Detective Conan Pilgrimage Guide: Hokuei Town in Tottori, Plus Hakodate, Nobeyama, Kyoto, Yokohama & Osaka

From JR Yura Station—affectionately known as 'Conan Station'—your walk leads across Conan Bridge, where six bronze character statues and decorative balustrade reliefs line the river crossing. In Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture, the birthplace of original creator Gosho Aoyama, visitors can stroll along the 1.4-kilometer Conan Street stretching from the station while encountering life-size bronze figures and stone monuments engraved with manga volume covers.

Along the route, Conan's House Beika Shopping Street offers themed meals and souvenir shopping, while the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory at the end of the avenue features replica original artwork and hands-on exhibits of Professor Agasa's inventions (the current building remains open through January 11, 2027, ahead of its scheduled relocation and reopening in spring 2027). Beyond Tottori, this guide also covers theatrical film locations across Japan—including Goryokaku in Hakodate, the Nobeyama Radio Observatory in Nagano, Mount Kurama in Kyoto, Yokohama Bay Bridge, Osaka Castle, and Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), where live-action ending footage was filmed—bringing together all 10 locations and their visitor guidelines.

Visiting Creator Gosho Aoyama’s Hometown of Hokuei and Theatrical Film Locations

In Hokuei Town, the bridge, shopping complex, and museum have been developed as an integrated route centered on the 1.4-kilometer Conan Street running from JR Yura Station to the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory. Because the museum is preparing for its spring 2027 relocation, be sure to check the operating schedule for your travel date before setting out.

Sources: Hokuei Town — Conan Street / Hokuei Town Tourism Association

1Conan Station: Where the Town and the Series Meet at JR Yura Station

JR Yura Station (573-1 Yurashuku, Hokuei Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture), widely known by its nickname 'Conan Station,' serves both as an everyday commuter station for local residents and as the gateway where visiting fans first encounter Detective Conan artwork and decorations. The Hokuei Town Tourist Information Center is located right inside the station building, allowing travelers to pick up walking maps and the latest event guides before starting their stroll.

Source: Hokuei Town Tourism Association — Tourist Information Center

2Conan Bridge: Six Bronze Statues and Balustrade Reliefs Along the Town Bridge

Spanning the Yura River, Conan Bridge features six bronze character statues and six distinct balustrade relief panels, letting visitors compare each pose and expression as they cross. Along Conan Street on either side of the bridge, colorful statues and bronze figures appear at key landmarks—including a life-size statue of high school detective Shinichi Kudo in front of the town library, as well as installations at Michi-no-Eki Daiei, the station plaza, and Deai-no-Hiroba.

Sources: Hokuei Town — Statues and Reliefs Along Conan Street / Hokuei Town Tourism Association

Spotting Manga Cover Stone Monuments and Conan Streetlights

As of February 2026, a total of 30 stone monuments stand along Yurashuku and Conan Street—28 replicating original manga volume covers and 2 featuring original illustrations—so fans can search for their favorite volume covers as they walk. Across the town, there are also 33 color and bronze statues, 46 Conan-illustrated streetlights, 7 directional guide decals, and 12 pavement art sheets, immersing visitors in the world of the series from manhole covers to streetlamps.

Source: Hokuei Town Tourism Association — February 2026 Conan Town Sightseeing Map

3Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory: Current Building Open Through January 11, 2027

Located at 1414 Yurashuku in Hokuei Town, the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory is a museum that introduces the creator and his work through replica original drawings, production archives, and interactive displays. Regular opening hours are 9:30 to 17:30 (last admission at 17:00), but operations at the current building will conclude on January 11, 2027, ahead of a planned relocation and reopening in a new building in spring 2027. Inside the facility, the museum shop 'Conan Tanteisha Furusato-kan Shop' is scheduled to continue operating from January 14 to February 28, 2027, after the current exhibition halls close. Be sure to check the official operating calendar and relocation announcements before visiting.

Sources: Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory — Important Notice on Relocation and Current Building Closure / Visitor Information

Production Materials and Hands-On Exhibits of Professor Agasa’s Inventions

Inside the museum, the 'AOYAMA WORLD' zone introduces Gosho Aoyama's upbringing and ties to Hokuei Town through photographs and personal memorabilia, while the 'Secrets of Creation' zone displays a recreation of his workspace, video interviews, replica original artwork from the theatrical films, profiles of world mystery writers and famous detectives, and motion-manga video exhibits. Meanwhile, the 'Conan World Library' lines up translated manga volumes published in more than 25 countries and regions, letting visitors see firsthand how far the series has reached across the globe.

In the 'Invention Workshop' area, visitors can try hands-on exhibits of the gadgets and tricks created by Professor Agasa to support Conan, alongside merchandise displays in 'Conan the Collection.' The turbo-engine skateboard exhibit was upgraded in a 2019 renewal with an interactive game in which riders search for Professor Agasa's Volkswagen Beetle while racing through the streets of Hokuei Town on screen.

Sources: Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory — 2019 Skateboard Exhibit Renewal / AOYAMA WORLD / Secrets of Creation & World Library / Invention Workshop

Peeking Through Keyholes and Exploring Film Posters: Solving Mysteries Inside the Museum

At the entrance, a color-changing keyhole illustration of Gosho Aoyama and his beloved cat Kaito welcomes guests, who can then take on peephole quizzes around the hall, the 'Meister Certification Quiz,' and hidden character silhouette hunts. In the Fan Board area lined with posters from every theatrical film, visitors can also play trivia quizzes, puzzles, memory games, and shooting games on interactive computers.

In the 'Grand Finale' zone concluding the exhibition, projection mapping recounts how the story began, and visitors can place the back of their admission ticket onto a special stand to experience '3D Character Vision,' where Conan, Kaito Kid, and Yaiba appear in 3D for commemorative photos. An adjoining private gallery also displays autographed shikishi boards, New Year's cards, and Christmas cards sent to Gosho Aoyama.

Sources: Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory — Entrance & Quizzes / Fan Board & Games / Grand Finale

4Conan’s House Beika Shopping Street: Themed Dining and Merchandise

Located at Deai-no-Hiroba (1293 Yurashuku, Hokuei Town) along Conan Street, Conan's House Beika Shopping Street is a complex bringing together four dining and retail shops. At 'Cafe Poirot,' modeled after the cafe in the original manga, visitors can order dishes such as Cafe Poirot's Ham Sandwich and Detective Conan Napolitan pasta, while 'CONAN GELATO' serves more than 10 flavors at all times made with seasonal fruits and local ingredients like raspberry and Daisen milk.

Reopened after a renewal in March 2022, 'Conan's Kitchen' offers both dine-in and takeout menus, while 'Conan Department Store' sells character merchandise including store-exclusive items. Because regular closing days differ by shop—Wednesdays for Conan's Kitchen, Thursdays for CONAN GELATO, Mondays and the third Tuesday for Cafe Poirot, and open daily for Conan Department Store—check each shop's schedule in advance if you have a specific dish in mind.

Source: Hokuei Town Tourism Association — Four Shops & Operating Hours

5Hakodate & Goryokaku Park: Into the Setting of The Million-dollar Pentagram

The 2024 theatrical film Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram is set in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Visiting Hakodate for a kendo tournament, Conan and Heiji Hattori are drawn into a case surrounding Kaito Kid's heist notice targeting Japanese swords connected to Toshizo Hijikata. During the film's theatrical run from April 12 to September 30, 2024, the city hosted commemorative events including a 10-spot stamp rally, photo panels, wrapped streetcars, and in-train announcements by Conan (now concluded).

From the paid observation deck of Goryokaku Tower (43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate), adjacent to Goryokaku Park, visitors can look out over the entire star-shaped moat of Goryokaku, downtown Hakodate, and Mount Hakodate, while the second observation floor features scale models and historical displays. Opening hours are 9:00 to 18:00 (ticket sales until 17:50), and the tower remains open as usual during exterior painting and repair work scheduled through November 15, 2026.

Sources: City of Hakodate — 2024 Film Release Special / The Million-dollar Pentagram Official Site / Goryokaku Tower — Observation & Hours

6Nobeyama Radio Observatory: Visiting the Giant Antenna from One-eyed Flashback

Located at 462-2 Nobeyama in Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku District, Nagano Prefecture, the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) Nobeyama Radio Observatory is the research facility featured in the 2025 theatrical film Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback. Walking the on-site public visitor course (free admission, normally open 8:30 to 17:00; closed over New Year holidays and during severe weather warnings), guests can look up at the massive 45-meter radio telescope that captures faint radio waves from deep space.

Walking from the reception desk to the 45-meter radio telescope takes about 10 minutes (roughly 600 meters), a full visit takes about one hour, and the facility is roughly a 40-minute walk from Nobeyama Station on the JR Koumi Line. To prevent interference with astronomical observations, visitors must power off smartphones and electronic devices or switch them to airplane mode near the antennas, and follow posted on-site rules regarding photography.

Sources: Chino City — Introduction to Nobeyama Observatory Featured in the Film / Nobeyama Radio Observatory — Visitor Guide / One-eyed Flashback Official Site

Read the story on the official One-eyed Flashback film website

7Itami Airport Observation Deck: The Live-Action Ending Location of Magician of the Silver Sky

In the 2004 theatrical film Detective Conan: Magician of the Silver Sky, the live-action ending sequence showing a passenger airliner taking off was filmed at Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport). From the 400-meter-long rooftop observation deck on the 4th floor of the passenger terminal (free admission, open daily 6:00 to 21:30 with last entry at 21:00), visitors can watch aircraft taxiing toward the runway and taking off or landing up close.

Sources: Osaka Film Council — Osaka International Airport Filming Location / TMS — Official Film Title Details / Osaka International Airport — Observation Deck Guide

8Mount Kurama: The Mountain Where Conan and Heiji Hattori Are Attacked in Crossroad in the Ancient Capital

In the 2003 theatrical film Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital, Conan and Heiji Hattori visit Kyoto and are attacked on Mount Kurama by a figure wearing an Okina mask. The starting point for a visit is the Niomon Gate of Kurama-dera Temple near Kurama Station on the Eizan Electric Railway (271 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto; mountain preservation fee 500 yen), from which visitors can walk the mountain temple trails. Because sections of the trail include unpaved dirt paths and natural fallen trees, wear comfortable walking shoes when entering the mountain.

Sources: Yomiuri Telecasting — Crossroad in the Ancient Capital Story / Kurama-dera Temple — Precinct & Worship Guide / Kurama-dera Temple — Mountain Entry Guidelines

9Yokohama Bay Bridge: Viewing the Bridge from Fallen Angel of the Highway via the Sky Walk

Appearing in the 2026 theatrical film Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway, Yokohama Bay Bridge also served as the iconic backdrop for the special Yokohama performances of the Real Escape Game sequel event held at Osanbashi Hall from August 21 to 23, 2026. At Yokohama Bay Bridge Sky Walk, where visitors can walk an approximately 320-meter sky promenade from the Sky Tower at 1-1 Daikoku Futo, you can look out from high above the sea over cruise ships and cargo vessels moving through Yokohama Port and view exhibition videos and models in the Sky Lounge (free admission, generally open Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 18:00; check the monthly opening calendar).

Sources: SCRAP — Bridge Featured in the Film & Yokohama Special Performances / City of Yokohama — Sky Walk Visitor Guide / City of Yokohama — Opening Calendar

10Osaka Castle: The Main Keep and Park from the Heist Notice in The Last Wizard of the Century

Early in the theatrical film Detective Conan: The Last Wizard of the Century, police place Osaka Castle's main keep under heavy guard after receiving Kaito Kid's heist notice targeting a treasure of the Romanov dynasty, while Conan and Heiji Hattori decipher the riddle and rush toward the true appearance site at Tsutenkaku. Osaka Castle also served as the stage for Episode 263 of the TV anime, 'The Osaka Double Mystery: The Naniwa Swordsman and the Toyotomi's Castle.' Today the Osaka Castle Main Keep is open to the public as a museum of castle history from 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:30; closed December 28 to January 1), with admission priced at 1,200 yen for adults, 600 yen for university and high school students (student ID required), and free for junior high school students and younger.

Read the official synopsis of The Last Wizard of the Century

Sources: Yomiuri Telecasting — Osaka Castle & Kaito Kid's Notice in the Film / Yomiuri Telecasting — Osaka Castle in Episode 263 / Osaka Castle Main Keep — Visitor Guide

Taking AR Commemorative Photos with Characters on Your Smartphone

With Hokuei Town's year-round 'Town Walk Challenge,' visitors can use the smartphone app 'COCOAR' to scan markers at 30 stone monuments and spots around town, bringing characters onto the screen for AR commemorative photos with the surrounding scenery. In addition, the 'Mystery-Solving Yuramachi Walk' lets participants solve riddles at checkpoints around Conan Street to collect 10 digital stamps, rewarding those who clear all questions with an exclusive original wallpaper image. Installing the app before departure makes the walk seamless.

Sources: Hokuei Town — Town Walk Challenge / How to Enjoy AR Commemorative Photos / How to Play the Mystery-Solving Yuramachi Walk

Autumn 2026 Rally: A Limited-Time Quest for Local Town Specialties

From October 16 to November 15, 2026, Hokuei Town hosts the sticker rally 'Detective Conan: Chihaya Hagiwara's Exploration Log,' taking visitors to six locations around Conan Street in search of local specialties. Participation in the rally itself is free (separate admission to the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory is required), with registration open until 16:30 at a special desk inside the museum and the finish line set at the Hokuei Town Tourist Information Center. Note that rally sheets will not be distributed on October 30 when the museum is closed.

Source: Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory — Official Autumn Event Guide

Deeper into the Series: Two Identities and the Mori Detective Agency

After witnessing a suspicious transaction by men in black and being forced to swallow an experimental poison, high school detective Shinichi Kudo finds his body shrunk to that of an elementary schooler. Adopting the name 'Conan Edogawa' on the advice of his neighbor and inventor Professor Agasa, Shinichi moves into the Mori Detective Agency home of his childhood friend Ran Mori and her father Kogoro Mori, using gadgets like the bowtie voice changer to solve countless difficult cases from behind the scenes.

Sources: Yomiuri Telecasting — Series Introduction / Conan Edogawa / Ran Mori / Shogakukan — Official Original Manga / Ai Haibara

Publication and Release History: Original Manga, TV Anime, and Theatrical Films

Sources: Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory — 2007 Opening Record / Shogakukan — Volume 100 Release Date / Yomiuri Telecasting — Series Overview / Anime 30th Anniversary Official Site / Toho — 2026 Theatrical Film Release Record

30th Anniversary Exhibitions, Broadcast Specials, and Regional Limited-Time Events

Marking the 30th anniversary of the TV anime broadcast in 2026, the commemorative exhibition 'Broadcasting 30th Anniversary TV Anime Detective Conan Exhibition' is touring venues nationwide. Following runs at Tokyo Dome City Prism Hall (February 20 to March 29) and Hiroshima NTT Cred Hall (September 19 to October 12), the Matsuyama venue (Nankai Broadcasting Honmachi Kaikan) runs from October 17 to November 8. Other seasonal events include 'Detective Conan Land 2026' touring Mitsui shopping facilities nationwide (June 12, 2026 to January 11, 2027) and 'Detective Conan Art Fireworks 2026' scheduled at Yamashita Pier in Yokohama on November 21.

Sources: 30th Anniversary Exhibition Official Site / Yomiuri Telecasting — 30th Anniversary Projects / Art Fireworks Official Site

Tracing How the Anime Is Made at the 30th Anniversary Exhibition

At the Broadcasting 30th Anniversary Exhibition, the behind-the-scenes process of anime production is presented across five stages: planning, storyboards, animation drawing, voice recording, and theme songs. The opening planning zone displays character designs and art setting sheets alongside a three-dimensional scale model of the Mori Detective Agency where Conan, Kogoro, and Ran live, letting visitors compare how flat reference drawings are translated into spatial design.

In the following storyboard section, actual production storyboards cover an entire wall, while the animation zone lets visitors trace frame by frame how black-and-white line drawings gain color and bring Conan into motion. After experiencing a voice-recording exhibit comparing Conan's vocal expressions across emotions, a chronological wall of theme song CD jackets, and 'Memorial Scenes' looking back at famous moments since 1996, guests conclude at the Thanks Theater featuring an exhibition-exclusive original short film and its making-of footage.

Source: 30th Anniversary Exhibition Official Site — Exhibition Zones & Exclusive Footage

The 30th Anniversary Two-Hour Special: The No. 30 Murder Case

On September 25, 2026, the two-hour 30th anniversary TV special 'The No. 30 Murder Case' (theme song: 'Hallelujah' by Mai Kuraki) aired nationwide. While Conan and his friends tour the fictional Japan Banknote Printing Bureau's Nagano Plant, a new 10,000-yen note discovered at a murder scene turns out to be Japan's 30th major counterfeit bill, designated 'No. 30,' sending Conan and Heiji Hattori to expand their investigation to a printing plant in Osaka. During the broadcast, five voice cast members—playing Conan, Ran, Kogoro, Heiji, and Kazuha Toyama—joined the director for a six-person secondary audio commentary sharing recording stories and 30th anniversary memories.

Sources: Yomiuri Telecasting — The No. 30 Murder Case Story & Broadcast Guide / Official — Cast and Director Secondary Audio Commentary

Exploring Osaka Anime Scenery at the Abeno Harukas Observation Deck Collaboration

At Abeno Harukas in Osaka—the real-world model for 'Naniwa Harukas' featured in the anime episode 'Madder-Colored Finale'—an observation deck collaboration runs from July 24 to November 29, 2026. The observation floor features footprint markers showing where Heiji Hattori and Kazuha Toyama stood alongside newly recorded character voice tracks, and on October 11 a special voice announcement inside the return elevator was added. Before visiting, check the official page for observation deck ticket details and event dates.

Source: Yomiuri Telecasting — 30th Anniversary Projects & Abeno Harukas Guide

Tottori Mystery Tour: Turning Regional Investigation into a Travel Experience

From July 1, 2025 to January 23, 2026, Tottori Prefecture, JR West, and local tourism organizations jointly held the regional mystery-solving rally 'Tottori Mystery Tour' (now concluded). Centered on a kidnapping case set in a hot spring town, participants used the 'Tottori Mystery Tour tabiwa Pass' or accommodation packages to visit checkpoints across the prefecture, gather clues, and deduce the true culprit.

Sources: Tottori Prefecture — Mystery Tour / JR West — Event Guide

Lab Note | From a Business Perspective: Town-Building That Connects Station, Street, Museum, and Shops

In Hokuei Town, a single main street—Conan Street—links the gateway of JR Yura Station (Conan Station) with Conan Bridge, Beika Shopping Street, and the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory. Walking past outdoor bronze statues and manga-cover stone monuments, stopping for meals and souvenirs at the shopping complex midway, and experiencing exhibitions and inventions at the museum all fit comfortably within an approximately 1.4-kilometer walkable corridor.

By pairing outdoor monuments with AR commemorative photo markers and mystery-solving digital stamp rallies, the town turns the walk between facilities itself into an engaging stay experience. At the same time, as the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory prepares for its spring 2027 relocation and renewal, clearly updating visitors on the current building's closing date, the museum shop's operating window, and wayfinding to the new facility will be key to smooth local operations.

Related Lab Article: Municipal Case Study Combining Video and Stamp Rallies

Official Sources & Primary References

• Hokuei Town — Conan Street
• Hokuei Town Tourism Association
• Manga Factory — Closure & Relocation
• Manga Factory — Visitor Guide
• Yomiuri Telecasting — 30th Anniversary
• 30th Anniversary Exhibition Official
• Tottori Prefecture — Mystery Tour Archive
• Shogakukan — Official Original Manga ／ Yomiuri Telecasting — Ai Haibara Profile

Exhibition dates, opening hours, admission fees, and ticket details are current at the time of writing. Always check the official websites for the latest schedule updates before setting out on your pilgrimage visit.