Explore Yonago's Yokai Village: A 2026 Sakaiminato Guide

Your Guide to Yonago's Yokai Village: Location, How to Get There, and Tips!

Supypy @sue__ryan

✅ Easily accessible via JR Sakaiminato Station or about a 35-minute drive

✅ The entire town is adorned with charming Yokai characters

✅ Discover unique souvenirs and savor delicious katsusendon near the harbor

1. Discover Yonago's Whimsical Yokai Village

As soon as you land at Yonago Airport, you'll be greeted by planes and quirky one-eyed characters!

And when you head to catch the JR train, you'll spot carriages beautifully wrapped with Yokai Village characters!

So, what exactly is Yokai Village?

Yokai Village refers to Sakaiminato, the cherished hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, the renowned author of the beloved manga series "Gegege no Kitaro."

The Mizuki Shigeru Road, in particular, is a vibrant tribute, faithfully recreating his museum and the imaginative world of his works.

That's why, when planning a trip to Yonago, it's highly recommended to visit these three iconic spots:

Yokai Village (Sakaiminato Station),

Conan Village (Yura Station),

and the Tottori Sand Dunes (Tottori Station).

2. Getting to Yonago's Yokai Village

There are three primary ways to reach Yokai Village.

First up, a rail pass!

The JR Tottori Matsue Pass offers a 3-day option for approximately ~$28.

🚊 Purchase JR Tottori Matsue Pass

This pass is fantastic as it covers your travel for three days to the airport, Yokai Village, Conan Village, and even the Tottori Sand Dunes!

Your second option is a simple train ride.

From JR Yonago, take the Sakai Line for about ~$2. This scenic journey takes approximately 50 minutes, and you'll disembark at Sakaiminato Station.

Once you step off the train, you won't need directions – Yokai Village will be right before your eyes!

And finally, for ultimate flexibility, consider renting a car.

From JR Yonago Station, it's about a 35-minute drive.

While the official Yokai Village parking lots are paid, if you search for the Sakaiminato Port area, you'll find a spacious open lot that offers free parking! It's a handy local secret.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your travel style when planning your visit to Yokai Village.

JR Tottori Matsue Pass: ~$28

- A bit pricier, but covers the airport, Yonago, Conan Village, and Tottori attractions.

- Offers excellent flexibility with no time constraints.

Sakai Line Train: ~$2 (one-way)

- Ideal if Yokai Village is your sole destination.

- Very affordable (round trip for approximately ~$4).

Rental Car

- Roughly a 35-minute drive one-way.

- Access to free parking options.

- Provides complete freedom for morning and evening explorations, though gas costs are a factor.

3. Experiencing Yokai Village in Yonago

While I had my own notebook for collecting stamps, if you're keen on gathering stamps of the Yokai characters from the manga, I highly recommend purchasing a special passport for approximately ~$3 at the entrance of Yokai Village.

You can then use the QR codes to access Japanese descriptions of each character and collect their unique stamps as you explore.

Be warned, though, there are an impressive number of stamps to collect! It's an extensive, but incredibly fun challenge for dedicated fans.

Throughout the village, you'll encounter charming Yokai statues in all shapes and sizes, each one a unique work of art.

Don't forget to snap some photos with your favorite cute or spooky Yokai, and make sure to explore the various exhibition halls and museums. Just a heads-up: most shops tend to close between 4 PM and 5 PM, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the day to make the most of your visit.

You'll find a variety of souvenirs across the village, but I personally found the Yokai Manju to be the most delightful. Keep an eye out for delicious local treats to bring back as gifts!

With its abundance of charming, small-town shops, Yokai Village truly offers an authentic glimpse into the unique ambiance of a Japanese provincial town.

The three characters below, Kitaro, Nezumi Otoko, and Medama Oyaji (the one-eyed character), are among the most recognizable. While Medama Oyaji might seem a little intimidating at first, I found myself growing quite fond of him the more I saw him around!

Isn't this shop just adorable? This kind of unique charm is something you can truly only experience in a smaller city like Yonago.

The intricate details throughout the village also caught my eye. From the restrooms to the trees, every element seemed to proudly showcase the characters of Yokai Village, which I found absolutely delightful.

Make sure not to miss out on the fun of Yokai Village during your Yonago trip! And if you opt for a rental car, remember to scope out the free parking options to save a few bucks.

Ways to Get to Yokai Village

1. JR Tottori Matsue Pass: ~$28

- Covers the airport, Yonago, Conan Village, and Tottori attractions.

🚊 Book JR Pass

2. Sakai Line Train: ~$2 (one-way)

- Best if you're only visiting Yokai Village.

3. Rental Car

- Approximately 35 minutes one-way.

- Offers ultimate time flexibility.

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