Tottori Prefecture, not to be confused with the similarly named Studio Ghibli character, is a neighbour to Shimane, Okayama, and Hyogo prefectures, and sits within a beautiful area of Japan. Full of nature and immersive culture, yet perfect for one who is looking for a adventure that is slightly off of the beaten path. Let’s jump in and see a selection of what Tottori has to offer!
The Sand Dunes
Very likely the most famous of all the attractions in the prefecture, the Tottori sakyu, or sand dunes, are distinctive desert dunes found right on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Formed by wind, they have been around for more than 100,000 years. Located a bus ride away from Tottori City, you can wander around the sand dunes, climbing up and around, getting views of the water and of the capital city of the prefecture. While exploring the dunes, you can also ride camels, sandboard, and even give paragliding a try. Nearby, the Sand Museum gives you a chance to explore some wonderful sand sculptures, including realistic recreation of people, places, and even more. In the summertime, the sand can get quite hot, so be prepared to bring some shoes! All around the area are souvenir shops, information, and other places to eat, so you can spend as much time as you like getting to learn about the sand dunes. There is also a short chairlift that you can ride to and from the main sand dune area, giving you more of a bird’s eye view of all the surroundings.
Mt. Daisen
Japan is well known for its plethora of mountains, from the iconic Mt. Fuji, to Mt. Aso in Kumamoto, or even the stunning Japanese Alps. Located in Tottori Prefecture is also Mt. Daisen. More than 1,700 metres tall, the mountain is located in the western half of the prefecture, near the coastal town of Yonago (another fantastic place to visit!). There are multiple hiking paths that outside lovers can trek, some reaching the second highest point on the mountain, known as Misen, which will give you spectacular views of all the surroundings and beauty of Tottori Prefecture. The mountain is a top destination in any and all seasons, summer will let you see the wildflowers in bloom, autumn will show off the mesmerising changing colours, and winter allows for the snow sports enthusiast to hit the slopes.
Near the mountain also lies Daisenji, a temple complex that held a significant amount of power during its peak days. It once had a relationship with mountain ascetic practices, or Shugendo, and nowadays operates as the gateway for those hiking up the mountain. The temple dates back to the 8th century, and one of its halls, the Amida-do hall, which was built in the 1500s, has statues with inscribed dates of the 1131! In addition, Mt. Daisen also has Daisen Falls, a two-tiered waterfall in a valley known as Jigokudani. This is yet another wonderful hiking path, taking you over a suspension bridge and winding through the dense forests.
Sanbutsu-Ji
Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji is one of the more unique spots to visit in the prefecture. Located rather deep in the central mountains of Tottori, this temple is known for part of it being built within a recess in a large rock wall. This hall is called the Nageiredo. The temple is known to have been founded by the founder of Shugendo, En no Gyoja, in the Asuka Period (538-710). When climbing the mountainous trail up to the temple complex, you face some steep walls, adorned with chains to help ease the trek up. Before you embark on the climb, you are also checked to make sure that you have adequate footwear and also have the chance to buy traditional footwear. There are a few other halls that you can visit while on the climb, which include the Monjudo and the Jizodo. The views from around these halls of the surrounding areas and the views of the Nageiredo make the tough trek up very much worth it!
Uradome Beach
Heading over to the coast, you can find Uradome Beach. A coastline full of erosion shaped rocks and caves, this area can remind you of other beautiful coastlines found all around Japan. East of the main city of Tottori, the Uradome Coastline is a perfect place to enjoy the water during the summertime. You can reach the beaches from a nearby train station and wander to and fro among the sandy shores. Outside of swimming, you can also snorkel in the water, alongside taking a cruise to enjoy a different view of the coast. Kayaking is another way to freely explore all that the area has to offer, in and out of all the rock formations and wildlife. A hike on some of the trails on the coast is another way to experience the area, on a sunny and clear day, there is no better place to be!
Jinpukaku
Located within Tottori City, Jinpukaku is a guest house that was built in 1907. An example of Meiji era architecture, this house is now available for people to tour and explore. Located within the city limits and nearby the Tottori Castle Ruins, Jinpukaku is built in a European style, with large pillars and white walls making up this two storey tall residence. It has been used for various purposes, such as housing royalty during visits, public events and receptions, and now houses a small museum. After you visit the house, you can climb some stairs to reach the ruins of the former Tottori Castle, which overlooks the city. On a good day, you can watch the sunset over the Sea of Japan, and see the sky catch fire with bright oranges and reds.
Yonago
To the west of the prefecture, near the border with Shimane Prefecture, is the city of Yonago. With easy access to Mt. Daisen, great onsens, and the beach, Yonago offers visitors endless possibilities for fun. You can head to Kaike Onsen to experience salt water onsen baths, or the Yonago Castle ruins that overlook the city near the station. There is also a Kamo Shrine Tenmangu, which is one of the oldest shrines in the city, which sells colourful and cute protective charms and stamp books.
The close by Sakaiminato is the birthplace of well known manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, with many characters and references to his famous series Ge Ge Ge Kitaro found all around the city. There is also the famous Eshima Ohashi Bridge, which bridges Tottori and Shimane prefectures. When viewed from a certain angle, the bridge seems to rise so steeply that you may wonder how all the cars are driving up it! A perfect place to relax and also use as a base to explore surrounding regions, a trip to Tottori is not complete without visiting Yonago.
Tottori, while not right near many of the bigger and famous cities, nevertheless is filled to the brim with experiences for those looking to enjoy their time in Japan. Whether it's the outdoors and summiting Mt. Daisen, or hanging out in the warm waters of Kaike Onsen, Tottori Prefecture is more than a prefecture with sand dunes, it is a must see!
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