'''Sakai Minato''' (___`) on the western border of Tottori prefecture is an active fishing port and host to a Japanese Self Defense Forces base. The locally caught crab is especially good, but Sakai Minato's big attraction is as the home of Mizuki Shigeru, creator of the popular manga ''Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro''.

Get in

Like much of the sparsely populated Sanin area the best way to get in is by car. ANA flights from Tokyo arrive at nearby Yonago airport.

Get around

The fishing wharf and center of town are compact enough to enjoy on foot.

See

Walk down Mizuki Shigeru street and marvel at the many paintings and sculptures of the bizarre universe of monsters that are part of the Kitaro's world.

Do

Visit Chiyomusubi Brewing (Sakai Minato Taisho-cho 131 [http://www.chukai.ne.jp/~sake88/toppage] tel. 0859-42-3191/0120-880-315, fax 0859-42-3515) for daily tours of this excellent sake producer. Tours at 11 AM and 2 PM weekdays; 10 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3 PM weekends and holidays. The ''kura'' or sake brewery features a nice gift shop, a small restaurant for tasting, and of course fine sake. _@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@_@

Buy

Kitaro-related souvenirs of all types are available everywhere. Anything related to the ''Medama Oyaji'' or Eyeball Daddy character seems especially popular.

Eat

Local crab is excellent in season, but any fresh seafood here will be a good choice.

Iroha Sushi _________i is excellent and a good value for lunch (Near the waterfront. Tel. 0859-42-3045) Get there early as the master only uses the freshest fish and when he runs out lunch service is finished.

Drink

Sleep

Port In Sakai Minato (tel. 0859-44-1833 Taisho-cho 222, just near a police box) is a curious hotel, but at 10,000 yen for a spacious double room including breakfast and parking is excellent value. This is run by a fishing cooperative for fishermen in port, but also rents rooms for visitors.

Contact

Get out

Shimane Prefecture is just across the bridge.

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