Mizuki Shigeru Road is a unique sightseeing street in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, dedicated to the fascinating world of yokai—supernatural creatures and spirits from Japanese folklore. Stretching approximately 800 meters from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, the street features 177 bronze statues of yokai, including the beloved characters from the famous manga series GeGeGe no Kitaro.
Along the street, visitors will find shops selling yokai-themed souvenirs, restaurants, cafés, and unusual snacks inspired by these legendary creatures. Costumed characters also make appearances, bringing the world of manga and folklore to life. Stamp rallies and special collectible stickers add to the fun, encouraging visitors to search for their favorite characters and discover hidden details along the way.
With its nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere, playful sculptures, and distinctive Japanese cultural identity, Mizuki Shigeru Road is an enjoyable destination for families, manga fans, and travelers interested in Japanese folklore. The street is worth exploring both during the day and after dark, when its mysterious atmosphere takes on a completely different character.
Mizuki Shigeru Road offers a memorable experience after sunset as well as during the day. When darkness falls, specially designed yokai streetlights illuminate the street, featuring familiar characters such as Medama-Oyaji, the tiny eyeball father, and Neko Musume, the Cat Girl.
Lighting is also projected onto the 177 bronze statues, making the supernatural figures stand out dramatically against the nighttime surroundings. The combination of glowing streetlights, illuminated sculptures, and nostalgic streets creates an enchanting atmosphere that feels both mysterious and entertaining.
The nighttime illuminations are generally enjoyed from sunset until 10:00 p.m. This is an excellent time for photography and for discovering a different side of the street after the daytime crowds have begun to thin out.
A visit to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of the world behind the street’s many characters. Dedicated to the life and creative works of Mizuki Shigeru, the manga artist born in Sakaiminato, the museum introduces visitors to his distinctive artistic imagination and his depictions of Japan’s supernatural folklore.
Through his manga and illustrations, Mizuki helped bring traditional yokai stories to a wide modern audience. The museum offers an engaging introduction to his creative world and the cultural traditions that inspired it, making it especially appealing to manga enthusiasts and anyone curious about Japanese legends.
Yokai Shrine is another popular stop along the street and is often regarded as a spiritual power spot. Its sacred object is a block of black granite that Mizuki Shigeru personally imbued with his spirit. The shrine combines traditional Japanese shrine culture with the imaginative world of yokai, creating a distinctive attraction that reflects the character of Sakaiminato.
Visitors can pause here to appreciate the unusual setting, explore the shrine’s connection to Mizuki’s work, and enjoy a memorable stop during their walk through the town.
Kappa Spring is a playful water feature populated by nine yokai figures. Around the spring are a tower approximately three meters high, tree stumps, and a small hut, creating a whimsical scene in which the supernatural creatures appear to be relaxing in their own little oasis.
The imaginative arrangement makes this spot particularly popular with families and photographers. It also provides a fun opportunity to learn about kappa, water-dwelling creatures that feature prominently in Japanese folklore.
Shops and restaurants line Mizuki Shigeru Road, offering plenty of opportunities to browse for souvenirs and sample local treats. The selection includes character merchandise, yokai-shaped bread and sweets, ramen, coffee, and other themed products inspired by the manga and Japanese supernatural traditions.
Beyond the main street, smaller side alleys invite visitors to explore further and discover additional shops and unexpected details. The nostalgic atmosphere recalls Japan’s Showa era (1926–1989), adding to the charm of the shopping experience.
Whether you are looking for a distinctive souvenir, a themed snack, or a relaxing break at a café, the street offers an enjoyable mix of shopping, dining, and cultural discovery. Keep an eye out for bronze statues and character decorations as you wander, since part of the pleasure lies in discovering unexpected yokai along the way.
Mizuki Shigeru Road celebrates the imaginative universe created by manga artist Mizuki Shigeru and the broader tradition of yokai in Japanese folklore. Its approximately 800-meter route extends from Sakaiminato Station toward the Honmachi shopping arcade, with statues and objects inspired by characters from GeGeGe no Kitaro and supernatural beings from stories across Japan.
Yokai occupy a distinctive place in Japanese culture. Some are mischievous, others mysterious or frightening, while many appear in humorous stories that have been passed down through generations. Mizuki Shigeru’s work helped introduce these creatures to new audiences, blending traditional beliefs with modern manga storytelling.
The bronze statues stand among the town’s nostalgic streets, creating an unusual contrast between everyday Japanese life and the imaginative world of supernatural beings. This combination makes Mizuki Shigeru Road appealing to visitors of all ages, whether they already know the characters or are encountering Japanese yokai for the first time.
Mizuki Shigeru Road is a distinctive attraction in western Tottori Prefecture, offering a different kind of sightseeing experience from the region’s mountains, gardens, and coastal landscapes. Its combination of manga culture, folklore, illuminated sculptures, and themed shops makes it easy to enjoy at a leisurely pace.
Start your visit at Sakaiminato Station, explore the bronze statues along the street, stop at the Mizuki Shigeru Museum and Yokai Shrine, and take time to browse the local shops. If possible, return after sunset to experience the illuminated streetlights and statues.
Whether you are a dedicated manga fan, a family traveling with children, or simply a curious visitor interested in Japanese traditions, Mizuki Shigeru Road offers a playful and memorable introduction to the mysterious world of yokai.
Free of charge
JR Sakaiminato Stn., a short walk