What kind of place is Mizuki Shigeru Road
Mizuki Shigeru Road is a yōkai-themed tourist street running about 800 meters from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum. It opened in 1993, and lining both sides of the street are 178 bronze statues of the yōkai from Shigeru Mizuki’s works, including Kitarō, Neko-musume, and Nezumi-otoko.
A major renovation in 2018 widened the sidewalks and improved accessibility. From sunset until 10 p.m., the bronze statues are lit up and yōkai shadow-silhouette lighting is projected, so you can enjoy a different atmosphere by day and by night. Souvenir shops and restaurants line the street, with many seafood rice bowl spots among them, so you can make a day of it from lunch right through to dinner.
Since you can walk the whole way on foot starting from Sakaiminato Station, a half-day course combined with the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum is the classic plan. There are plenty of spots along the way too, like the Yōkai Shrine and the Kappa Spring, so we recommend strolling at a leisurely pace as you go.
Highlights
- 178 bronze statues — Take photos alongside the yōkai from the works, like Kitarō, Neko-musume, Nezumi-otoko, and Sunakake-babaa
- Light-up (sunset–10 p.m.) — The silhouettes and statues illuminated along the night street create a completely different mood from the daytime
- Yōkai Shrine & Kappa Spring — Small spots dotted along the road. See if you can find them as you stroll
- Souvenir shops — Kitarō goods, sweets, local sake, and other gifts that feel just right for Sakaiminato
- Seafood rice bowl spots — Several spots serving seafood rice bowls made with Sakaiminato’s fresh catch. Perfect for lunch
- Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum (at the end of the road) — Original artwork on display and an introduction to his life. The facility reopened after renovation in 2024
Time needed, fees, and access
If you’re just strolling the road, plan on about 1–2 hours. Including the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum (paid admission), it becomes a half-day course.
Access
- JR Sakaiminato Station is the starting point. The road begins right at the station
- About 45 minutes from Yonago Station on the JR Sakai Line (the Kitarō Train is sometimes in service)
Location: Honmachi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture (from in front of Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum)
For the latest information on admission fees and opening hours for the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, please check the official website.
Recommended for people like this
- Fans of Kitarō and yōkai, as well as families who want to enjoy it together with their children
- Those who also want to enjoy Sakaiminato’s seafood gourmet as part of the trip
- Anyone looking for a day-trip destination from the Yonago and Hōki area
Places to stop by nearby
The Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum at the end of the road is a facility that was given a fresh new look in its 2024 renovation. You can see original artwork and learn about the life of Shigeru Mizuki.
At the Sakaiminato Seafood Market, just a few minutes by car from the road, you can taste seasonal seafood shipped straight from the source, such as winter snow crab and the summer wild rock oyster “Natsuki.”
For all the spots in the Sakaiminato area, please see the map.
