Mizuki Shigeru Road — Yokai Spirit Street of GeGeGe no Kitaro

Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato City is a 800-meter shopping street transformed into a yokai (supernatural creature) wonderland honoring local manga legend Mizuki Shigeru, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro. Over 170 bronze statues of yokai characters line the street — mischievous kappa lurking by drains, one-eyed umbrella spirits (kasa-obake) sheltering under eaves, and the iconic Kitaro himself standing at major intersections. The statues are interactive: touch Medama-Oyaji (Eyeball Father) for good luck, rub Neko-Musume's (Cat Girl's) hand for romance, find all 170 for a completion certificate at the tourist office.

The street comes alive after dark when atmospheric lighting creates shadows and silhouettes, making the yokai presence feel genuinely eerie. Shops sell yokai merchandise, yokai-themed food (eyeball manju sweets, Kitaro ramen), and Mizuki Shigeru's original manga. The Mizuki Shigeru Museum at the street's terminus houses original artwork, his personal collection of global supernatural artifacts, and a recreation of his manga studio.