A Must-Visit for Conan Fans! Explore Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory & Conan Town in Tottori

To the Hometown of Gosho Aoyama and the Land of Conan

On my way to Kaike Onsen, I made a spontaneous stop at the sacred land of Conan! Honestly, I’ve never really read the Detective Conan manga and have only seen a few episodes of the anime, yet somehow I already knew about the mysterious men in black and the gentleman thief, Kaito Kid. That’s just how deeply this national anime has permeated everyday life in Japan!

The Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory is a museum located in Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture. It celebrates the life and works of Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama, who hails from this town. Inside, you’ll find tons of memorabilia, artwork, and hands-on experiences.

There are also other Conan-themed attractions nearby, including “Conan Road” and Conan-themed monuments. Kids were excitedly running around, buying souvenirs and enjoying every moment. It made me nostalgic for the days when I could get that excited!

The walk from Conan Station (Yura Station) to the museum is 1.2 km each way (about 2.4 km round trip). It’s a bit of a trek, but plenty of tourists were walking it.

I gave it a shot too, but it was surprisingly exhausting! I’m not even a die-hard fan, so halfway through I regretted not driving. That said, the road is lined with fun Conan-themed objects and monuments, so if you're a fan, the walk is a must.

At Conan Department Store, I browsed for souvenirs. To my surprise, there was an entry queue to get in! I waited about 15 minutes. If it’s this crowded on a weekday, expect long waits on weekends or holidays.

This specialty shop offers a wide range of Conan-themed goods—from stationery and keychains to exclusive merch and souvenirs. Paradise for any fan!

What is the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory?

The Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory is a dedicated museum celebrating the creator of Detective Conan, located in his hometown of Hokuei, Tottori Prefecture.

The museum is packed with fun exhibits including life-size figures, dioramas of iconic scenes, original artwork, and hands-on activities. It’s a dream destination for fans of all ages!

The entire town embraces the Conan theme, with highlights like Conan Station (Yura Station), Conan Bridge, Conan Road, and the popular Conan Department Store.

Especially notable is “Conan Road,” which stretches for 1.2 km and features statues and monuments inspired by the series—an absolute must-walk for fans (though be warned—it’s quite the walk 😅).

Weekends and holidays can be crowded, so it’s best to plan with plenty of time!