Mizuki Shigeru Road is an 800-meter shopping street running from JR Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, named for the manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was raised in Sakaiminato and created the yokai (supernatural creature) series 'GeGeGe no Kitaro'. The street is lined with roughly 180 bronze statues of yokai characters set into the pavement and storefronts, alongside shops selling yokai-themed snacks, souvenirs, and character goods, plus cafes and a small shrine dedicated to the characters. Visitors typically walk the full length at a browsing pace, stopping to photograph favorite statues and duck into shops, which takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours including stops; a direct walk-through takes only about 15 minutes. Daytime is best for shopping and statue-spotting, while dusk brings out illuminated yokai-themed lamps and lit shopfronts that give the street a different, more atmospheric character after sunset. The road is busiest on weekends and during the Kitaro festival period, when costumed events and additional stalls appear; weekday visits, especially mornings, are noticeably quieter and easier for photographing statues without crowds.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours (street); individual shops typically 9:00–17:00
- Best time
- Daytime for shop browsing; dusk for the illuminated yokai lamps along the route
Location
Honmachi, Sakaiminato, Tottori 684-0033
35.5389, 133.2331 View on map
Highlights
- Roughly 180 bronze yokai character statues along the street
- Yokai-themed shops, cafes, and souvenir stores
- Small shrine dedicated to the GeGeGe no Kitaro characters
- Illuminated yokai lamps at dusk
- Direct pedestrian route to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum
Tips for visiting
- Walk the street slowly to spot the character statues set into the pavement and storefronts
- Visit at dusk for the illuminated lamps if time allows
- Weekday mornings are quietest for photography
- Combine the walk with a visit to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum at the far end
- Cash is useful for smaller souvenir stalls that may not accept cards
When to visit
Daytime for shopping and statue photography, or dusk for the illuminated yokai lamps along the route.
Accessibility
The street is a paved, flat pedestrian route, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; some individual shop entrances may have small steps.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A browsing walk with shop stops takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours; a direct walk from the station to the museum takes roughly 15 minutes.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, children generally enjoy spotting the character statues and browsing the yokai-themed shops and snacks.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, the street and statues are open public space and photography is unrestricted.