A Stroll Through Mizuki Shigeru Road with My 2-Year-Old
Welcome to Sakaiminato, a small port town in Tottori Prefecture where fantasy comes alive.
The moment you step off JR Sakaiminato Station—also known as “Kitaro Station”—you’re greeted by yokai (Japanese spirits) from GeGeGe no Kitaro. Even the station walls and benches are full of playful details.
Just ahead stretches the famous Mizuki Shigeru Road, an 800-meter street celebrating the world of manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. I visited with my two-year-old child, and we set off to meet some friendly monsters together.
A Street Filled with Yokai
Lining both sides of Mizuki Shigeru Road are more than 170 bronze statues of yokai characters—Kitaro, Nekomusume, Nezumi Otoko, and many more.
For a two-year-old, it felt like a treasure hunt.
“Who’s this?” “Look, I found one!” My child pointed and giggled with each new discovery.
The sidewalks are flat and wide—perfect for strollers—and the pace of the street is relaxed. Even though it’s a popular tourist spot, it has the calm, nostalgic feel of a local shopping street.
One of our favorites was the “Kitaro Mailbox” and the Yokai benches, great photo spots for families. My child even stood in front of “Nurikabe,” the wall spirit, and spread their arms to copy its pose. Of course, I couldn’t resist snapping a photo.
Coffee, Sweets, and Souvenirs
Along the road, you’ll find charming cafés and souvenir shops themed around yokai.
At Yokai Chaya (Yokai Teahouse), you can try cute treats like “Medama-Oyaji Ice Cream” and “Kitaro Latte.”
It’s a perfect break—juice for the kids, coffee and sweets for the parents.
We also enjoyed browsing local snacks like “Yokai Manju” and “Nezumi Otoko Dorayaki.”
Whenever my child started to lose focus, I’d ask, “Which shop should we visit next?”—and they were instantly re-energized.
Step Inside the Mizuki Shigeru Museum
（HP:Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum）
In the middle of the road stands the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, completely renewed in 2024.
It’s bright, stroller-friendly, and filled with interactive displays. Kids can watch short anime clips and see life-sized yokai models, while adults learn about the artist’s extraordinary life and imagination.
Through his sketches and travel journals, you can feel how Mizuki transformed everyday fears and folklore into gentle, humorous stories. It’s a quiet but inspiring stop that bridges generations.
Evening Magic
When the sun sets, Mizuki Shigeru Road transforms again.
Soft lights illuminate the yokai statues, their shadows stretching across the pavement. It feels like a dream world—slightly eerie, but never scary.
My two-year-old whispered, “The monsters are sleeping now,” with a smile.
That moment captured the warmth of the place—where yokai aren’t frightening, just another part of life.
Perfect for Families with Young Children
- Smooth, stroller-friendly walkway
- Many benches and rest areas along the route
- Indoor museum for rainy days
- Just steps away from JR Sakaiminato Station
🚌 Access
By Train:
- From Kansai International Airport (KIX):
Take the JR Limited Express Haruka to Shin-Osaka Station (about 50 min), transfer to the JR San’in Line via Okayama or Yonago, then continue to Sakaiminato Station.
The total journey takes around 4.5–5 hours with 2–3 transfers. - From Haneda Airport (Tokyo):
Take a domestic flight to Yonago Kitaro Airport (about 1 hour 15 min).
From the airport, it’s only 15 minutes by taxi or local bus to Mizuki Shigeru Road.
(Tip: Yonago Kitaro Airport itself is also full of yokai decorations!) - From Matsue Station:
Take the JR Sakai Line to Sakaiminato Station (about 1 hour).
By Car:
Free parking is available near JR Sakaiminato Station and along the main street area.
Final Thoughts
Mizuki Shigeru Road isn’t just a sightseeing spot—it’s a gentle adventure you can share with your kids.
For my little one, it was a world full of “friendly monsters.”
For me, it was a reminder that even in the strangest places, kindness and curiosity can live side by side.
