Tottori: A Journey to the Roots of Gegege no Kitaro and Detective Conan

Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum: Dive into the World of Monsters

Kitaro, Eyeball Father, Rat Man, Cry Grandpa, Sand Witch, and Backbeard gather at the Monsters Apartment.

The Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum is located in Sakaiminato City, the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki. It takes about 30 minutes by bus from Yonago Kitaro Airport or you can take the "Kitaro Train" from JR Yonago Station to JR Sakaiminato Station, followed by a 10-minute walk.

Inside the museum, a replica of Mizuki's studio has been recreated. GeGeGe no Kitaro has a history of about 70 years, and its appearance has evolved with the changing times.

The museum showcases Mizuki's tumultuous life, including his childhood stories, harsh wartime experiences, post-war life, and his iconic work, Gegege no Kitaro , which has been around for about 70 years. Inside, you can find Mizuki's studio, murals he personally painted, rental comics, masks collected from abroad, commemorative decorations, and videos explaining yokai, providing a multifaceted glimpse into the world of these mythical creatures. The special exhibition room features rare original artwork, with exhibits changing every six months.

The Mizuki Shigeru Manga World exhibition area showcases characters created by Mizuki Shigeru. The Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall displays how Kitaro's father transformed into Eyeball Father.

Mizuki Shigeru Road Filled with Yokai Statues

Kitaro leisurely sits at the street corner, chatting with Eyeball Father.

In addition to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, the 800-meter Mizuki Shigeru Road from Sakaiminato Station to Honmachi Shopping Street is also a popular sightseeing spot. This road is lined with 177 bronze statues of various yokai, including Kitaro, the Eyeball Old Man, Rat Man, and more. The Cat Girl even transforms into a bench for travelers to rest. Beyond the bronze statues, there are also a "Yokai Shrine," a "Yokai Mailbox," and a "Kappa Spring," making it feel like you're in a mysterious yokai world. At night, the illuminated statues take on a strange appearance, and special projection shows add to the fantastical atmosphere.

Various bronze statues of monsters in different forms can be seen along the Mizuki Shigeru Road. The Cat Girl transforms into a bench for people to rest. "Adzuki-washer" is a type of monster that appears by riversides, making a rustling sound like washing adzuki beans, which can be heard from a distance. The Rat Man is characterized by being dirty and smelly, and he doesn't mind betraying friends for quick money.

Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum Address: 5 Honmachi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture

官網: https://mizuki.sakaiminato.net/

Encountering Conan in Hokuei Town

The scene of Edogawa Conan's birth is the Kudo family's library.(official website photos)

"The truth is always one!" To uncover the "truth" of Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama, you must visit Hokuei Town, Aoyama's birthplace, known as the "town where you can meet Detective Conan." It takes about 50 minutes by car from JR Yonago Station to JR Yura Station, which is also called "Conan Station." Inside the station, you'll find many Detective Conan decorations, and there are "Conan Trains" operating as well. From JR Yura Station, a 20-minute walk along "Conan Avenue," lined with various cartoon character statues, will take you to the "Gosho Aoyama Museum."

The Gosho Aoyama Museum allows visitors to delve deeper into the world of "Detective Conan". Professor Agasa sitting life-size on the yellow Volkswagen Beetle, as if waiting for Conan and Ran to get in. Conan and the members of the Detective Boys, including Ayumi, Haibara, Mitsuhiko, and Genta.

Outside the museum, Professor Agasa is seen waiting in a yellow Volkswagen Beetle, seemingly waiting for Conan and Ran. The museum introduces Hokuei Town, Aoyama's upbringing, and the globally popular Detective Conan , featuring a simulated studio of Gosho Aoyama that highlights the manga creation process and secrets, as well as showcasing Detective Conan volumes in over 20 languages.

The Gosho Aoyama Simulation Studio, with desks filled with numerous artworks, allowing one to imagine Gosho Aoyama diligently drawing.

Experience Professor Agasa's Great Inventions

Embark on an electric skateboard to personally experience the thrill of Conan chasing after criminals. Inside the Gosho Aoyama Museum, there are white statues of Conan and Shinichi Kudo in different poses.

Visitors can personally experience various inventions designed by Professor Agasa for Conan. The "Electric Skateboard" allows you to step into Conan's shoes, simulating riding through the streets while avoiding obstacles to chase down criminals, providing a thrilling experience. You can also try Conan's "Voice-Changing Bowtie" to alter your voice, imagining yourself hiding behind Kogoro Mouri while solving mysteries. The museum also offers an electronic game that tests your knowledge of Gosho Aoyama's works.

The "Conan House in Beika Shopping Street" further showcases Conan's world, including Kudo Shinichi's house and the "Poirot Café" featured in the manga, along with "Conan's Kitchen," "Conan Italian Ice Cream," and "Conan Department Store," making you feel as if you are immersed in Conan's universe.

When you press the intercom at Shinichi Kudo's house, someone will respond. Can you guess whose voice you might hear? (offical website photos)

Gosho Aoyama Museum Address: 1414 Yura, Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture

官網: https://www.gamf.jp/chinese/35.html

Conan House in Beika Shopping Street Address: 1293 Yura, Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture

官網: https://conan-town.jp/free/beika