Kitaro Train - Yonago to Sakaiminato
The Kitaro Trains run along the JR Sakai Line, connecting Yonago and Sakaiminato, and are themed after the beloved manga GeGeGe no Kitaro. The theming goes far beyond exterior artwork—inside, the seats, walls, and even the ceiling are decorated with yokai (supernatural creatures), and the onboard announcements are voiced by the characters themselves.
When I was travelling from Yonago to Sakaiminato, I had no idea these trains existed. I only realized it when I arrived at the platform and saw the train pulling in. The platform itself was also decorated with character art, and that moment of discovery instantly elevated the entire journey. What would have been a simple local train ride suddenly felt like part of the destination rather than just a way to get there.
Sakaiminato is home to Mizuki Shigeru Road, a street lined with more than 170 bronze statues of characters from GeGeGe no Kitaro. Visiting this area was my main goal for the day, so stumbling upon the Kitaro Train felt oddly perfect. Once the train departed, I noticed that every station along the line is also yokai-themed, each one featuring its own unique character. The roughly 50-minute ride passed quickly as I looked forward to each stop and listened to the themed announcements along the way.
This was one of those unexpected travel moments that stayed with me. The Kitaro Train transformed a short regional journey into a playful, immersive experience and set the tone perfectly for exploring Sakaiminato.
Background
The Kitaro Trains (鬼太郎列車) are inspired by GeGeGe no Kitaro, a manga created by Mizuki Shigeru, a native of Sakaiminato. The series is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and features yokai from traditional legends. As part of regional revitalization efforts, the JR Sakai Line introduced multiple themed train designs to celebrate Mizuki’s work and strengthen Sakaiminato’s identity as a cultural destination tied to the manga.
Getting There
Yonago Station is the main access point to the line and is easily reached from major cities via the JR Limited Express Yakumo from Okayama Station, with a travel time of about two hours. Travelers from Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima typically transfer at Okayama. From Tokyo, the fastest option is a flight to Yonago Kitaro Airport, followed by an airport bus to Yonago Station in approximately 25 minutes.
Route Overview
Train: Yonago Station (米子駅) →Sakaiminato Station (境港駅)
Duration: 50 min (15 stops)
Route note: There are six different Kitaro Train designs in circulation. While no reservation is required, the JR Sakai Line also operates regular, non-themed trains. It’s best to check the train arriving at the platform to confirm whether it is a Kitaro Train.
Cost Breakdown
Train: Yonago Station → Sakaiminato Station — ¥330
