully experience the world of “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” It is packed with diverse attractions: the 178 yokai bronze statues along Mizuki Shigeru Road, profound learning at the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, interactive attractions at Yokai Paradise, and fresh seafood.
Sakaiminato offers highly satisfying tourism for all ages from children to adults, whether visiting for a day or staying overnight. In this special space where Japanese traditional yokai culture and Mizuki Shigeru’s rich imagination converge, enjoy a remarkable experience.
From the moment you step off Sakaiminato Station, you become a resident of the yokai world. Kitaro, Eyeball Dad, and 178 yokai companions await your visit.
