Sakaiminato

About Sakaiminato

Sakaiminato is one of Japan's largest snow crab (matsuba kani) fishing ports. The city is also the birthplace of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of the Kitaro supernatural manga series - his 177 bronze youkai statues line the entire 800m Mizuki Shigeru Road.

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  Mizuki Shigeru Road

  ★4.2(9,823)

  Street named after the manga artist, with sculptures of his characters & projections at night.

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  Mizuki Shigeru Museum

  ★4.2(5,502)

  Museum dedicated to the popular manga artist, featuring cartoons & models of supernatural creatures.

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  Miho Shrine

  ★4.5(3,882)

  Harborside shrine linked to the god Ebisu & known for its large collection of musical instruments.

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  Gegege no Yokai Rakuen

  ★4.0(706)

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Getting around Sakaiminato

Local buses operated by Yonago Bus and other regional carriers form the backbone of transport in this compact port city, with routes typically running every 20 - 40 minutes to key areas like the Mizuki Shigeru Road and waterfront districts. Visitors can purchase individual tickets (around ¥200 - ¥300 per ride) or grab a day pass for unlimited travel, available at the station and convenience stores; IC cards like ICOCA work at most payment points and can be topped up at station kiosks. The city is eminently walkable - the famous Mizuki Shigeru Road with its 177 bronze yokai statues stretches just 800 meters and rewards leisurely exploration on foot. Rental bicycles are available near the station for around ¥500 - ¥1,000 per day, ideal for reaching the crab auction houses and quieter neighborhoods. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short hops, especially useful if traveling with luggage or after evening meals in the harbor area.

Best time to visit

The ideal months to visit Sakaiminato are typically late March to early April for cherry blossoms and mild weather, or October to November when autumn leaves frame the historic streets beautifully. Avoid the rainy tsuyu season from June through early July and typhoon season in late summer, when humidity and potential storms can disrupt sightseeing. Peak summer heat in August and Golden Week crowds in late April also diminish the experience. The city's annual Mizuki Shigeru Festival, usually held in late October, celebrates the legendary manga artist with parades, street performances, and exhibitions - a perfect reason to time your visit for autumn. Shoulder seasons like September and December offer fewer tourists and crisp air ideal for exploring the 177 bronze youkai statues lining the main street and sampling fresh crab at local restaurants.

Where to stay

Most visitors base themselves in the compact central district near the waterfront, where business hotels and modest ryokan cluster within walking distance of the Mizuki Shigeru Road and its famous bronze yokai statues. This area offers convenient access to the port's fresh seafood restaurants and the manga museum, typically a 10-15 minute walk from accommodation. For a more traditional experience, a handful of ryokan operate in the quieter residential neighborhoods inland, though these tend to be pricier and may require advance booking. Business hotels dominate the lodging landscape here, with double rooms generally ranging from ¥7,000 - 13,000 per night, while ryokan typically cost ¥12,000 - 20,000 with meals included. The town's compact size means most attractions are accessible by foot or a short bus ride, making any central location practical for exploring both the anime heritage sites and the working fishing harbor that defines this port town's character.

What to eat

Sakaiminato's seafood heritage shines brightest in kanikameshi, a beloved local dish of crab meat served over steamed rice, typically costing ¥1,500 - 2,500 per bowl at waterfront restaurants. The city's fishing port also supplies exceptional sashimi and grilled fish that dominate menus throughout town. For budget travelers, conveyor-belt sushi shops near the harbor offer fresh catches at ¥100 - 300 per plate. Sakaiminato is also known for fresh squid dishes, particularly in summer months. Visitors should explore the Sakaiminato Retro Mart, a nostalgic shopping street featuring small eateries serving regional specialties alongside quirky GeGeGe no Kitaro-themed cafés. The local sake breweries and craft distilleries reflect Tottori's broader drinking culture, offering tastings that pair well with the city's seafood offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mizuki Shigeru Road?▾

When is the crab season?▾

What entry fees are at the Mizuki Shigeru Museum?▾

What is the matsuba crab season?▾

Can I combine Sakaiminato with Matsue?▾