If you grew up witnessing the anime or manga exploits of a certain genius-high-school-detective solve and close case after case with a group of unlikely friends, then Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory may be an interesting glimpse behind the scenes of your childhood wonder.
General Information
Gosho Aoyama, in which the location is named after, is a Japanese Manga (graphic novel) artist. A talented artist from a young age, Aoyama-san would find his first recognition during his freshman year of college, winning a Comic award at the age of 23. For decades after, he has created various manga series with intriguing stories including time machines, Samurai, mind readers, and more. However, Aoyama-san is probably best known for the manga “Meitantei Konan” featuring a genius-high-school-detective, otherwise known as Case Closed & Detective Conan in the English translated manga and the long-running anime series (to which there are current over 970-episodes and still running). As you may have guessed by now, Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory features the work of the artist himself.
Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory is a museum of sorts dedicated to the dreams and creations of Gosho Aoyama. It is made up of different sections and there is much to see, especially for anime and manga enthusiasts. One of the first sections you discover will walk you through the life of the artist himself, explaining how he became a manga artist, and even the defining moment of the creation of his Detective Conan character. Here you can see statutes of his beloved characters and eventually find yourself at a reproduction of Aoyama-san’s workroom, including an assortment of not-quite-organized books and reference materials. For your viewing pleasure, surrounding the workstation is a number Aoyama-san’s artwork.
Aoyama-san also has a whimsical side, and this can be seen thru (literally) keyholes throughout the Manga Factory, where there has been placed various detective style quiz questions for you to explore. This whimsy can also be seen in interactive exhibits found within, for example almost straight out of the manga itself comes “the Voice-Changing Bowtie,” which you can try for yourself and see how you sound. Some interactive exhibits are still in development but should be available for everyone’s enjoyment soon.
Various goods related to the works of Aoyama-san are available for purchase in the attached shop (some are only available to purchase here!), so grab yourself a souvenir for you or that friend who grew up loving Case Closed.
Admission Cost is by age, Preschoolers are free, Elementary school students: 300-yen, Junior and Senior High school student: 500-yen, and Adults: 700-yen, a discount may be available for those with disabilities (proof of disability may be required). Hours of operation are from 9:30 until 17:30 year-round, admittance is allowed until 30-mins prior to close.
Getting There
Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory is in Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture. The closest station is JR Yura Station (also known as Conan Station), it is a 20-minute stroll from the Manga Factory, or 5-minute drive.
Accessibility
The entrance to the main building is flat, and the adjacent shop has a ramps. The spacious doorways, isle spaces, and hallways make it easy for someone in a wheelchair to get around most of the manga factory.
Since there is no elevator available, wheelchairs users can use a special wheelchair-carrying lift device that climbs the stairway allowing access to the second floor. This device isn’t a wall-mounted lift, but a dolly with caterpillar tracks for climbing the steps. Wheelchair user get on the device via a ramp and are then secured with straps. The device tilts back so that riders are level when climbing the stairs. Two staff members operate the device. While the device may be a bit unnerving for those new to it, staff are well trained and help visitors roughly two times per week.
A few areas have places to sit for those who need to rest often. The gift shop has tables and chairs for visitors to rest, and while they are intended for viewing videos, guests are welcome to rest on the stools in the main building.
A 50% discount admission pricing is available for those with disabilities, proof of disability may be required for discount (e.g. Japanese-issued Disability ID). Service dogs are allowed in the building but please inform the staff at reception upon arrival.
There is a wheelchair accessible toilet available on the first floor. The toilet has a large changing table, and handrails by the toilet and sink.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of Gosho Aoyama’s work, or if you want a peek into the life of a manga artist, then Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory will be a very accessible and enjoyable place to visit.
©GOSHO AOYAMA/SHOGAKUKAN
