The town of Hokuei in central Tottori is the birthplace of Gosho Aoyama, creator of Detective Conan (Meitantei Conan), one of the best-selling and longest-running manga and anime series in Japan. The town has embraced its most famous export wholeheartedly, rebranding itself as ‘Conan Town’: from Conan Station, a themed street lined with bronze statues of the characters leads to the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, a museum devoted to the artist’s life and work with original art, interactive detective puzzles and displays. Bridges, manhole covers and shops carry the characters, making the whole town a pilgrimage for fans of the series.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hokuei Town, Tottori |
| Hours | Museum ~9:30–17:30, check closures |
| Admission | Museum ~¥700 |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; a must for Conan fans |
What to See
- The Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory museum of the creator.
- A themed street of bronze character statues from Conan Station.
- Original manga art and interactive detective puzzles.
- Character bridges, manhole covers and themed shops.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Akasaki pottery village nearby.
- Pair with the Tottori Sand Dunes to the east.
- Read our Tottori overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR San’in Line to Conan Station (Yura), where the themed street begins.
- On foot: the street runs from the station to the museum.
Tips
This is a pilgrimage for Detective Conan fans and a fun stop for families rather than a general sight — how much you enjoy it depends on knowing the series. Start at Conan Station and walk the character-statue street to the Manga Factory museum, allow a couple of hours, and check the museum’s closing days before making the trip out to Hokuei.
