Complete Guide to Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum | Thorough Explanation of Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Akita Prefecture
The Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum in Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture is an unmissable sacred pilgrimage spot for manga fans. It opened in 1995 as Japan’s first legitimate art museum themed around “manga original artwork collection” and was renovated and reopened in 2019. It currently holds over 490,000 original artworks, preserving and publicly displaying precious works by over 180 renowned manga artists from Japan and abroad.
This article comprehensively introduces the attractions of Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum for manga enthusiasts and those planning sacred pilgrimages. From facility features, exhibition content, and transportation methods to surrounding tourist attractions, we thoroughly explain the information you need to know before visiting.
Overview of Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum
History of Japan’s First Manga Original Artwork Specialized Art Museum
Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum opened in October 1995 to commemorate the achievements of manga artist Takao Yaguchi, who was born in Masuda Town. Based on the accomplishments of Takao Yaguchi, famous for representative works such as “Tsurikichi Sanpei,” it was established as a base for conveying the appeal of Japanese manga culture to the world.
A large-scale renovation was implemented in May 2019, expanding the exhibition space. The preservation environment for original artworks was enhanced with the latest technology, establishing a system capable of publicly displaying more precious original artworks. It has now become a representative cultural facility in the Tohoku region with approximately 100,000 annual visitors.
Facility Features and Collection Works
The greatest feature of Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum is that it combines the three major functions of “collection, preservation, and public display” of manga original artwork. It’s not just an exhibition facility but also plays the role of an archive that passes Japanese manga culture on to the future.
The collection exceeds 490,000 works, housing original artworks by over 180 representative Japanese manga artists including Takao Yaguchi, Osamu Tezuka, Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ, Tetsuya Chiba, Rumiko Takahashi, Takao Saito, and Hideaki Sorachi. These original artworks are stored in dedicated storage facilities with strictly controlled temperature and humidity, carefully protected as precious assets of manga culture.
Appeal as a Sacred Pilgrimage Spot
Reasons Why Manga Fans Must Visit
For manga fans, Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum is a special place for sacred pilgrimage. The reason is the precious opportunity to encounter “authentic original artwork” that cannot be seen elsewhere.
You can directly view information unique to original artwork that printed published volumes cannot convey, such as the artist’s brushstrokes, correction marks, and pen pressure variations. The original artworks that manga artists carefully drew one by one are art works in themselves. In the modern era where digitalization is advancing, the value of analog-drawn original artwork is increasing.
Appeal of Special Exhibition Events
In addition to permanent exhibitions, Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum regularly holds special exhibition events. In the past, it has hosted large-scale exhibition events for popular works such as “Gintama Exhibition” and “Demon Slayer Exhibition” as an Akita venue, attracting many fans from across the country.
Special exhibition events display precious original artworks, production materials, and artists’ handwritten messages that cannot normally be seen. In collaboration with major publishers like Shueisha, they actively introduce exhibition events for trending works, so it’s recommended to check the latest exhibition information on the official website before visiting.
Highlights of the Manga-Gura Exhibition Room
The core of Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum is the “Manga-Gura Exhibition Room.” In a space designed to evoke Masuda Town’s traditional storehouses, original artworks by famous manga artists are permanently displayed.
This exhibition room centers on original artworks from Takao Yaguchi’s representative works like “Tsurikichi Sanpei” and publicly displays works by various artists year-round. The exhibitions are regularly rotated, so you can make new discoveries with each visit.
Temperature and humidity are strictly controlled within the exhibition room, creating an environment where original artworks can be preserved in optimal condition. The lighting also uses special equipment that won’t damage the original artworks, demonstrating high professionalism as an art museum.
Facility Information and Usage Guide
Opening Hours and Closed Days
Opening Hours
10:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:30)
Closed Days
Third Tuesday of each month (or next business day if it falls on a holiday)
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 – January 3)
※May temporarily close during special exhibition preparation periods
Opening hours and closed days are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check the latest information on the official website or by phone before visiting.
Admission Fees
Permanent Exhibition
- Adults: 800 yen
- High school students: 500 yen
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
Special Exhibition Events
Fees vary depending on exhibition content. In most cases, combo tickets with the permanent exhibition are available; please check each exhibition event’s details.
Group Discounts
Groups of 20 or more can receive discounted prices. Advance reservations are required, so please inquire in advance when planning a group visit.
Free Admission Days
Free admission days are set several times a year. Information about special open days coordinated with regional events is announced on the official website and SNS.
Facility Amenities and Services
In addition to exhibition rooms, Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum is equipped with various facilities.
Manga Library
A space where you can freely read approximately 15,000 manga volumes. Various genres of manga are gathered, from nostalgic classics to the latest works. You can leisurely sit and read in a comfortable space, and it’s possible to spend an entire day here.
Museum Shop
Sells original merchandise, works by local artists, Akita Prefecture specialties, and more. As visit souvenirs and sacred pilgrimage memories, they stock many limited items that can only be purchased here.
Information Service
Knowledgeable staff are permanently stationed in the museum, providing services such as exhibition explanations, facility guidance, and surrounding tourist information. If you have questions about manga or want to learn more deeply about works, feel free to consult with staff.
Transportation Access
Train and Bus Access
When Using JR
Get off at JR Ou Main Line “Jumonji Station”
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Take a bus toward Masuda Town (Iwaigawa Line or Yokote-Koyasu Line) for approximately 15 minutes
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Get off at “Masuda Kura-no-Eki” bus stop, approximately 10 minutes on foot
Buses have limited service, so it’s recommended to check the timetable in advance. Especially on weekends and holidays, operating frequency may be reduced.
From Akita Airport
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Akita Airport
Convenient to use a rental car.
Car Access
When Using Expressways
Tohoku Expressway “Kitakami JCT”
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Akita Expressway “Yokote JCT”
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Tohoku Central Expressway “Jumonji IC” approximately 10 minutes
Navigation Settings
Address: 285 Shinmachi, Masuda, Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture
Phone: 0182-45-5569
Parking Information
Free parking lot (capacity approximately 100 regular vehicles)
Large bus parking spaces available (advance contact required)
Convenient Smartphone Navigation Information
For on-site navigation, you can use Google Maps or smartphone map applications. Searching for “Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum” will display the optimal route from your current location.
Map information is also published on the official website, which can be checked together with surrounding tourist spots. Save it on your phone in advance and you can smoothly visit on the day.
Surrounding Tourist Spots and Sacred Pilgrimage Routes
Masuda Tourism and Products Center “Kura-no-Eki”
“Kura-no-Eki,” located approximately 5 minutes on foot from Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum, is the tourism hub facility of Masuda Town. You can purchase local specialties and souvenirs, and it’s an ideal place to gather tourist information.
Masuda Town is known as the “Town of Inner Storehouses” and retains many traditional storehouses. At Kura-no-Eki, you can also apply for inner storehouse viewing tours, and visiting together with the manga museum allows you to deeply understand Masuda Town’s culture.
Lacquer Storehouse Museum (Manga Original Artwork Archive Center)
The Lacquer Storehouse Museum, an annex of Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum, is a facility utilizing a traditional storehouse. A portion of the museum’s vast collection of original artworks is stored here and can be viewed during special public events.
It’s a spot where you can experience the unique attempt of Masuda Town to fuse historical architecture with manga culture.
Hinomaru Brewing Co., Ltd. (Mansakunohana)
This is the brewery of “Mansakunohana,” a representative Japanese sake of Akita Prefecture. Japanese sake brewed with Masuda Town’s abundant water and rice enjoys high acclaim nationwide.
Brewery tours and sake tastings are available (reservations required), and visiting in combination with the manga museum allows you to fully enjoy Akita culture. Tasting delicious local Japanese sake after a sacred pilgrimage is also recommended.
Haba Koji Chaya Kura-wo
A café and restaurant utilizing Masuda Town’s traditional inner storehouses. You can taste dishes using local ingredients and Akita specialties like Inaniwa udon.
It’s a precious place where you can dine in a storehouse atmosphere and is within walking distance from the manga museum. Suitable for stopping by during lunch or coffee time.
Model Sacred Pilgrimage Routes
Half-Day Route (Approximate time: 4 hours)
10:00 Arrive at Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum
10:00-12:30 View permanent exhibition and special exhibition events
12:30-13:30 Lunch at Haba Koji Chaya Kura-wo
13:30-14:30 Shopping and inner storehouse viewing at Masuda Tourism and Products Center “Kura-no-Eki”
14:30 Depart
Full-Day Route (Approximate time: 7 hours)
10:00 Arrive at Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum
10:00-13:00 View exhibitions and read in manga library
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-15:00 Masuda Town inner storehouse tour
15:00-16:00 Visit Hinomaru Brewing (reservation required)
16:00-17:00 Shopping at Kura-no-Eki
17:00 Depart
Event Information and How to Get Latest Information
Regular Events
Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum holds various events throughout the year.
Artist Talk Events
Coordinating with special exhibition events, talk sessions and autograph sessions inviting the manga artists themselves are sometimes held. Events with popular artists fill up quickly with reservations, so obtaining information early is important.
Workshops
Participatory events such as manga drawing classes and live demonstrations by professional manga artists are regularly held. Content that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experienced individuals.
Anniversary Exhibitions
Special exhibitions commemorating the ○○th anniversary of famous manga artists’ births are sometimes planned. In the past, memorial exhibitions for masters like Osamu Tezuka and Fujiko Fujio have been held.
SNS and Official Information
To obtain the latest event information and exhibition details, following official SNS is recommended.
Official X (formerly Twitter)
@m_mangamuseum
Posts real-time information such as event details, exhibition changes, and temporary closure notices.
Official Website
https://manga-museum.com/
Summarizes information to check before visiting, such as detailed special exhibition event information, opening calendars, and transportation information.
Online Shop
An online shop is also operated for people from distant locations who find it difficult to visit. Limited merchandise and catalogs can be purchased.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting
Exhibition Room Etiquette
Original artworks are extremely delicate pieces. Please observe the following etiquette when viewing.
About Photography
Photography is permitted in parts of the permanent exhibition area, but photographing original artworks is prohibited in principle. Photographable areas are clearly marked, so please be sure to check. Special exhibition events may completely prohibit photography.
Protecting Original Artworks
Touching display cases or flash photography is strictly prohibited. Original artworks 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. Please set mobile phones to silent mode.
Measures for Crowding
Crowding is expected during special exhibition event periods and on weekends and 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 when wishing to participate in special events. Reservations can be made through the official website.
Time Required Reference
Permanent exhibition only: 1-2 hours
Including special exhibition events: 2-3 hours
Also enjoying the manga library: 3-4 hours
Other Manga and Anime Sacred Sites in Akita Prefecture
Manga Culture in Akita Prefecture
Akita Prefecture has nurtured many famous manga artists including Takao Yaguchi. Besides Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum, manga and anime-related spots are scattered throughout.
Manga Spots in Akita City
In central Akita City, there are manga artist monuments and related facilities. As the prefectural capital, transportation is convenient.
Yuzawa City
Yuzawa City, adjacent to Masuda Town, is also a region with deep ties to manga culture. Also famous as a hot spring area, it can be visited in combination with sightseeing.
Sacred Pilgrimage Planning
When planning a manga sacred pilgrimage in Akita Prefecture, it’s recommended to center on Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum and combine it with surrounding tourist sites.
1 Night 2 Days Plan
Day 1: Akita City sightseeing → Move to Yokote City → Local cuisine like Yokote yakisoba
Day 2: Masuda Manga Museum → Masuda Town inner storehouse tour → Return
2 Nights 3 Days Plan
Day 1: Akita City sightseeing
Day 2: Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum → Masuda Town sightseeing
Day 3: Yuzawa City sightseeing → Return
Summary: Experience a Special Journey at Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum
Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum is a sacred pilgrimage spot that manga fans must visit. As Japan’s first legitimate art museum housing over 490,000 original artworks, you can fully experience the appeal of manga culture.
In permanent exhibitions, you can appreciate precious original artworks by famous manga artists including Takao Yaguchi, and in special exhibition events, you can enjoy exhibitions that deeply explore trending works. Relive nostalgic works in the manga library, purchase original merchandise at the museum shop—it’s a facility where you can enjoy yourself all day.
The unique atmosphere where Masuda Town’s traditional inner storehouse culture fuses with modern manga culture is also part of its appeal. Visiting in combination with surrounding tourist spots allows you to understand Akita Prefecture’s culture more deeply.
For those planning sacred pilgrimages, please check the latest exhibition information on the official website and SNS, and visiting during special exhibition event periods is recommended. For transportation, driving is more convenient, but access is also possible using public transportation.
How about experiencing a special journey at Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum, a sacred site of manga culture that Japan is proud of?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: About how long does it take to tour Yokote City Masuda Manga Museum?
A1: Approximately 1-2 hours for the permanent exhibition only, approximately 2-3 hours including special exhibition events is a reference. If you leisurely read in the manga library, expect 3-4 hours. It varies depending on exhibition content and crowding conditions, so visiting with ample time is recommended.
Q2: Is photography allowed?
A2: Photography is permitted in parts of the permanent exhibition area, but photographing original artworks is prohibited in principle. Photographable locations are clearly marked, so please be sure to check. Special exhibition events may completely prohibit photography. Flash photography is completely prohibited to protect original artworks.
Q3: Is there a parking lot?
A3: A free parking lot is provided with capacity for approximately 100 regular vehicles. Large bus parking spaces are also available, but advance contact is recommended for group visits. Weekends and holidays during special exhibition events may be crowded.
Q4: Are there places to eat nearby?
A4: Within walking distance are restaurants like “Haba Koji Chaya Kura-wo” where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. Light meals can also be purchased at Masuda Tourism and Products Center “Kura-no-Eki.” Additionally, there are multiple restaurants within a few minutes by car, so there’s no need to worry about dining.
Q5: Where can I check special exhibition event information?
A5: Latest information is posted on the official website (https://manga-museum.com/) and official X (@m_mangamuseum). Exhibition events for popular works may fill up with reservations early, so regular checking is recommended. Admission fees for special exhibition events vary depending on exhibition content.
Q6: Can children also enjoy it?
A6: Junior high school students and younger can enter for free, and the manga library also has many works for children. However, when bringing young children, please be mindful of surroundings to maintain a quiet viewing environment. Nursing rooms and diaper changing spaces are also provided.
Q7: Is public transportation convenient?
A7: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Jumonji Station, approximately 10 minutes on foot from the bus stop. However, buses have limited service, so checking the timetable in advance is recommended. Especially on weekends and holidays, operating frequency may be reduced. Driving is more convenient.
Q8: Can groups visit?
A8: Groups of 20 or more can receive discounted prices. Advance reservations are required, so please inquire through the official website or contact by phone (0182-45-5569). Special programs for groups can sometimes be arranged.
