Mizuki Manga's birthplace CHOFU Tour
Shigeru Mizuki, an honorary citizen of Chofu city
A cartoonist Shigeru Mizuki lived in Chofu for more than 50 years and was chosen as an honorary citizen.
Putting numerous popular manga into the world, he friendlily illustrated his peculiar world and yokai (monsters and spirits in Japanese folklore) through his unique sensitivity.
He passed away in 2015, but he may now be enjoying a life with yokai in the other world.
Throughout Chofu city, you can see characters which appear in his representative work, “GeGeGe no Kitaro.”
Centering on November 30, the anniversary of his death, events are held to take a tour of places associated with him.
(C) Mizuki Production
Manga Pilgrimage Course
(1) Gegege Gallery (Lobby at Cultural Center Tazukuri)
The GeGeGe Gallery displays a number of yokai drawings and manga illustrations by the esteemed manga artist and honorary citizen of Chofu, Shigeru Mizuki.(C) Mizuki Production
【Address】
2-33-1 Kojimacho, Chofu, Tokyo
(2) Bakery & Café Fanfare
The bread from this bakery's lava brick oven comes highly rated.The 'yokai-yaki' cakes that depict Kitaro and friends are the star attraction here.
(C) Mizuki Production
【Address】
1-22-7 Kojimacho, Chofu, Tokyo
(3) Kitaro Hiroba (Square)
This plaza was opened in 2019, and features artwork and playground equipment in the image of characters & yokai from 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' and other Shigeru Mizuki works.
(C) Mizuki Production
【Address】
1-58-5 Shimoishiwara, Chofu, Tokyo
【More information】
Click here for details of Kitaro Hiroba
(4) Shimoishiwara-jinja Shrine
This guardian deity shrine dates back to the Edo period, and is home to lion masks that are designated as one of the city's tangible cultural properties. In the manga Neko-musume was depicted living under the eaves of the shrine here.
【Address】
2-1-11 Fujimicho, Chofu, Tokyo
【More information】
Click here for details of Shimoishiwara-jinja Shrine
(5) Kakusho-ji Temple
Home to the graveyard where Shigeru Mizuki was laid to rest. Mizuki was so impressed by the reliefs here depicting Kitaro, Nezumi-otoko, and other yokai that he hailed the stonemason as 'Japan's Michelangelo'.
【Address】
1-35-5 Fujimicho, Chofu, Tokyo
【More information】
Click here for details of Kakusho-ji Temple
(6) Kitaro Park (Ishiharasho-mae Park)
This park has been known and loved by the name 'Kitaro Park' since 2010. The park's name by the entrance was written by Shigeru Mizuki himself.
(C) Mizuki Production
【Address】
2-19-4 Fujimicho, Chofu, Tokyo
(7) Kitaro-chaya
Found in a lush green spot by the gates of Jindai-ji Temple, 'Kitaro Teahouse' and its charming retro style was constructed over 50 years ago.
Here you can find a shop selling Kitaro merchandise, a tearoom, as well as the 'Yokai Gallery', which displays images of yokai and other characters created by Shigeru Mizuki.
(C) Mizuki Production
【Address】
5-12-8 Jindaijimotomachi, Chofu, Tokyo
【More information】
Click here for details of Kitaro Chaya (café)
(8) Fudatenjin Shrine
One of a number of ancient shrines in the Tama area, this shrine was where Kitaro lived in the manga, inside a grove deep in the shrine grounds.
【Address】
1-8-1 Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo
【More information】
Click here for details of Fudatenjin Shrine
(9) Tenjin-dori Street
Located to the north of Chofu Station's central entrance, Tenjin-dori Shotengai is a road that connected the ancient Koshu Kaido road to the road to Fudaten Shrine.
Here you can find monuments depicting Kitaro and friends.
(C) Mizuki Production
【Address】
1 Fuda, Chofu, Tokyo
【More information】
Click here for details of Tenjin-dori Street
(10) Chofu Station North No.1 Cycle Parking Space & Yokai Post
Found along the old Koshu Kaido road, Chofu Station Bicycle Parking Lot #1 is home to a mural depicting Kitaro & friends.You can also find a postbox designed after the 'Yokai Postbox' here. If you post a letter here it may find its way to the world where Shigeru Mizuki and Kitaro reside.
(C) Mizuki Production
【Address】
1-28-3 Fuda, Chofu, Tokyo
(11) Kitaro Manhole
These 6 manhole designs that depict characters from 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' can be found installed along the footpaths.(C) Mizuki Production
【Address】
1 Fuda, Chofu, Tokyo
Return to Chofu City