Mizuki Shigeru Road (Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Mizuki Shigeru Road is a shopping street-style street stretching for about 800 meters from Sakaiminato Station in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture, and is a tourist spot themed around monsters, centered around manga artist Mizuki Shigeru's masterpiece, "GeGeGe no Kitaro." Construction began in 1993, and the area gained popularity with the installation of numerous bronze monster statues and monuments along the road. Local shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores also feature products and displays with a monster motif, creating a unique atmosphere that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Highlights

• Bronze Yokai Statues: Numerous yokai statues are lined up along the street (there are over 100 of them, including many life-size statues of representative characters). There are plenty of photo spots.
• Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum: Learn more about the life and world of Mizuki Shigeru through original drawings, documents, and video exhibits. There are special exhibitions and permanent exhibits.
• Yokai Goods & Souvenir Shop: We have a wide selection of items that you can only buy here, including Kitaro goods and souvenirs made with local seafood.
• Yokai benches and monuments: Yokai designs are incorporated into street benches, streetlights, signboards, and more, making the stroll itself enjoyable.
• Events: Yokai-related stamp rallies and seasonal festivals are sometimes held, making for a lively and enjoyable experience if you time it right.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Train: Take the JR Sakai Line (commonly known as Sakai Line) to Sakaiminato Station. The entrance to Mizuki Shigeru Road is right in front of the station. It takes about 25-30 minutes from Yonago Station on the Sakai Line (depending on the bus).
• Airport: About 20-30 minutes by car from Yonago Kitaro Airport (Yonago Airport) in western Tottori Prefecture. Airport shuttle buses and rental cars are also convenient.
• Bus: Local buses and tourist buses from Yonago Station and surrounding cities may be convenient. Please check the schedule in advance.
• By car: Accessible via the Chugoku Expressway or San'in Expressway. There are paid and free parking lots around Sakaiminato, but it is recommended to arrive early as it can get crowded on weekends and during peak seasons.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Mizuki Shigeru Road only: It takes about 1-2 hours to leisurely stroll around and take photos on the way there and back.
• Road + Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum: Approximately 2-3 hours including a visit to the museum.
• If you plan to eat seafood and visit other spots in the area, it will take about half a day (3-4 hours) to a full day.

Nearby spots

• Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum - The main facility on Mizuki Shigeru Road. Exhibits original artwork and materials.
• Sakaiminato Seafood Market and Restaurants - Enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood and seafood bowls.
• Yumeminato Tower and the port area - Spots where you can enjoy the port scenery and views.
• Surrounding nature and hot springs - If you head towards Yonago or Matsue, you will find many tourist attractions and hot springs.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Crowds: It gets especially crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, the New Year's holiday, and weekends and public holidays. Please be careful not to take photos or obstruct pedestrians.
• Business hours and holidays: Business hours and holidays vary depending on the individual store or museum. Please check the official website for the latest information before visiting.
• Photography etiquette: While photography of statues and exhibits is generally permitted, please be considerate of other visitors and stores. Climbing on statues is dangerous and bad manners.
• Cash/Payment: Small stores in tourist areas may only accept cash. Some stores do not accept electronic money or credit cards, so it is a good idea to have some coins on hand.
• Seasonal clothing: In winter, it can be windy and cold, as is typical of the Sea of Japan coast, so be sure to take precautions against the cold. In summer, the sun can be strong, so be sure to bring a hat and stay hydrated.
• Barrier-free: The walking path is mainly made up of sidewalks, but there are some steps and narrow sections. If you are using a wheelchair or stroller, please check the route in advance.

Mizuki Shigeru Road is a unique tourist spot where you can experience yokai culture up close, and enjoy photogenic spots and local cuisine. Be sure to take your time to stroll around and experience the atmosphere of the surrounding port town.