Mizuki Shigeru Road Complete Guide | Yokai Holy Land Pilgrimage Map and Highlights in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture
“Mizuki Shigeru Road” in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture is one of Japan’s premier yokai spots, created in the birthplace of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru. For fans of Mizuki’s works, including “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” this place is a holy land that must be visited. Stretching approximately 800 meters from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, the road is lined with 178 yokai bronze statues that invite visitors into a mysterious world of yokai.
This article provides a thorough explanation of the appeal of Mizuki Shigeru Road. We deliver information to maximize your enjoyment of the holy land pilgrimage, from how to encounter yokai that show different faces during day and night, must-see spots, to efficient ways to visit.
What is Mizuki Shigeru Road? History and Appeal as a Holy Land
Background of Birth and History of Development
Mizuki Shigeru Road was born in July 1993. This street, designed to embody the world of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru’s works and aimed at local revitalization, started with 23 yokai bronze statues. Subsequently, with growing popularity, the number of statues continued to increase year after year, reaching 177 statues by 2018 (currently 178).
In 2018, a major renovation was implemented to commemorate the 25th anniversary, including barrier-free modifications, one-way traffic on the roadway, sidewalk expansion, and increased rest areas, creating an even more comfortable environment to enjoy encounters with yokai.
Selected as an Anime Holy Land 88, an Internationally Popular Spot
In August 2017, it was selected as one of “88 Japanese Anime Holy Lands Worth Visiting (2018 version)” selected by the Anime Tourism Association. It receives high support from anime fans both domestically and internationally, and is recognized as Japan’s representative anime tourism holy land.
This area, centered around Honmachi, Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, is not merely a tourist destination, but rather a place worthy of being called a holy land where you can experience yokai appearing in Mizuki Shigeru’s works as if they “actually exist.”
Upon Stepping Off Sakaiminato Station, You’re Already in the World of Yokai
The Yokai World Begins Right from the Station
The moment you step off JR Sakaiminato Station, you’ve already entered the world of yokai. The station building itself is affectionately known as “Kitaro Station,” and the station interior welcomes you with familiar characters like Kitaro, Father Eyeball, and Rat Man.
Multiple yokai bronze statues are already installed in the station plaza, making it a popular photo spot. As you start walking toward the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum from the station, you’ll begin encountering yokai appearing one after another on both sides of the road.
A Story Woven by 178 Yokai Bronze Statues
The greatest appeal of Mizuki Shigeru Road is undoubtedly the 178 yokai bronze statues. These statues are made of black granite and are characterized by their precise craftsmanship. Main characters from “GeGeGe no Kitaro” are of course included, along with popular yokai like One-Striped Fabric, Sand-Throwing Hag, Crying Old Man, and Wall Yokai, as well as more niche yokai—all residents of the Mizuki world are gathered here.
Each yokai bronze statue has an explanation plate, allowing you to learn about that yokai’s characteristics and folklore. Many visitors aim to find all the bronze statues as a form of treasure hunting. Take your time walking the approximately 800-meter route back and forth, enjoying face-to-face encounters with each yokai.
The Appeal of Mizuki Shigeru Road, Which Changes Expression Between Day and Night
Daytime Liveliness and the Expressions of Yokai
Mizuki Shigeru Road during the day bustles with the lively atmosphere of a shopping street filled with families and tourists. The yokai bronze statues seen in bright daylight can be observed in fine detail, allowing you to fully enjoy the characteristics of the yokai as depicted by Mizuki Shigeru.
Along the street are souvenir shops handling yokai goods and restaurants themed around yokai, where you can also enjoy shopping and dining. The appeal of daytime is that both children and adults can enjoy a bright and fun yokai experience.
A Fantastical World of Yokai Visible Only at Night
As evening falls, Mizuki Shigeru Road reveals a completely different face. With nighttime illumination, yokai bronze statues emerge like silhouettes in shadow puppets, enveloped in a mystical atmosphere different from daytime.
Particularly noteworthy is the shadow image of yokai projected onto the road. The shadows created by the angle of the lighting create the illusion that yokai are coming to life. The nighttime Mizuki Shigeru Road is filled with mysterious appeal that adults can savor in a subdued manner, offering a different experience of holy land pilgrimage than daytime.
Special performances that appear only at night and encounters with yokai found in darkness create the sensation of “encountering actual yokai.” We recommend visiting both during the day and at night to experience the respective charms.
Complete Guide to Must-See Spots on Mizuki Shigeru Road
Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum: Understanding the Sensei’s World of Works Deeply
The “Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum,” positioned at the endpoint of Mizuki Shigeru Road, is the most important spot for holy land pilgrimage. The museum interior is filled with abundant exhibits covering Mizuki Shigeru Sensei’s life, works, and philosophy regarding yokai, deepening your understanding of the works.
Original artwork displays, recreations of the sensei’s workplace, and exhibition rooms where you can experience the world of yokai offer plenty to see. Visiting the museum will make the yokai on Mizuki Shigeru Road feel closer and more endearing. This is a high-quality museum worth visiting even for non-fans.
Yokai Shrine: Receive Yokai Power at the Holy Land Within the Holy Land
The “Yokai Shrine” within Mizuki Shigeru Road is truly a special spot that can be called the holy land within the holy land. The One-Striped Fabric torii gate, Father Eyeball’s purification water, and ema plaques depicting yokai—this is a shrine dedicated entirely to yokai found nowhere else.
At Yokai Shrine, you can draw “yokai omikuji” (fortune slips) and receive messages from various yokai. Additionally, amulets and ema plaques related to yokai are popular, with many visitors purchasing them as souvenirs of their holy land pilgrimage. Receive yokai power and wish for improved fortune.
Kappa Fountain: Encounters with Water Yokai
“Kappa Fountain” is a waterside spot within Mizuki Shigeru Road where bronze statues of kappa and other water yokai are arranged. The sound of flowing water combined with the figures of yokai creates a cool and mysterious atmosphere.
Particularly during summer, this becomes a popular rest spot where the coolness of the waterside complements the mysterious appeal of the yokai. Benches are also installed, making it ideal for taking a break while gazing at the yokai.
GeGeGe’s Yokai Rakuen: Experiential Attractions
“GeGeGe’s Yokai Rakuen,” an experiential facility along Mizuki Shigeru Road, allows for deeper interaction with yokai. It features displays recreating the yokai world, photo spots, and yokai merchandise sales—packed with enjoyable elements.
Particularly popular with families with children, it has corners where you can take commemorative photos with yokai and game corners themed around yokai. It can also be used as a rest stop when tired from walking Mizuki Shigeru Road.
Practical Guide for Mizuki Shigeru Road Pilgrimage
Access Methods and Time Required
Access by Train:
- Get off at JR Gosen Line “Sakaiminato Station” immediately nearby
- About 45 minutes from Yonago Station to Sakaiminato Station
- The train vehicles themselves are character trains like “Kitaro Train,” making the journey itself enjoyable
Access by Car:
- About 40 minutes from “Yonago IC” on Yonago Expressway
- Paid parking available in the surrounding area (parking spaces have been improved since the renovation)
Time Required:
- About 30 minutes to walk one way while viewing bronze statues
- 1.5 to 2 hours when taking photos while walking back and forth
- Allow 3 to 4 hours when including facilities like the museum and Yokai Shrine
Efficient Ways to Visit and Recommended Route
Basic Route:
- At Sakaiminato Station, first photograph the station building and yokai in the plaza
- Proceed along the road toward the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum while searching for bronze statues
- En route, visit Yokai Shrine for a prayer and fortune slip
- Take a short break at Kappa Fountain
- Immerse yourself in the world of works at the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum
- On the return journey, walk on the opposite sidewalk to check for missed yokai
- Purchase yokai goods and souvenirs at shops along the road
Tips for Completion Enthusiasts:
- Obtain an official guideline map (distributed at tourist information offices and the museum)
- Mark found statues using your smartphone map app
- Visit early in the morning when there are fewer people for easier photography
- Viewing all 178 statues may require walking back and forth 2-3 times
Best Seasons and Clothing for Your Visit
Recommended Seasons:
- Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather ideal for walking
- Fall (September-November): Cool and comfortable, with autumn foliage also enjoyable
- Summer (June-August): Hot but peak summer vacation season with many events. Sunshade and hat essential
- Winter (December-February): Cold but fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed pilgrimage
Clothing Tips:
- Comfortable sneakers are essential (due to approximately 800 meters of back-and-forth walking plus frequent stops)
- In summer, don’t forget sun protection and hydration
- In winter, prepare proper winter clothing (coastal area with strong winds)
- For rainy weather, a raincoat is more convenient than an umbrella (keeps both hands free for photography)
Souvenirs and Gourmet: Yokai-Themed Shopping Experience
Souvenir Shops with Abundant Yokai Goods
Numerous souvenir shops with yokai themes line Mizuki Shigeru Road. Kitaro and Father Eyeball plush toys, yokai T-shirts, yokai stationery, yokai food products and more—an abundance of limited-edition goods found nowhere else.
Particularly popular items include:
- “Father Eyeball Manju” (steamed buns)
- Yokai-designed keychains and straps
- Postcards and reproductions using Mizuki Shigeru Sensei’s original artwork
- Carved wooden yokai figurines and decorative objects
Find your favorite yokai goods as a souvenir of your holy land pilgrimage.
Dining Establishments Themed Around Yokai
Restaurants along the road offer unique menus themed around yokai.
Popular Menu Items:
- Father Eyeball Chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard)
- Yokai Ramen
- Kitaro Curry
- Various yokai sweets
- Fresh local Sakaiminato seafood dishes (also served with yokai-inspired plating)
Dishes served in plating and tableware inspired by yokai allow you to enjoy not just the taste but also the appearance. The meal itself becomes part of your holy land pilgrimage experience.
Surrounding Tourist Spots and Combination Plans
Tour Combining Tottori Sand Dunes
The “Tottori Sand Dunes,” located about 50 minutes by car from Mizuki Shigeru Road, is Tottori Prefecture’s other signature attraction. A popular one-day tour plan combines Japan’s largest sand dunes with the adjacent “Sand Museum.”
Spend your morning encountering yokai at Mizuki Shigeru Road, and in the afternoon enjoy the majestic natural landscape of the Tottori Sand Dunes—experiencing contrasting attractions in a single day.
Miho Shrine and Miho Cape Lighthouse
Miho Cape, adjacent to Sakaiminato City, is home to “Miho Shrine,” the head shrine of Ebisu, and the “Miho Cape Lighthouse,” selected as one of Japan’s 50 finest lighthouses. Located about 20 minutes by car from Mizuki Shigeru Road with good accessibility.
A refined adult tour course where you can enjoy shrine visits and scenic coastal drives. Highly recommended.
Stay at Kaike Hot Spring
“Kaike Hot Spring” in Yonago City is located about 30 minutes by car from Mizuki Shigeru Road and is a leading hot spring resort in the San’in region. Enjoy open-air baths overlooking the Sea of Japan and cuisine made with fresh seafood.
If you want to enjoy Mizuki Shigeru Road both day and night, a plan to stay at Kaike Hot Spring and take 2 days for a thorough holy land pilgrimage is recommended.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting Mizuki Shigeru Road
Etiquette and Points of Caution
- Handle Bronze Statues Gently: Many people touch them, so handle carefully to prevent deterioration
- Remember This is a Shopping Street: This is also a living space for local residents, so avoid loud voices or blocking the road with consideration
- Be Careful When Taking Photos: Check your surroundings before photographing to avoid interfering with other tourists or pedestrians
- Take All Trash With You or Dispose in Designated Areas: Consider the environment to maintain this beautiful holy land
Stamp Rallies and Special Events
Various events are held seasonally at Mizuki Shigeru Road.
- Yokai Stamp Rally: Collecting stamps from multiple spots earns commemorative prizes
- Halloween Events: October features special yokai decorations and cosplay events
- Summer Yokai Night: Summer-exclusive special nighttime illumination
- Mizuki Shigeru Sensei’s Birthday Event: Special projects may be implemented around March 8th
Checking the official website for event information before visiting allows for a more fulfilling holy land pilgrimage.
Conclusion: Experiencing a True Holy Land Pilgrimage at Mizuki Shigeru Road
Mizuki Shigeru Road transcends a mere tourist destination and is a true holy land for fans. The approximately 800-meter stretch lined with 178 yokai bronze statues embodies the world of yokai that Mizuki Shigeru Sensei spent his life depicting.
The encounters with yokai beginning the moment you step off Sakaiminato Station, the fantastical atmosphere that shows different faces day and night, the deep understanding of the world of works at the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, and the special experience at Yokai Shrine—all these elements combine to create a unique, irreplaceable holy land pilgrimage experience found nowhere else.
Visit Tottori Prefecture’s Sakaiminato City, immerse yourself in the world of “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” and encounter the yokai loved by Mizuki Shigeru Sensei. It will be a journey filled with reconfirming your love for the works and discovering new things and emotions.
By all means, take time to experience both day and night, and enjoy encounters with all 178 yokai. Mizuki Shigeru Road is a profound holy land where new discoveries await no matter how many times you visit.
