![[Day Trip Itinerary] Enjoy a One-Day Tour of Tottori from Osaka! Discover Sakaiminato and Meet GeGeGe no Kitaro and Other Yokai Characters](https://ittade.jp/wp-content/uploads/blog_daytrip-tottori-osaka_01-2.jpg))
For those who want to explore beyond Osaka and Kyoto but still stay within the Kansai area, we recommend Tottori Prefecture!
While Tottori may be best known for the iconic Tottori Sand Dunes, this time we’ll introduce you to Sakaiminato, the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of the legendary yokai (Japanese ghost) manga GeGeGe no Kitaro. Sakaiminato, a port town surrounded by the sea, offers fresh seafood and a fun walking tour with yokai characters!
Our traveling cat friend also met Kitaro
and the yokai—here’s a report of the experience!
Contents
- An Introduction to GeGeGe no Kitaro, One of Japan’s Most Famous Yokai Manga
- Getting to Yonago from Osaka
- Exploring Sakaiminato, the Yokai Town
- Renovated Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall
- Famous for B-class Gourmet: Gyukotsu Ramen
- Let’s Use a Convenient Travel Ticket!
- Experience Osaka and Tottori while staying with It’ ta de
An Introduction to GeGeGe no Kitaro, One of Japan’s Most Famous Yokai Manga
First, let’s talk about the main feature of this day trip: GeGeGe no Kitaro, a manga series by Shigeru Mizuki. Centered on Japanese folklore and yokai, this beloved series is still popular today and has inspired numerous anime and films. The manga follows Kitaro, a young yokai boy, along with iconic characters like Medama-Oyaji, Neko Musume, Nezumi Otoko, Ittan Momen, and Sunakake Baba. Reflecting the times in which it was created, GeGeGe no Kitaro appeals to both children and adults alike, solidifying its place as a beloved work of Japanese culture.
Sakaiminato, the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, is the perfect setting to explore this long-loved manga.
Getting to Yonago from Osaka
●For guests staying at It’ ta de JPN
JR Ajigawa Station → JR Namba → OCAT Bus Terminal (express bus) → Yonago Station (approx. 5.5 hours)
※Arrival times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
●For guests staying at It’ ta de ChouChou
JR Tennoji Station → JR Namba → OCAT Bus Terminal (express bus) → Yonago Station (approx. 5 hours)
※Arrival times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
●For guests staying at It’ ta de MORRIS, RETRO, or LYCKA
Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line, Hanazonocho Station → Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line, Namba → OCAT Bus Terminal (express bus) → Yonago Station (approx. 5 hours)
※Arrival times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
To kick off the trip, we took the morning bus from Osaka to Yonago in Tottori! Upon arrival, we tried the local specialty “Yonago Anpan” from Little Mermaid bakery. Each bun is stamped with “Yonago” for extra charm, and the anpan (red bean bun) has both sweet red bean paste and mildly sweet milk cream—a deliciously unique take on the classic anpan!
Exploring Sakaiminato, the Yokai Town
From JR Yonago Station, take the train to Sakaiminato City. The train itself is a “Kitaro Train” wrapped in GeGeGe no Kitaro characters!
After a 50-minute ride, we arrived at Sakaiminato Station, where you’re greeted by yokai everywhere! Even the stairs have Nezumi Otoko, and though we couldn’t capture them all in photos, the streetlights are styled as Medama-Oyaji—welcome to the world of Shigeru Mizuki.
Savoring Fresh Seafood at Sakaiminato
As a famous port town, Sakaiminato is known for its delicious seafood. We had a late lunch at the conveyor-belt sushi restaurant “San-in Sushi Hitotose” near Sakaiminato Station. Known for serving fresh fish caught locally, this place offers an extraordinary sushi experience despite being a conveyor-belt setup. We recommend visiting early since popular items often sell out by evening.
●San-in Sushi Hitotose Information
| Address | 1F Minato Sakai Exchange Hall, 215 Taisho-cho, Sakaiminato, Tottori |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM(Last Order 2:30 PM) 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM(Last Order 8:30 PM) Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order 8:30 PM) |
| Closed | Open daily |
| Official Website | https://sushi-hitotose.com/ |
The Mizuki Shigeru Road Leading to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall
When you exit Sakaiminato Station, you’ll find yourself on the 800-meter road that leads to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall, known as Mizuki Shigeru Road. Since its opening in 1993, Mizuki Shigeru Road has grown to feature 178 bronze statues as of spring 2024!
Along with yokai creatures, you’ll find popular characters from Shigeru Mizuki’s works, such as GeGeGe no Kitaro, Akuma-kun, TV-kun, and Kappa no Sanpei. You’ll also see bronze statues of Mizuki Shigeru and his wife together, and even a statue featuring Mizuki Shigeru, Kitaro, and Medama Oyaji. Every step along Mizuki Shigeru Road reveals something new and exciting!
As I strolled along Mizuki Shigeru Road, I came across a snack called Yokai Medama Oyaji, a popular treat perfect for snacking as you walk! Naturally, I had to buy one and take a commemorative photo with my “It’ ta de” cat. These treats are also great as souvenirs to bring back from your visit to Mizuki Shigeru Road!
●Shop Information
| Shop Name | Yokai Food Laboratory |
| Address | 4 Honmachi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture (next to Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall) |
| Business Hours | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (subject to early closing if sold out) |
| Closed | Open year-round (occasional closures) |
| Official Site | https://www.kenkyujo.jp/ |
I also found GeGeGe no Kitaro Ramune! Packaged in a retro style, it was so nostalgic and fun to see!
●Mizuki Shigeru Road by Night
At night, Mizuki Shigeru Road lights up! I visited in mid-October, and the road had a Halloween theme fitting for autumn. Although I didn’t have much time, the nighttime atmosphere is uniquely haunting, and I highly recommend an evening visit if you have the chance!
Renovated Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall
The Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall reopened in April 2024 after renovations. The hall showcases not only his famous works like GeGeGe no Kitaro but also stories of his life, such as Shigeru’s Childhood in Sakaiminato and Shigeru Mizuki and War. The exhibits, filled with photos and videos, allow you to immerse yourself in Mizuki’s fascinating life. In the special exhibition room, rare original drawings that couldn’t be displayed before are now on a rotating display every six months. The first exhibition is titled The Birth of Kitaro: Four Rebirth Stories.https://mizuki.sakaiminato.net/forpress/
Inside, there’s even a photo spot where you can take pictures with Kitaro! The second-floor permanent exhibit begins with a photo and message from Shigeru Mizuki himself, allowing visitors to delve into his life.
You can learn about his childhood stories and manga creations here. Some rare materials are available to view, especially those on the topic of war, making it worth a careful look.
A fan favorite is the Yokai Caves, where you can find various yokai characters illustrated by Mizuki. Past the caves, there’s an exhibition of yokai paintings.
The hall also displays original artworks from Mizuki’s famous works like GeGeGe no Kitaro and Akuma-kun.
There are also adorable illustrations of characters like Kitaro, Medama Oyaji, Ittan Momen, and Nezumi Otoko, along with some of Mizuki Shigeru’s famous quotes.
You can explore the entire memorial hall in about an hour, but if you want to take your time, consider setting aside a bit more time. If you visit Tottori’s Sakaiminato City, be sure to stop by! After exploring the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall, you can browse the nearby souvenir shops before heading back to Yonago Station.
Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall Information
| Address | 5 Honmachi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture |
| Hours | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Official Site | https://mizuki.sakaiminato.net/ |
Famous for B-class Gourmet: Gyukotsu Ramen
After arriving at Yonago Station, I had some free time before catching the bus, so I visited “Ramen Yamato,” known for its local B-class gourmet dish, Gyukotsu (beef bone) ramen!
It’s very close to Yonago Station, and since it was a bit early, I was able to enter without waiting. All the soup served at this shop is made with beef bones! Compared to ramen shops in Osaka, the prices are very reasonable. While there’s a layer of fat on the soup, it wasn’t greasy, and it was delicious!
●Ramen Yamato Information
| Address | 1F, Carnival Court, 1 Yayoi-cho, Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Closed | Irregular holidays (Please check the shop’s information before visiting) |
| Tabelog | https://tabelog.com/tottori/A3103/A310301/31000582/ |
Since I traveled by bus there, I also took the bus back to Osaka’s Namba after the trip! It was a one-day trip to Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, but I was fully satisfied with the day!
Let’s Use a Convenient Travel Ticket!
For this trip, I used the “Tottori Railway Travel Pass” from Osaka to Sakaiminato City in Tottori. The pass is valid for 3 days, making it great for a 2-night, 3-day trip to Tottori. Although my trip was a day trip, I plan to take my time and explore Tottori on a 2-night trip next time.
●Details on the Tottori Rail Travel Pass
| Price | 4,500 yen (Adults, tax included), 3,000 yen (Children, tax included) |
| Validity | 3 days |
| Available from | October 1, 2024 to April 2, 2025 Purchase Period: Available from one month before the usage date until the day of use |
| Payment | Credit card only (single payment) |
| Purchase Site | https://app.tabi-wester.westjr.co.jp/eticketDetails?ticket_id=JS001200 |
Experience Osaka and Tottori while staying with It’ ta de
Here’s information on rooms at It’ ta de, Osaka’s accommodations from which you can take a day trip to Tottori Prefecture! We hope you’ll enjoy your stay!
