TOTTORI SAND DUNES
The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan's largest coastal sand dunes with majestic undulations.
The pattern of sand drawn by the sea breeze, "Kazemon", is a natural art created by nature over a long history.
Tottori,Uniquely Yours
Tottori Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Japan's Chugoku area.
To the north is the Sea of Japan, to the south the mountains of the Chugoku Mountains, including Mt. Daisen are found.
Tottori is beautiful in all seasons:
in spring, flowers bloom in profusion; in summer, visitors can enjoy high-quality beaches;
in fall, the mountains are tinged with autumn leaves, while in winter, a silver world spreads across the land.
In
Tottori Prefecture, which is overflowing with nature,
there are many travel spots where you can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons with all your senses.
Tottori, with its clean air and abundant spring water, is full of delicious local cuisine nurtured by the four vivid seasons of nature and climate!
Learn more about the best gourmet foods you must try when you travel to Tottori, such
as Matsuba Crab, 20th Century Pear, and Tottori Wagyu Beef.
People used to gather around Mt. Daisen, which has been worshipped since ancient times as "the mountain where the gods dwell," and a unique Tottori climate was fostered. The rich mountains nurtured the sea and created magnificent beaches
and sand dunes.
Experience sgrand scale of Tottori's nature, created by the faith and beliefs of the people over a long period of time.
Tottori, stretching from east to west, is dotted with hot spring villages with various charms that heal the fatigue of travellers.
Enjoy seasonal cuisine and local sake at a traditional inn, and stroll through the nostalgic hot spring
town. We will introduce a hot spring trip in Tottori that will warm your heart and body.
Tottori Prefecture, which stretches long and narrow from east to west along the Sea of Japan, is divided into three main areas.
The "Eastern Area" is the gateway to the great nature of sand and sea, the "Central Area" offers castle towns
full of historical atmosphere and hot springs,
and the "Western Area" is a port town loved for its exquisite seafood and Japanese folk monsters.
Find your own way to enjoy your trip to Tottori by learning about the traditions and
historical characteristics of each area.
From spectacular views in all the 4 seasons, to all-pink spots, perfect for your romantic date, and the best of Japan's modern architecture.
We introduce you to the best photo spots in Tottori Prefecture that you will surely want to show
off to everyone!
Cameras ready?
@Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture
Yonago Castle is a fortress in the sky overlooking the Sea of Japan. The castle used to be the most magnificent castle in Tottori with its five-storey keep, but now only the stonewalls remain, showing only a glimpse of its former glory.
It
takes about 15 minutes on foot to reach the remains of the main keep. The 360° panoramic view of the majestic Mount Daisen, the horizon of the Sea of Japan and even the city of Yonago is a spectacular view of Tottori that must be seen
at least once.
Spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, is a particularly beautiful time to visit Yonago Castle. Minatoyama Park, located at the foot of the castle ruins, is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot with approximately
500 cherry trees.
The cherry blossom snowstorms that dance as spring arrives create a spectacular scene together with the castle ruins that rise into the sky.
@Wakasakura Town, Tottori Prefecture
The Wakasakura Railway in Tottori Prefecture, now disassembled, once served as a transport and traffic artery supporting the forestry industry, the key industry of Tottori Prefecture, and contributed to regional and industrial development.
Even today, there are many retro buildings along this former line telling the story of Tottori's modernisation. They are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan and are highly valued for their cultural value.
The terminal
station, Wakasakura Station, offers exciting attractions for railway enthusiasts and tourists alike, such as a tour of the premises where you can see the SL up close and even challenge yourself with a short driving experience plan.
The
SL driving experience is particularly popular with adults and children alike. Sounding the steam whistle in a loud voice, you can feel like a real driver in a time gone by.
@Chizu-cho, Tottori Prefecture
Koiyamagata Station (koi means “love” in Japanese) is a power spot for marriage where love can come true.
The staircase railings, benches, pillars and walls are all pink. The entire station is covered in pink and hearts, making it
a very popular spot on SNS for taking cute photos. The station interior, from the station name sign to the boarding platform information, is heart-shaped, making it a photogenic place no matter how you frame your shot! Recommended
for both date spots and girls' trips.
On platform 1, there is a heart-shaped monument where a heart-shaped ema (votive picture tablet) can be placed. There is a lovely legend telling that if an ema fits well in this monument, your
wish for love will come true. After placing the ema, ring the bell above your head with a wish for the fulfilment of your love.
@Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture
The Eshima Bridge is a huge bridge connecting Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture and Matsue in Shimane Prefecture. The bridge has become famous under the nickname 'Sticky Slope', as it requires a steep, heavenly climb up a steep slope,
which requires the driver to step on the accelerator.
The highest point reaches a height of about 45 m and offers panoramic views of Mount Daisen and the Sea of Japan in the distance.
The highlight of the drive is the spectacular
view of Daikon Island in the Naka Sea, which opens up in front of you as you approach the descent after climbing from Sakaiminato in Tottori. The open landscape of islands in the Sea of Japan is typical of the San'in area. If you are
a bit afar and use a teleobjective lens, you will get an incredibly tricky shot!
@Chizu-cho, Tottori Prefecture
A group of historical buildings that still remain as the grand residence of the Ishitani family, a merchant family that has been in existence for over 300 years. It is highly regarded as a masterpiece of modern Japanese architecture, preserving
the transition of architectural styles from Japan's early modern period to the modern era and harmonising the best of architectural styles from the Edo to Meiji periods.
More than 40 rooms and three storehouses are arranged around
a beautiful Japanese garden. The storehouses are used as galleries, where special exhibitions of art and craft works are held seasonally.
Spring with young leaves, summer with fresh greenery, autumn with coloured leaves and winter
with snow. The seasonal beauty of Japanese architecture and the sense of the seasons are in harmony, weaving an ethereal world like an ink painting, and no matter how many times you visit, you will never get tired of it.
@Iwami Town, Tottori Prefecture
Located in the San'in Kaigan Geopark, the Uradome Coast is a true open air museum of topography and geology where various landforms can be observed, including caves, caves and white sand beaches.
A popular experience that allows you
to take a look the entire landscape of the distinctive Uradome Coast from the sea is a cruise on a sightseeing boat with a spectacular view. The 40-minute boat trip takes you around islands of various sizes in the crystal clear emerald
blue sea. Cruising is a unique way to appreciate the powerful and dynamic rock formations up close.
With a pleasant sea breeze, embark on an adventurous journey around the spectacular scenery of the Uradome Coast, where you can
feel the heartbeat of the earth.
@Misasa Town, Tottori Prefecture
Mt Mitoku, which has been worshipped as a sacred site for esoteric Buddhism since ancient times, is beautifully dyed with autumn leaves from October to November in autumn. The trail is lined with many Buddhist temples, and the view of
the halls floating among the red and yellow coloured trees is a sight to behold.
The view from the edge of Wenshu Hall is particularly spectacular. The red and yellow carpet spreading out below your standing position is a spectacular
sight. You can walk around the external porch of Monjudo, but it is quite shocking as it is built on a cliff and has no handrails. Be sure to take care while walking there, and enjoy the autumn colours.
@Daisen, Tottori Prefecture
Winter sports are popular in Tottori, one of the most snowy regions of Japan.
Daisen White Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in western Japan and is popular for its variety of courses using the slopes of Mt Daisen and its high-quality
powder snow. As the concept of 'slopes with a view of the sea' suggests, skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in a dynamic location, as if you were diving into the Sea of Japan.
A wide range of users can enjoy the gentle slopes
for beginners and the long courses for advanced skiers. A kids' park is also available, making this ski resort recommended for family use.
Basic information