Kurayoshi Figure Museum (Former Meirin Elementary School)

The Kurayoshi Figure Museum occupies a beautifully repurposed circular building that once served as the Meirin Elementary School in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture. The distinctive round architecture, rare for a Japanese school building, now houses an impressive collection of detailed figurines spanning anime, manga, tokusatsu special effects characters, and historical dioramas. The museum showcases the artistry behind figure-making with displays that highlight sculpting techniques, painting, and the evolution of the craft in Japan. The surrounding Kurayoshi white-walled warehouse district adds historical charm to the visit, and the combination of pop culture and traditional townscape makes for an unexpectedly delightful day trip in the San'in region.