Your journey through western Tottori begins here.
Yonago Kitaro Airport — Where Your Journey Through San’in Begins
Located in Sakaiminato City in western Tottori, Yonago Kitaro Airport serves as one of the main gateways to Sakaiminato, Kaike Onsen, Mt. Daisen, and the surrounding San’in region.
As its name suggests, the airport is filled with characters from Shigeru Mizuki’s beloved Yokai stories.
Yet the airport itself is only the beginning.
Whether you are heading to the seaside hot springs of Kaike, driving into the mountains around Mt. Daisen, or following Kitaro into the world of Yokai, every journey starts here.
Contents
- Getting to Yonago Kitaro Airport
- Welcomed by Yokai
- First Floor | Beginning Your Journey
- Second Floor | Local Food & Souvenirs
- Observation Deck | Watching the Sky
- Where Will You Go Next?
- The Beginning—and the End—of a Journey
Getting to Yonago Kitaro Airport
Free parking is available directly in front of the terminal.
During my visit in early July, the main parking lot was almost full.
If the front lot is full, additional parking areas (P-1, P-2, and P-3) are available, providing approximately 1,200 parking spaces in total.
Bus stops are also located just outside the terminal.
If you look up at the sign for buses heading toward Yonago Station, you’ll find Nezumi Otoko quietly watching over travelers.
Even before entering the airport, you begin to feel that Sakaiminato—the hometown of Kitaro—is close.
Yonago Airport Station on the JR Sakai Line is about a five-minute walk from the terminal.
From there, trains connect easily to both Yonago and Sakaiminato.
Yonago Kitaro Airport → Yonago Airport Station → Yonago / Sakaiminato
Yonago Airport Station → Yonago / Sakaiminato
Entering the Airport — Welcomed by Yokai
The entrance doors are decorated with Ittan-momen and Betobeto-san.
As the doors slide open, your San’in journey truly begins.
Once inside, look up.
Kitaro, Medama Oyaji, Neko Musume, and many other familiar Yokai are waiting above.
It is a playful reminder that this airport belongs to the world of Shigeru Mizuki.
You may find yourself wanting to search for every Yokai hidden throughout the terminal.
Fortunately, your encounter with them has only just begun.
First Floor — Preparing for Your Journey
The Tourist Information Center provides maps and sightseeing information for western Tottori and eastern Shimane.
The terminal also has a convenience store, ATMs, and rental car counters.
If you plan to visit Mt. Daisen or explore both Tottori and Shimane, renting a car is one of the easiest ways to travel.
A little farther inside stands one of the airport’s most popular photo spots.
Kitaro is happily riding an airplane, accompanied by Medama Oyaji.
You can also create commemorative photo stickers exclusive to Yonago Kitaro Airport.
It makes a fun keepsake at the beginning—or end—of your trip.
Second Floor — Food, Souvenirs, and Local Flavors
Upstairs, colorful Yokai artwork fills the large windows.
The second floor is home to restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafés.
You can enjoy fresh seafood, Benizuwai crab ramen, Gyūkotsu ramen, or relax at Sunaba Coffee, a café that originated in Tottori.
Some visitors enjoy a local meal immediately after arriving.
Others return early before departure, buy a few last souvenirs, and quietly reflect on their journey over a cup of coffee.
Airports are places that allow many different kinds of moments.
Observation Deck — Watching the Sky
The third floor leads to the observation deck.
Here you’ll also find playful Yokai-themed trick art that makes for memorable photographs.
If you have a little time before your flight, it’s a peaceful place simply to watch the sky.
Where Will You Go Next?
Leaving Yonago Kitaro Airport opens the door to several very different journeys.
Sakaiminato — Follow the World of Yokai
Take the JR Sakai Line toward Sakaiminato.
Beyond the station lies Mizuki Shigeru Road, where Yokai statues line the streets.
The characters you first met at the airport are waiting to welcome you once again.
→ Walk Along Mizuki Shigeru Road
→ Stay Overnight in Sakaiminato
Kaike Onsen — Relax Beside the Sea
Facing the Sea of Japan, Kaike Onsen is a place to slow down.
Watch the sunset.
Soak in a hot spring.
Enjoy fresh seafood.
It is a destination for travelers who wish to leave a little space in their itinerary.
Mt. Daisen — Into Nature
With a rental car, Mt. Daisen is within easy reach.
Its scenery changes beautifully throughout the seasons, making it one of western Japan’s finest natural destinations.
The Beginning—and the End—of a Journey
When I first arrived here, everything felt new.
And when it was finally time to leave, the Yokai were still there—just as they had been when my journey began.
They quietly witness both the excitement of arrival and the gentle sadness of departure.
Perhaps that is why Yonago Kitaro Airport feels less like an airport and more like the first—and last—chapter of a journey through San’in.
Sakaiminato is also an international cruise port, welcoming large cruise ships from around the world.
