WANG 's page

Matsue Castle

Perched on a 29-meter tall hill in the flatlands near Shinji Lake, Matsue Castle was designated a Japanese national treasure in 2015. It was built some 400 years ago by Yoshiharu Horio, the lord of Izumo and Oki Provinces. The castle is sometimes nicknamed “Plover Castle” due to the castle gables resembling a plover bird with outstretched wings.

• Shimane
• Tourist Attractions

In the pleasant early-spring weather of May, I planned a special trip to Shimane to visit the national treasure Matsue Castle! The weather in Matsue in May was incredibly comfortable, with a gentle breeze carrying a slight chill. Lush greenery surrounded the castle and lined the moat, and together with the old-fashioned black exterior of the castle keep, the scene looked extremely elegant and magnificent.
As soon as I arrived at Matsue Castle, one of the few remaining original wooden castle keeps in Japan, the antique texture of the wood and traces of history inspired a deep sense of respect. I climbed the wooden stairs all the way to the observation deck on the top floor, and the expansive view was truly breathtaking! Not only could I take in the entire Matsue cityscape, but I could also see the sparkling waters of Lake Shinji. When the breeze blew through, I felt completely relaxed.
Best of all, it wasn't overly crowded in May, so strolling along the paths surrounded by the castle's stone walls and greenery was very leisurely and comfortable. After touring the castle keep, you can also take a Horikawa sightseeing boat nearby and enjoy a different view of the castle from the water. I highly recommend adding Matsue Castle to your San'in road trip or walking itinerary when the weather is pleasant in May. You'll definitely get to experience the most captivating side of Japanese history!

Gōshō Aoyama Manga Factory

This is a memorial museum for Gosho Aoyama, the original author of the popular comic "Detective Conan," which is published in 25 countries around the world. Born in Hokuei-cho, the museum displays various materials related to "Detective Conan" as well as the history of Aoyama from his childhood, university days, and career as a manga artist.

• Tottori
• Museums

While traveling in Tottori, I finally made a pilgrimage to the sacred place in the hearts of all Detective Conan fans—the Gōshō Aoyama Manga Factory! As soon as I arrived, I was drawn to the statues of iconic characters outside. Just taking photos at the entrance with Conan, Shinichi, and Professor Agasa's yellow Beetle made it impossible to stop snapping pictures.
The moment I stepped inside, the whole place felt like a dream paradise for manga fans. In addition to many of Gosho Aoyama's precious original manuscripts and a recreation of his workspace, there are tons of interactive games and puzzle-solving exhibits you can try, completely immersing you in Conan's world of deduction. From familiar classic manga panels and detailed introductions to all the hugely popular characters to museum-exclusive merchandise and souvenirs, I loved every single thing. The exhibits are extensive and fun, and both adults and children can have a great time. I highly recommend that all Conan fans add this place to their itinerary when visiting Tottori and experience this exciting world filled with the charm of mystery-solving!

Conan Street

This sightseeing street is in Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture, the hometown of Gosho Aoyama, the creator of the popular manga series Detective Conan. Stretching for about 1.4 kilometers from Conan Station (JR Yura Station) to the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, the street is packed with attractions that can captivate visitors of all ages.

• Tottori
• Tourist Attractions

While traveling in Tottori, I made a special pilgrimage to Conan Street, a must-visit spot for any Detective Conan fan! The moment I stepped onto this street filled with manga elements, I was instantly fired up. Along the route from the station to the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, you can see tons of finely crafted bronze statues of manga characters. Whether it's Edogawa Conan with his ever-confident smile, the handsome and intelligent Kudo Shinichi, the gentle and devoted Mouri Ran, the adorably scatterbrained Mouri Kogoro, or even popular and mysterious characters like Kid the Phantom Thief, as well as the cool Akai Shuichi and Amuro Toru, you can find them on statues, bridge pillars, streetlights, and manhole covers along the way. There are surprises every few steps, and I couldn't stop taking pictures.
Besides the photogenic streetscape, the shops and souvenir centers along the way are also really fun to browse. They're packed with all kinds of limited-edition character merchandise and souvenirs, making this a paradise for fans. The whole street is clean and relaxed, making it very pleasant to walk around. I highly recommend that anyone who loves Detective Conan visit when traveling in Tottori. Come look for your favorite characters, and you're sure to rediscover plenty of childhood memories and emotions!

Mizuki Shigeru Road

Mizuki Shigeru Road was established in 1993. The 800-meter-long street from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum is lined with 177 bronze yokai sculptures.

• Tottori
• Tourist Attractions

While traveling in Sakaiminato, Tottori, I made a special pilgrimage to Mizuki Shigeru Road, an absolute must for manga fans! The moment I stepped onto this fantastical street, I felt like I had fallen straight into the yokai world created by Shigeru Mizuki. The many bronze yokai statues lining both sides of the street are incredible. From Kitaro and Medama-Oyaji to Nezumi-Otoko, every character is so vivid and detailed that I couldn't stop taking pictures along the way.
Besides searching for all the hidden yokai sculptures, the souvenir shops lining the street are also a lot of fun to browse. They're packed with all kinds of exclusive Kitaro merchandise and character-shaped treats, all so cute that you'll want to take one of everything home. The street has a very relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, and even the creatively designed streetlights and mailboxes are full of surprises. I highly recommend adding Mizuki Shigeru Road to your itinerary when visiting the San'in region. Both adults and kids can have a great time here!

Don Quijote Dotonbori Store

Known for its late-night hours, quirky shelf displays, and handwritten promotional signs, Don Quijote is a beloved all-in-one discount store. The Dotonbori branch is especially eye-catching thanks to its iconic yellow Ferris wheel attached to the building’s façade-now a well-known landmark along the Dotonbori River in Osaka’s Minami district.

• Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
• Commercial Buildings

On this shopping trip to Shinsaibashi in Osaka, one landmark you absolutely can't miss is the “Don Quijote” discount store! Whether it's the Dotonbori store or the Shinsaibashi store, just seeing the building or the penguin mascot on the sign from a distance is enough to get you excited. The moment you step inside, every floor from the first to the top is packed with all kinds of products, including drugstore items, snacks and cookies, cosmetics and skincare products, daily necessities, and souvenirs. It's basically a paradise for crazy shopping.
The best part is that they're open very late, and many locations are even open 24 hours. No matter how packed your daytime itinerary is, you can come here at night, browse at your own pace, and shop to your heart's content. The store also often has all kinds of deals and discounts. Just show your passport at checkout to get tax-free shopping, and you can combine it with coupons to save even more. Although it's really crowded and you may have to wait in line a bit at checkout, the staff are very efficient, and it's easy to find what you need. I highly recommend making Don Quijote in Shinsaibashi your last stop when visiting Osaka. You're guaranteed to leave with your suitcase filled to the brim!