Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture is entirely devoted to the memory of Mizuki Shigeru — the manga artist who created GeGeGe no Kitaro (ゲゲゲの鬼太郎), one of Japan’s most enduring and beloved manga series, and who was born here in 1922. Mizuki Shigeru Road (水木しげるロード) stretches 800 metres from the station through the town centre, lined with 177 bronze statues of yokai (supernatural creatures) from Mizuki’s vast mythology.
Mizuki Shigeru Road
The yokai statues along the road cover Mizuki’s entire pantheon — from the iconic Kitaro with his detached eye-father to obscure regional folk monsters given new life in his art. The statues are detailed, frequently eerie, and occasionally humorous. Souvenir shops along the road sell Kitaro merchandise, yokai snacks, and illustrated guides to Mizuki’s monsters.
Mizuki Shigeru Museum
The dedicated museum at the end of the road provides a comprehensive overview of Mizuki’s life and work — his wartime experiences that informed his later philosophy, the evolution of GeGeGe no Kitaro across decades, and the rich visual world of Japanese yokai folklore. The museum is beautifully designed and genuinely moving in its presentation of Mizuki’s biography.
Around Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato is a fishing port city — the fresh seafood, particularly crab from the Sea of Japan, is outstanding. The nearby Tottori Sand Dunes (the largest in Japan) and Daisen mountain are within day-trip distance.
Access
Take the JR San-in Line to Yonago station, then the Sakaiminato Line to Sakaiminato (about 45 minutes). From Tottori, the journey takes about 2 hours. The Sakaiminato Line itself features Kitaro-themed trains.
Best Time to Visit
The Yokai Festa in October — aligned with Halloween — is the dedicated event. The Mizuki Shigeru birthday memorial in March also draws fans. The road is accessible and atmospheric year-round.
