Mizuki Shigeru Road: Walking the GeGeGe no Kitaro World in Sakaiminato, City of Yokai

Mizuki Shigeru Road is a roughly 800-meter street running from JR Sakaiminato Station to the Honmachi Arcade in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture, lined with many bronze statues of the yokai familiar from the manga GeGeGe no Kitaro. Recreating the world of Sakaiminato-born manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, this street is a popular tourist spot enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Highlights

Mizuki Shigeru Road was created in 1993 to revitalize a shopping street that had been struggling with vitality amid the decline of fishing and other factors. The unique idea of lining the street with the yokai of local-born Shigeru Mizuki drew attention, and the bronze statues, which began at 23, have increased year after year and now number more than 170. The distinctive streetscape watched over by yokai is nationally known as a success story of regional revitalization.

The street is lined with bronze statues of various yokai, including popular characters such as Kitaro, Nezumi-otoko, Medama-oyaji, and Neko-musume. In 2018 a large-scale renewal was carried out, including widening the sidewalks, installing new nighttime lighting, and repositioning the statues, transforming it into a more walkable and appealing street. At night the yokai are lit up, offering a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime.

Enjoying the Seasons

It can be enjoyed year-round. It is especially lively during periods when yokai costume events are held, and an evening stroll under the illumination is also recommended. Near the end of the street, the Mizuki Shigeru Museum exhibits his life, works, and precious original drawings. With plenty of yokai goods shops and yokai-themed foods, the whole town lets you fully enjoy the world of Kitaro.

Access and Basic Information

Access is right outside Sakaiminato Station on the JR Sakai Line. Visiting aboard the Kitaro Train, designed with Kitaro motifs, adds to the mood of the trip. Reached from Yonago Station to the terminus at Sakaiminato Station on the Sakai Line, it is ideal as a stop on a San in tour. As the Mizuki Shigeru Museum has set opening hours and admission fees, checking before visiting is reassuring.

Practical Travel Notes

A stamp rally touring the bronze statues is available, and collecting stamps as you walk lets you enjoy them without missing any. The street has many yokai-themed foods and souvenir shops, making street food and shopping fun too. The sidewalks are well maintained and easy to walk, reassuring even for families. The tourist information center in front of Sakaiminato Station offers maps and advice on the surrounding area. As there are many statues, allowing about half a day, including a visit to the museum, lets you tour leisurely.

A Word of Advice

Walking while looking at each statue pose and expression lets you enjoy encounters with yokai you did not know. Taking a commemorative photo in front of your favorite yokai, or timing your visit for the evening illumination, makes visiting at different times of day worthwhile.

📚 Sources

This article is based on guidance on the Mizuki Shigeru Road running from JR Sakaiminato Station, tourist information for Sakaiminato City, on-site information on the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, the bronze statues, and the stamp rally, and information on the JR Sakai Line and its Kitaro trains. The museum hours, admission, and events may change. Hours, admission, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on the official sources before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: The statues are numerous, so allow about half a day with the memorial museum.
• How to plan: Collect the bronze-statue stamp rally as you walk so you miss nothing.
• Best timing: At night the yokai are lit up for a different, magical atmosphere.
• Access: Right outside Sakaiminato Station on the JR Sakai Line; the Kitaro-themed trains make the trip fun.
• For families: The sidewalks are well paved and there are plenty of yokai-themed foods and souvenir shops.