5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Sakaiminato City — The Town Where Kitaro Lives is Full of Fun!

Sakaiminato City has the smallest population in Tottori Prefecture, but it's packed with dreamy tourist destinations. Blessed with rich marine resources, one of its highlights is the chance to enjoy fresh seafood in abundance. One must-visit popular spot is the Sakaiminato Fish Center, where you can choose your own fish and have it prepared right on the spot.
Above all, this is the town infused with the world of Shigeru Mizuki, the creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, and you can enjoy a unique sightseeing experience as you hunt for hidden yokai (Japanese spirits) scattered throughout the area. So, let’s explore “The Town Where Kitaro Lives is Full of Fun!” Here are 5 must-see tourist spots in Sakaiminato.

1. Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Hall

This facility allows you to peek into the creative and fantastical world of yokai drawn by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, known for GeGeGe no Kitaro. From children to the elderly, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Mizuki. Upon entering the building, you’ll be greeted by Mizuki-sensei and Kitaro himself. On display are items such as Mizuki’s personal suitcase and traditional masks he collected on his travels—offering a rich experience of the Mizuki World!
In the Yokai Plaza where spirits gather, there are even hidden yokai lurking around the mansion. Try searching for them while you’re there!
Near the Memorial Hall are also attractions like Mizuki Shigeru Road and the Yokai Shrine, where more of the Mizuki World unfolds beyond what the Hall alone can hold. Be sure to visit these places too for a complete and fun yokai-themed sightseeing experience.

2. Sakaiminato Fish Center

The Sakaiminato Fish Center is a popular tourist spot specializing in seafood from the Sea of Japan. It features a wide selection of fresh fish and processed marine products. Just walking through the lively market, with energetic voices echoing throughout, is already an enjoyable experience.
There are three main ways to enjoy the center:
Taste fresh seafood in the on-site rest area and indulge in a luxurious meal.
Ask the expert staff about the seasonal best catches.
Have the fish you bought prepared for you on the spot.


Since professionals are right in front of you, it's also fun to chat and get insights unique to the marketplace. Why not savor the luxury of eating freshly caught seafood while it's still fresh? The Sakaiminato Fish Center offers one of the best experiences you can have in Sakaiminato City.

3. Eshima Ohashi Bridge

Connecting Sakaiminato City and the Eshima district of Matsue City, the Eshima Ohashi Bridge stands at a height of 44.7 meters and stretches approximately 1.7 km long. It gained fame from a TV commercial, where its steep, skyward incline looked like a wall—earning it the nickname “Betafumi-zaka” (Pedal-to-the-metal slope), because it looks like you'd need to floor the accelerator to climb it.
In reality, the slope doesn’t look quite so vertical to the naked eye. However, from a specific angle, it appears so steep that you’ll instinctively want to snap a photo. To get this view, head away from the Eshima side of the bridge and cross over toward Daikon Island. Seen from straight ahead across the sea, the bridge really looks like the famous Betafumi-zaka you see in photos. Just note that due to the actual distance involved, a zoom lens on your camera is essential!

4. Sea and Life Museum

This museum features over 700 types and 4,000 specimens of mounted marine creatures—including rare fish, shellfish, great white sharks, and oarfish. It’s a fun destination not only for trips or dates but also for families with children who are sure to be delighted.
Because the exhibits are taxidermied, visitors can observe details of the body structure much more closely than live fish, making it an engaging and educational experience. The museum is packed with fascinating displays that are anything but boring. It also hosts exhibitions of traditional daily tools from the past, as well as special events—so there’s plenty to enjoy. Whether you’re with family or on a couple’s outing, visiting to see the sea creatures up close is highly recommended!

5. Yumigahama Beach

Stretching about 20 kilometers, Yumigahama is a bow-shaped coastline known for its stunning beach and sea views, earning it a spot among Japan’s Top 100 Shores. The view of Mt. Daisen from the sweeping curve of the coast is absolutely spectacular.
The soft, fine sand feels wonderful underfoot, making barefoot strolls along the shore a great choice. In summer, it becomes a popular destination for swimmers and campers alike, especially in the pine forest areas.
Another great way to enjoy it is by soaking in a hot spring in one of the nearby onsen towns while gazing out at the Sea of Japan. Whether you’re driving, swimming, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery, it’s a destination you can fully enjoy no matter who you’re with. The sunrise view from Yumigahama is particularly breathtaking, making an early morning walk highly recommended.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Sakaiminato City

With places like the Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Hall, Yokai Shrine, and Mizuki Shigeru Road, Sakaiminato City is filled with the world of Mizuki Shigeru. Beloved by all generations, Kitaro and his yokai friends can be seen all over town—making just walking through the streets feel like stepping into a yokai fantasy world. There's even a Kitaro Train that runs on the Sakai Line between Sakaiminato Station and Yonago Station, so make sure to check it out when sightseeing.
The Sea and Life Museum also features an impressive collection of taxidermied marine creatures, giving you the surreal feeling of diving under the sea. Sakaiminato City is full of attractions—come and enjoy everything it has to offer!