Himi City Shiokaze Gallery Complete Guide | How to Fully Enjoy the Toyama Prefecture Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ Anime Pilgrimage Site
Himi City in Toyama Prefecture is known as the hometown of manga master Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ. The central facility, Himi City Shiokaze Gallery (Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ Art Collection), was selected in 2017 by the Anime Tourism Association as one of the “88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan Worth Visiting,” becoming a pilgrimage destination for fans from across the country. This article will introduce the attractions of this facility without leaving anything out.
What is Himi City Shiokaze Gallery? The Hub for Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ’s World
Himi City Shiokaze Gallery is a cultural facility where visitors can experience the world of Fujiko Ⓐ’s works, reopened in 2015 as the “Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ Art Collection.” As the core of the “Himi City Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ Manga World,” together with character statues and monuments deployed throughout the city, it has become a representative tourist spot of Himi.
Significance of Anime Pilgrimage Site 88 Designation
On July 9, 2018, an official certification plaque was presented by the Anime Tourism Association. While three locations in Toyama Prefecture were selected—Kamiichi Town (film “Wolf Children”), Nanto City (TV anime “true tears”), and this site—Shiokaze Gallery is the only exhibition facility designated as a pilgrimage site, proving its high value.
Master from Himi – Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ
Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ (real name: Motoo Abiko) was born in Himi City in 1934 and created numerous masterpieces including “Ninja Hattori-kun,” “Kaibutsu-kun,” “Pro Golfer Saru,” and “The Laughing Salesman.” He is a legendary figure who spent his youth at Tokiwa-sō in Tokyo with Osamu Tezuka and others, building Japan’s manga culture.
First Floor Highlights | Enjoy the Fujiko Ⓐ World
Original Artwork and Replica Displays of Representative Works
The main floor on the first floor displays many original artworks and replicas of Fujiko Ⓐ’s representative works, including “Ninja Hattori-kun” and “Kaibutsu-kun.” This is a valuable opportunity to see the actual pen touches and detailed drawings up close, allowing you to feel the professional techniques and passion firsthand.
The exhibited works are periodically rotated, so there are new discoveries with each visit. You can see the delicate lines of the original artwork and even correction marks, giving you a glimpse behind the scenes of manga production.
Kaibutsu-kun Welcomes You | The Entrance is Full of Characters
At the gallery entrance, a large three-dimensional statue of Kaibutsu-kun greets visitors. Familiar characters such as Franken, Dracula, and Wolfman are also placed, making it a popular photo spot. The entrance is designed to immerse visitors in Fujiko Ⓐ’s world from the start, creating a space that naturally brings smiles to children and adults alike.
Corner Featuring Works Depicting Himi
The corner displaying replica artworks and comic essay commentary depicting Himi, Fujiko Ⓐ’s hometown, is a special space unique to this location. The teacher’s feelings for Himi and memories of his boyhood are embedded in the works, offering a moving experience where Himi’s landscapes overlap with the world of the works.
Understanding how Himi’s sea, mountains, and townscapes are depicted in the works makes the pilgrimage around the city even more enjoyable.
Recreated “Tokiwa-sō Room 14”
One of the main exhibits on the first floor is the recreation corner of “Tokiwa-sō Room 14,” the legendary apartment where Fujiko Ⓐ spent his youth. The four-and-a-half-mat room from the 1950s is faithfully recreated with period household items, desks, and bookshelves.
This is a valuable corner where you can experience the legendary space where young people who would later become Japan’s leading manga artists—including Osamu Tezuka, Shotaro Ishinomori, and Fujio Akatsuka—worked hard together. You can feel the passion of their youth, devoted to manga in a small room.
Fujiko Ⓐ Studio | Character Goods Sales Corner
On the first floor is a goods sales corner called “Fujiko Ⓐ Studio,” offering an abundance of Himi City-exclusive character goods available only here. Many items perfect as pilgrimage souvenirs are sold, including Hattori-kun and Kaibutsu-kun plushies, stationery, sweets, and T-shirts.
Souvenir shopping is also part of the fun, with attractive products that even non-fans would want.
Second Floor Attractions | Digital Technology and Manga Library
Digital Manga Screen | Immerse Yourself in the World of Works with Latest Technology
The second floor features the “Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ Digital Manga Screen” utilizing the latest digital technology. When you stand in front of the screen, your transformed image as Ninja Hattori-kun appears, or when you shine a camera flash at the dark screen, surprising characters jump out—offering an interactive experience.
This hands-on exhibit is especially popular with children, giving them the sensation of entering the world of manga. Photography is allowed, making it perfect for creating social media-worthy memories.
1,000-Book Manga Library | Space to Leisurely Read Works
The “Manga Library” on the second floor houses approximately 1,000 volumes of Fujiko Ⓐ’s comics, which can be freely browsed. This is a luxurious space where you can slowly read through the teacher’s vast body of work, from representative pieces to hidden masterpieces.
Chairs and sofas are provided, allowing you to lose track of time while immersing yourself in the world of the works. Many families enjoy it together, making it a place where you can appreciate the charm of works loved across generations.
Workshop Space
The second floor also has a space where workshops and events are regularly held, including manga classes and character crafts. Checking the official website for event information before your visit can enhance your experience.
Basic Information | Hours, Fees, and Access
Facility Overview
Facility Name: Himi City Shiokaze Gallery (Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ Art Collection)
Address: 3-4 Chuo-machi, Himi City, Toyama Prefecture 935-0011
Phone Number: 0766-72-4800
Hours and Closed Days
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (admission until 4:30 PM)
Closed Days:
- Every Monday (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday)
- Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3)
- Other temporary closures for exhibit changes, etc.
*Please check the official website or call ahead for the latest operating information.
Admission Fees
General Admission:
- Adults: 200 yen
- High school students and younger: Free
Discounts:
- Those with disability certificates and one caregiver: Free
- Groups of 20 or more: 160 yen (adults only)
The free admission for high school students and younger reflects Himi City’s desire to pass on manga culture to the younger generation. The pricing makes it easy for families to visit.
Access
By Train/Bus:
- Get off at JR Himi Line “Himi Station”
- Take the Himi city tour bus or Kaetsunou Bus for about 6 minutes
- Get off at “Himi Chuo” bus stop, immediately on foot
By Car:
- About 10 minutes from Noto Expressway “Himi IC”
- About 30 minutes from Hokuriku Expressway “Takaoka IC”
On Foot:
- About 10 minutes walk from Roadside Station “Himi Himibanya-gai”
- About 20 minutes walk from JR Himi Station
Parking Information
Dedicated Parking: Available (free)
Capacity: About 20 regular cars
Note: Nearby public parking (paid) is also available during congestion. Early arrival is recommended during tourist season and weekends.
Surrounding Pilgrimage Sites | Enjoy Himi Manga World
Character Statues and Monuments in Himi City
Over 30 character statues and monuments of Fujiko Ⓐ’s characters are installed throughout Himi City, making the entire town a “manga world.”
Main Spots:
- JR Himi Station: Bronze statue of Ninja Hattori-kun
- Manga Road: Various character statues scattered along the shopping street
- Along Minato River: Kaibutsu-kun family statue
- Himi-no-e Park: Pro Golfer Saru statue
It’s recommended to get a map at Shiokaze Gallery and tour the city in stamp rally style.
Himibanya-gai
Located a 10-minute walk from Shiokaze Gallery, “Himibanya-gai” is a roadside station where you can enjoy Himi’s seafood delicacies. With fresh seafood sales, conveyor belt sushi, hot spring facilities, and more, you can fully enjoy Himi tourism along with your pilgrimage.
Himi City Seaside Botanical Garden
A botanical garden located along the sea where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and spectacular views of Toyama Bay. About 15 minutes by car from Shiokaze Gallery.
Tips for Enjoying Your Pilgrimage More
Recommended Visit Times
Spring (April-May): Beautiful townscape during cherry blossom season with mild weather
Summer (July-August): Many events like Himi Gion Festival with lively atmosphere
Autumn (October-November): Best seafood during cold yellowtail season
Winter (December-February): Can enjoy Himi’s winter delicacies, but watch the weather
Estimated Time Required
- Gallery only: 1-2 hours
- Including city character statue tour: 3-4 hours
- Full-day course including surrounding tourism: 5-6 hours
If you want to leisurely read works in the manga library, planning with extra time is recommended.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is allowed in the gallery except in certain areas, but please note the following:
- Do not use flash where prohibited
- Be especially careful in original artwork exhibition areas
- Do not disturb other visitors’ viewing
- Consider copyright when posting on social media
Discount Tourism Pass Information
Himi City sometimes issues discount passes and coupons for touring tourist facilities. Check the latest information at the Himi City Tourism Association or station tourist information center.
Model Course | Full-Day Himi Pilgrimage
[Morning] Manga World Enjoyment Course
9:30 Arrive at JR Himi Station, commemorative photo at Hattori-kun statue in front of station
10:00 Enter Himi City Shiokaze Gallery at opening, carefully view first floor original artwork exhibits
11:00 Read works in second floor manga library, experience digital manga screen
12:00 Purchase souvenirs at goods shop
[Afternoon] Himi Gourmet & Town Walking Course
12:30 Lunch of Himi seafood at Himibanya-gai (Himi udon, conveyor belt sushi, etc.)
14:00 Character statue tour on Manga Road, stamp rally
15:30 Enjoy Toyama Bay scenery at Himi-no-e Park
16:30 Relax fatigue in hot springs (Himibanya-gai hot spring facility, etc.)
18:00 Return journey from Himi Station
This course allows you to efficiently enjoy both the pilgrimage and Himi tourism.
Visitor Voices | Impressions of Actual Pilgrims
“I was overwhelmed by the power of the original artwork. The Tokiwa-sō recreation corner was moving, and the passion of the young Fujiko-sensei and others came through.” (Male in his 30s)
“My children were engrossed in the digital manga screen and experienced it many times. The manga library was also extensive, and the whole family enjoyed it.” (Female in her 40s)
“As befitting a site selected as one of the Anime Pilgrimage 88, it’s an irresistible facility for fans. The Himi-exclusive goods were also wonderful and made a great keepsake.” (Male in his 20s)
“It’s nice that high school students and younger are free. Even with three children, we could enter easily. The character statue tour around the city was also fun.” (Female in her 30s)
Summary | Fujiko Ⓐ World Pilgrimage at Himi City Shiokaze Gallery
Himi City Shiokaze Gallery (Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ Art Collection) is a representative anime pilgrimage site in Toyama Prefecture where you can experience the world of manga master Fujiko Ⓐ’s works. With diverse content including original artwork exhibits, Tokiwa-sō recreation, digital manga screen, and a 1,000-book manga library, it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
As a valuable facility certified as one of the “88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan Worth Visiting,” when combined with character statues scattered throughout Himi City, you can truly enjoy the “manga world.” The reasonable admission fee of free for high school students and younger is also attractive.
Himi’s beautiful nature, delicious seafood, and the warm world of Fujiko Ⓐ’s works. Why not create special pilgrimage memories in Himi City where these three elements merge? Check the official website for the latest information before visiting and plan a fulfilling trip.
Shiokaze Gallery is a must-see pilgrimage site for fans, made possible only in Himi, Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ’s hometown. Please visit and spend luxurious time immersed in the world of manga.