Complete Guide to Yokote Masuda Manga Museum | Thorough Explanation of Akita Prefecture’s Pilgrimage Spot
The Yokote Masuda Manga Museum, located in Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is an essential pilgrimage destination for manga fans. Opening in 1995 as Japan’s first full-scale museum themed on “manga manuscript collection,” it underwent a renewal in 2019. Currently, it houses over 490,000 original manuscripts and preserves and exhibits precious works from over 180 renowned manga artists from Japan and abroad.
This article comprehensively introduces the appeal of Yokote Masuda Manga Museum for manga enthusiasts and those planning pilgrimages. We thoroughly explain information you should know before visiting, including facility features, exhibition contents, access methods, and surrounding tourist spots.
What is Yokote Masuda Manga Museum
History of Japan’s First Manga Manuscript Specialized Museum
The Yokote Masuda Manga Museum opened in October 1995 to commemorate the achievements of manga artist Takao Yaguchi, who was born in Masuda Town. It was established as a base for transmitting the appeal of manga culture, which Japan proudly presents to the world, while honoring the achievements of Takao Yaguchi, known for representative works such as “Tsurikichi Sanpei.”
In May 2019, a large-scale renewal was implemented, expanding exhibition space. The preservation environment for manuscripts was upgraded with the latest technology, establishing a system capable of exhibiting more precious manuscripts. It has now become a representative cultural facility of the Tohoku region, attracting approximately 100,000 visitors annually.
Facility Features and Collection Works
The greatest feature of Yokote Masuda Manga Museum is that it combines three functions: “collection, preservation, and exhibition” of manga manuscripts. It serves not merely as an exhibition facility but also as an archive facility responsible for passing down Japanese manga culture to the future.
The collection exceeds 490,000 manuscripts, housing original works from over 180 representative Japanese manga artists, including Takao Yaguchi, Osamu Tezuka, Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ, Tetsuya Chiba, Rumiko Takahashi, Takao Saito, and Hideaki Sorachi. These manuscripts are stored in dedicated storage facilities with strictly controlled temperature and humidity, carefully protected as precious assets of manga culture.
Appeal as a Pilgrimage Spot
Reasons Why Manga Fans Should Visit
Yokote Masuda Manga Museum is a special place that serves as a pilgrimage destination for manga fans. The reason is the precious opportunity to encounter “raw manuscripts” that cannot be seen elsewhere.
You can directly observe information unique to original manuscripts that cannot be understood from printed volumes, such as the artist’s brushwork, correction marks, and pen pressure variations. Manuscripts carefully drawn one by one by manga artists are truly works of art themselves. In an era where digitalization is advancing, the value of analog-drawn manuscripts is increasing.
Appeal of Special Exhibitions
In addition to permanent exhibitions, Yokote Masuda Manga Museum regularly holds special exhibitions. In the past, large-scale exhibitions of popular works such as “Gintama Exhibition” and “Demon Slayer Exhibition” have been held as the Akita venue, attracting many fans from across the country.
Special exhibitions display precious manuscripts, production materials, and handwritten messages from artists that are normally not visible. Through collaboration with major publishers including Shueisha, the museum actively attracts exhibitions of trending works, so we recommend checking the official website for the latest exhibition information before visiting.
Highlights of the Manga Kura Exhibition Room
The core of Yokote Masuda Manga Museum is the “Manga Kura Exhibition Room.” Original manuscripts by renowned manga artists are permanently displayed in a space modeled after the traditional storehouses of Masuda Town.
This exhibition room primarily features original manuscripts of representative works including Takao Yaguchi’s “Tsurikichi Sanpei,” with various artists’ works exhibited throughout the year. The appeal is that there are always new discoveries no matter how many times you visit, as exhibitions are regularly rotated.
Temperature and humidity are strictly controlled inside the exhibition room, with an environment prepared to preserve manuscripts in optimal condition. Special lighting that does not damage manuscripts is also used, demonstrating the museum’s high level of expertise.
Facility Information and Usage Guide
Opening Hours and Closed Days
Opening Hours
10:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:30)
Closed Days
Every third Tuesday of the month (or the following weekday if it falls on a holiday)
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 – January 3)
*Temporary closures may occur during special exhibition preparation periods
Opening hours and closed days may change, so we recommend confirming the latest information on the official website or by phone before visiting.
Admission Fees
Permanent Exhibition
- General: 800 yen
- High school students: 500 yen
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
Special Exhibitions
Fees vary depending on exhibition content. Often set as a combined price with permanent exhibitions; please check individual exhibition announcements for details.
Group Discounts
Discount rates apply for groups of 20 or more. Advance reservations are required, so if you’re planning a group visit, please inquire in advance.
Free Admission Days
Free admission days are occasionally set several times a year. Information about special open days linked to local events is announced on the official website and SNS.
Facility Services
Yokote Masuda Manga Museum has various facilities besides exhibition rooms.
Manga Library
A space where you can freely browse approximately 15,000 manga volumes. From nostalgic classics to the latest works, a wide range of manga genres are available. It’s a comfortable space where you can sit and enjoy reading, allowing you to spend an entire day.
Museum Shop
Original goods, works by local artists, and Akita Prefecture’s special products are sold. As souvenirs of your visit or pilgrimage memories, many limited items available only here are stocked.
Concierge Service
Staff with specialized knowledge are always stationed in the museum, providing exhibition explanations, facility guidance, and surrounding tourist information. Feel free to ask staff if you have questions about manga or want to understand works more deeply.
Access Methods
Access by Train/Bus
By JR
Get off at JR Ou Main Line “Jumonji Station”
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Approximately 15 minutes by bus toward Masuda Town (Iwaigawa Line or Yokote-Koyasu Line)
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Get off at “Masuda Kura no Eki” bus stop, approximately 10 minutes on foot
Bus frequency is limited, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance. Particularly on weekends and holidays, the number of services may decrease.
Access from Akita Airport
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Akita Airport
Rental car use is convenient.
Access by Car
Using Expressway
Tohoku Expressway “Kitakami JCT”
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Akita Expressway “Yokote JCT”
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Approximately 10 minutes from Tohoku Chuo Expressway “Jumonji IC”
Car Navigation Settings
Address: 285 Shinmachi, Masuda, Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture
Phone Number: 0182-45-5569
Parking Information
Free parking available (capacity approximately 100 regular cars)
Large bus parking space available (prior contact required)
Convenient Access Information via Smartphone
For navigation to the site, Google Maps and smartphone map apps are convenient. Searching for “Yokote Masuda Manga Museum” will display the optimal route from your current location.
The official website also provides MAP information, allowing you to check surrounding tourist spots together. Bookmarking on your smartphone in advance will enable smooth visits on the day.
Surrounding Tourist Spots and Pilgrimage Courses
Masuda Tourism Product Center “Kura no Eki”
“Kura no Eki,” located approximately 5 minutes on foot from Yokote Masuda Manga Museum, is Masuda Town’s tourism hub facility. Besides purchasing local specialties and souvenirs, it’s also ideal for gathering tourist information.
Masuda Town is known as the “Town of Inner Storehouses,” with many traditional storehouses remaining. At Kura no Eki, you can also apply for inner storehouse tour programs, and by visiting together with the Manga Museum, you can deeply understand Masuda Town’s culture.
Urushi-gura Museum (Manga Manuscript Archive Center)
The Urushi-gura Museum, functioning as an annex to Yokote Masuda Manga Museum, is a facility utilizing traditional storehouses. Here, some of the vast manuscripts stored in the museum are kept, and can be viewed during special public events.
It’s a spot where you can experience the unique initiative of Masuda Town: the fusion of historical architecture and manga culture.
Hinomaru Jozo Co., Ltd. (Mansaku no Hana)
The brewery of “Mansaku no Hana,” sake representing Akita Prefecture. Sake brewed with Masuda Town’s abundant water and rice is highly acclaimed nationwide.
Brewery tours and tastings are possible (reservation required), allowing you to fully enjoy Akita’s culture together with visiting the Manga Museum. After pilgrimage, enjoying delicious local sake is also recommended.
Haba Koji Chaya Kurao
A café/restaurant utilizing Masuda Town’s traditional inner storehouse. You can enjoy dishes using local ingredients and Akita’s famous Inaniwa udon.
It’s a valuable place where you can dine while enjoying the storehouse atmosphere, within walking distance from the Manga Museum. Ideal for stopping by during lunch or café time.
Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Duration: approximately 4 hours)
10:00 Arrive at Yokote Masuda Manga Museum
10:00-12:30 View permanent and special exhibitions
12:30-13:30 Lunch at Haba Koji Chaya Kurao
13:30-14:30 Shopping and inner storehouse viewing at Masuda Tourism Product Center “Kura no Eki”
14:30 Depart
Full-Day Course (Duration: approximately 7 hours)
10:00 Arrive at Yokote Masuda Manga Museum
10:00-13:00 Exhibition viewing and reading at Manga Library
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-15:00 Tour Masuda Town’s inner storehouses
15:00-16:00 Visit Hinomaru Jozo (reservation required)
16:00-17:00 Shopping at Kura no Eki
17:00 Depart
Event Information and How to Obtain Latest Information
Regular Events
Various events are held throughout the year at Yokote Masuda Manga Museum.
Artist Talk Events
Talk shows and autograph sessions with manga artists themselves are sometimes held in conjunction with special exhibitions. Events with popular artists fill up quickly, so early information gathering is important.
Workshops
Participatory events such as manga drawing classes and demonstrations by professional manga artists are regularly held. Content is enjoyable for a wide range from beginners to experienced participants.
Birth Anniversary Exhibitions
Special exhibitions commemorating the ○○th birth anniversaries of renowned manga artists are sometimes planned. In the past, memorial exhibitions of masters such as Osamu Tezuka and Fujiko Fujio have been held.
SNS and Official Information
To obtain the latest event and exhibition information, we recommend following official SNS.
Official X (formerly Twitter)
@m_mangamuseum
Real-time information is transmitted, including event information, exhibition changes, and temporary closure notices.
Official Website
https://manga-museum.com/
Comprehensive information to check before visiting, including special exhibition details, opening calendar, and access information.
Online Shop
An online shop is also operated for those who find visiting difficult due to distance. Limited goods and catalogs can be purchased.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting
Exhibition Room Etiquette
Original manuscripts are very delicate works. Please observe the following etiquette when viewing.
About Photography
Photography is permitted in some areas of the permanent exhibition, but photographing manuscripts is basically prohibited. There are clear indications of photography-permitted areas, so please be sure to check. Photography may be completely prohibited during special exhibitions.
Protecting Manuscripts
Touching display cases or flash photography is strictly forbidden. Manuscripts are sensitive to light and vibration and need to be preserved in appropriate environments.
Quiet Viewing
Please view quietly so as not to disturb other visitors’ viewing. Set mobile phones to silent mode.
Measures for Crowding
Crowding is expected during special exhibition periods and on weekends/holidays.
Weekday Visits Recommended
If you want to view leisurely, weekday mornings are relatively uncrowded.
Advance Reservations
Advance reservations are required for group visits or participation in special events. Reservations can be made from the official website.
Estimated Time Required
Permanent exhibition only: 1-2 hours
Including special exhibitions: 2-3 hours
Also enjoying Manga Library: 3-4 hours
Other Manga/Anime Sacred Sites in Akita Prefecture
Manga Culture in Akita Prefecture
Akita Prefecture has produced many renowned manga artists, including Takao Yaguchi. Besides Yokote Masuda Manga Museum, manga and anime-related spots are scattered throughout.
Manga Spots in Akita City
Manga artist monuments and related facilities exist in central Akita City. Access is good as the prefectural capital.
Yuzawa City
Yuzawa City, adjacent to Masuda Town, is also deeply connected with manga culture. Also known as a hot spring area, it can be visited together with sightseeing.
Pilgrimage Planning
When planning manga pilgrimages in Akita Prefecture, we recommend combining surrounding tourist spots centered on Yokote Masuda Manga Museum.
1-Night 2-Day Plan
Day 1: Akita City sightseeing → Move to Yokote City → Local gourmet like Yokote yakisoba
Day 2: Masuda Manga Museum → Masuda Town inner storehouse tour → Return journey
2-Night 3-Day Plan
Day 1: Akita City sightseeing
Day 2: Yokote Masuda Manga Museum → Masuda Town sightseeing
Day 3: Yuzawa City sightseeing → Return journey
Summary: Have a Special Experience at Yokote Masuda Manga Museum
Yokote Masuda Manga Museum is a pilgrimage spot that manga fans should visit at least once. As Japan’s first full-scale museum housing over 490,000 manuscripts, you can fully experience the appeal of manga culture.
At the permanent exhibition, you can view precious manuscripts by renowned manga artists including Takao Yaguchi, and special exhibitions offer in-depth displays of trending works. It’s a facility you can enjoy all day, whether re-reading nostalgic works at the Manga Library or purchasing original goods at the Museum Shop.
The unique atmosphere where Masuda Town’s traditional inner storehouse culture fuses with modern manga culture is also one of its appeals. By visiting together with surrounding tourist spots, you can understand Akita Prefecture’s culture more deeply.
For those planning pilgrimages, we recommend checking the latest exhibition information on the official website and SNS and timing your visit with special exhibition periods. Access by car is convenient, but visiting by public transportation is also possible.
How about having a special experience at Yokote Masuda Manga Museum, a sacred site of manga culture that Japan proudly presents?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much time is needed at Yokote Masuda Manga Museum?
A1: 1-2 hours for permanent exhibition only, 2-3 hours including special exhibitions as a guideline. If you enjoy reading leisurely at the Manga Library, allow 3-4 hours. It varies depending on exhibition content and crowding, so we recommend visiting with time to spare.
Q2: Is photography permitted?
A2: Photography is permitted in some areas of the permanent exhibition, but photographing manuscripts is basically prohibited. There are clear indications of photography-permitted areas, so please be sure to check. Photography may be completely prohibited during special exhibitions. Flash photography is completely prohibited to protect manuscripts.
Q3: Is there parking?
A3: Free parking is available with capacity for approximately 100 regular cars. Large bus parking space is also available, but we recommend contacting in advance for group visits. Crowding may occur on weekends/holidays during special exhibitions.
Q4: Are there places to eat nearby?
A4: Within walking distance are restaurants like “Haba Koji Chaya Kurao” where you can enjoy dishes using local ingredients. Light meals can also be purchased at Masuda Tourism Product Center “Kura no Eki.” Additionally, multiple restaurants are within a few minutes by car, so there are no concerns about meals.
Q5: Where can I check special exhibition information?
A5: Latest information is transmitted on the official website (https://manga-museum.com/) or official X (@m_mangamuseum). Since reservations for popular work exhibitions may fill up early, we recommend checking regularly. Admission fees for special exhibitions vary depending on exhibition content.
Q6: Can I enjoy it with children?
A6: Junior high school students and younger have free admission, and the Manga Library has many works for children. However, to maintain a quiet viewing environment, we ask for consideration of surroundings when bringing small children. Nursing rooms and diaper changing spaces are also available.
Q7: Is access by public transportation convenient?
A7: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Jumonji Station, approximately 10 minutes on foot from the bus stop. However, bus frequency is limited, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance. Particularly on weekends/holidays, the number of services may decrease. Access by car is more convenient.
Q8: Are group visits possible?
A8: Discount rates apply for groups of 20 or more. Advance reservations are required, so please inquire via the official website or by phone (0182-45-5569). Special programs for groups may be available in some cases.
