Circle Japan: Part 6 - Sakaiminato

Sakaiminato, Japan — A Day in the Whimsical World of Yokai

On my first visit to Sakaiminato, I didn’t actually explore the city itself. Instead, I headed out on excursions into the surrounding countryside — visiting beautiful nature gardens and enjoying the unforgettable sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom. I also spent time in museums like the Adachi Museum of Art (which I wrote about in a previous post).


That first trip gave me a taste of the area’s beauty, but not much insight into Sakaiminato itself. So on my recent visit, I decided to change that.


A City with a Manga Legacy

If you’re not familiar with it, manga is the Japanese art form of storytelling through comics — covering genres from action and romance to history and fantasy. It’s not just for kids; manga is a major part of Japanese culture and is enjoyed by all ages.


Sakaiminato is especially proud to be the birthplace of Mizuki Shigeru, one of Japan’s most famous manga creators. He’s best known for GeGeGe no Kitaro, a beloved series that brings to life an entire world of yokai — supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore.

Walking Down Mizuki Shigeru Road

The heart of Sakaiminato’s manga magic is Mizuki Shigeru Road, a lively street lined with over 150 bronze statues of yokai characters from his stories. Here, the creatures of GeGeGe no Kitaro seem to step right out of the pages and onto the sidewalk — from mischievous goblins to shy spirits and eerie, one-eyed beings.


Shops sell everything from yokai-themed snacks to quirky souvenirs, and there’s even a Mizuki Shigeru Museum where you can learn about the artist’s life, see original drawings, and dive into the folklore that inspired his creations.


What Are Yokai?

In Japanese folklore, yokai (妖怪) are supernatural beings, spirits, or monsters. They can be playful, mischievous, or downright spooky, and their forms range from animal-like creatures to household objects that have come to life.

Some famous yokai include:

  • Kappa — a water-dwelling creature with a dish-shaped head
  • Kitsune — a magical fox that can shape-shift into human form
  • Tengu — a mountain-dwelling, birdlike warrior

In GeGeGe no Kitaro, many of these traditional yokai mingle with original characters from Mizuki Shigeru’s imagination. His work brought these ancient legends into modern pop culture — and to life on the streets of Sakaiminato.


Seafood Lovers, This Is Your Paradise

Sakaiminato is famous for its fresh seafood — in fact, you really can’t visit without indulging. While exploring Mizuki Shigeru Road, I stumbled upon a gem of a small restaurant that served some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted.


Their miso soup was next-level — served with a whole crab inside, releasing its rich, ocean flavor into the broth. My new-found friends ordered uni-don (sea urchin over rice) that we shared, and I ordered a seafood plate stacked with ten different kinds of seafood, all caught just that morning. Every bite tasted like the sea itself.


Oshima Ohashi Bridge — A Scenic Gateway

Another highlight of my visit was seeing the Oshima Ohashi Bridge, a striking piece of engineering that connects Sakaiminato to nearby Yonago. It offers panoramic views of the coastline, fishing boats, and — on clear days — Mount Daisen in the distance. The approach to the bridge is almost cinematic, making it a must-see for photographers and sightseers alike.

Between its rich manga heritage, whimsical yokai characters, world-class seafood, and scenic views, Sakaiminato offers a unique mix of culture, flavor, and imagination. Whether you come for the folklore or the food — or, like me, for both — this small port city leaves a big impression.


Port of Call: Sakaiminato 


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