
Sakaiminato Station
Sakaiminato Station: Gateway to Japan's 'Yokai Town,' adorned with over 177 mythical creature statues and themed trains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for photos

Sakaiminato Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sakaiminato Station: Gateway to Japan's 'Yokai Town,' adorned with over 177 mythical creature statues and themed trains.
"One of the coolest train stations, with cute deportations all around and pleasant, punctual journeys."

🎯 Yokai Stamp Rally
Embark on a fun stamp rally along Mizuki Shigeru Road! Grab a guidebook at the station.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking along Mizuki Shigeru Road, so wear comfy shoes!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mizuki Shigeru Road Statues
Sakaiminato Station to Mizuki Shigeru Museum
Wander through a street adorned with over 177 bronze statues of beloved yokai characters from Shigeru Mizuki's manga.

Yokai-Themed Trains
JR Sakaisen Line
Ride on trains featuring vibrant yokai artwork, including popular characters like Kitaro and Neko Musume.

Sakaiminato Station
Station building and platform
The station itself is a starting point for the yokai adventure, with decorations and a helpful tourist information center.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Yokai Magic
Station as a Gateway
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Yokai Stamp Rally
Embark on a fun stamp rally along Mizuki Shigeru Road! Grab a guidebook at the station.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking along Mizuki Shigeru Road, so wear comfy shoes!
ℹ️ Tourist Information
The tourist office at the station has English-speaking staff ready to help.
🧳 Coin Lockers Available
Need to store your luggage? Coin lockers are available at the station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Yokai Stamp Rally
Embark on a fun stamp rally along Mizuki Shigeru Road! Grab a guidebook at the station.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking along Mizuki Shigeru Road, so wear comfy shoes!
ℹ️ Tourist Information
The tourist office at the station has English-speaking staff ready to help.
🧳 Coin Lockers Available
Need to store your luggage? Coin lockers are available at the station.
🚆 Train Spotting Fun
Keep an eye out for the uniquely decorated Kitaro train series running on the JR Sakaisen Line.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sakaiminato Station and its surrounding Yokai Town for its unique charm and immersive atmosphere. The abundance of yokai statues and the creatively decorated trains are major highlights. The station staff are noted for their exceptional kindness and helpfulness, particularly in assisting with lost items.
"One of the coolest train station, located at the final stop of the line. The deportations are so cute all around the station and on the train too!
It’s always very quiet and all of the rides have been pleasant journeys, trains are ALWAYS on time, incredible time management."
Kitty Cheng
"A small train station near the main street that has the bronze sculptures and shops. There were lockers there, too. I didn't see the train leave but it did have cute pictures decorating the train cars. The mural on the building was nice. There wasn't much inside the station, but they did have an information center with maps and people there to help you. I guess that's all you can ask for."
Bob Morris
"When I realized I had left my cellphone on the train, a train that only runs once an hour with just two vehicles back and forth, I was very frustrated.
But the station officers were very kind and offered me some helpful advice before being panic.
1. Wait for the train I had taken to return and check if my phone was still there.
2. If not found, go to Yonago Station at the opposite end and visit the Lost and Found center.
After waiting for two hours for the train to return, I came back to Sakai-minato station, the officer greeted me with a big smile. He said that he had got a call from the Lost and Found center at Yonago Station and they had my cellphone.
I took the train and went back straight to Yonago Station, and finally, I got my cellphone back.
As all the photos I took during my travels in June were on the phone, so it’s truly priceless to me.
I really appreciate the officers at Sakai-Minato Station, the Lost and Found officer at Yonago Station, and most of all, the anonymous kind person who turned in my cellphone."
MK Joo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sakaiminato Station is the terminus of the JR Sakaisen Line, which connects to Yonago Station. Many visitors arrive from Yonago, which is a major hub. The journey from Yonago to Sakaiminato takes approximately 40-50 minutes.
No, Sakaiminato Station is not directly served by the Shinkansen (bullet train). You'll typically need to transfer to local JR lines, often at Yonago Station, to reach Sakaiminato.
From Tottori Airport (TTJ), you would typically take a bus or train to Tottori Station, then connect to a train heading towards Yonago and subsequently Sakaiminato. This can be a lengthy journey.
Yes, taxis are generally available at Sakaiminato Station, which can be useful for onward travel or if you have heavy luggage.
The JR Sakaisen Line is a local railway line that runs north from Yonago Station to Sakaiminato Station. It's famous for its yokai-themed decorations on the stations and trains.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mizuki Shigeru Road is a public street and is free to walk along. The yokai statues are displayed outdoors.
Sakaiminato Station itself is a public transport hub and does not have an entrance fee. However, attractions like the Mizuki Shigeru Museum have separate admission fees.
Yes, you can activate your JR Pass at Sakaiminato Station. It's a convenient place to do so if you're starting your journey in the area.
Trains on the JR Sakaisen Line operate on a regular schedule, typically running from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check the latest timetable upon arrival as trains can be infrequent.
The stamp rally itself is usually free to participate in, but you may need to purchase a 'Yokai Guidebook' or a stamp rally booklet to collect the stamps.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is Mizuki Shigeru Road, which starts right at the station and is lined with yokai statues. You can also visit the Mizuki Shigeru Museum and explore local shops.
Mizuki Shigeru Road is about 800 meters long. Walking at a leisurely pace and stopping for photos, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, especially if you participate in the stamp rally.
Yes, Sakaiminato Station is equipped with restrooms and other basic facilities for travelers.
Yes, the statues are placed along the road and are generally easy to photograph. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer better lighting and fewer people.
If you lose an item on the train, station officers are very helpful. They can assist you by contacting the lost and found at Yonago Station, where items are often taken.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes along Mizuki Shigeru Road and near the station, offering local specialties and themed treats.
Sakaiminato is a port town, so seafood is a popular choice. You can also find local snacks and dishes inspired by the yokai theme.
Some establishments along Mizuki Shigeru Road offer yokai-themed menus or decor, adding to the immersive experience.
While seafood is prevalent, many restaurants offer standard Japanese fare like ramen or udon, which may have vegetarian options. It's best to inquire directly.
Dining prices are generally in line with other Japanese tourist towns. You can find a range from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The station building itself, the yokai statues near the entrance, and the decorated trains are great photo opportunities.
Early mornings offer fewer crowds and softer light, ideal for capturing the statues without many people. Evenings can also be atmospheric with streetlights.
Many visitors love photographing Kitaro, Medama-oyaji (Eyeball Dad), and Neko Musume (Cat Daughter) statues. The large statues near the station are also iconic.
Yes, you can take photos inside the yokai-themed trains. Be mindful of other passengers and avoid flash photography if it might disturb them.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the street scenes and multiple statues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider riding the Kitaro train series, which is a huge hit with younger visitors. The station offers coin lockers for convenience, and the tourist information center can provide helpful tips for family outings. Many of the statues are at child-friendly heights, making them accessible for little ones to interact with. The overall atmosphere is whimsical and fun, perfect for creating lasting family memories.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To get the best shots, aim for early mornings to avoid crowds and capture the statues in soft light. Experiment with different angles and compositions to showcase the personality of each yokai. The station itself, with its murals and the surrounding streetscape, also offers interesting photographic possibilities. Don't forget to capture the atmosphere of the town, from local shops to the seaside views.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Engaging in the Yokai Stamp Rally can be a fun solo activity, providing a goal and a way to discover hidden statues. The friendly nature of the locals and station staff, as highlighted in reviews where lost items were returned, adds to the sense of security and comfort for solo explorers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The World of Yokai at Sakaiminato
Stretching approximately 800 meters from the station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, Mizuki Shigeru Road is the epicenter of this yokai celebration. Along this street, over 177 bronze statues of yokai characters, including the iconic Kitaro and Medama-oyaji, stand guard, inviting visitors to step into a world of myth and fantasy. This immersive experience makes Sakaiminato a unique destination for fans of Japanese culture and folklore.
Sakaiminato Station: More Than Just a Stop
For travelers, the station offers practical amenities. You'll find coin lockers for storing luggage, which is incredibly convenient for exploring the town without being weighed down. Furthermore, a tourist information center is located within the station, staffed by individuals who can provide maps, answer questions, and offer guidance in English, making it easy for international visitors to navigate the area. It's also a place where you can activate your JR Pass, adding to its utility.
Navigating the JR Sakaisen Line
Trains on the Sakaisen Line typically run with two carriages and operate on a schedule that can be infrequent, sometimes running only once an hour. This means it's important to check the timetable to avoid long waits. Despite the infrequency, travelers have noted that the trains are remarkably punctual, contributing to a pleasant travel experience. The line offers scenic views as it travels through the Tottori Prefecture, making the journey itself a part of the sightseeing experience.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit