Tottori, Japan
Region: Tottori Prefecture
Geographic Coordinates: 35.500000, 134.233000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 187323
Language: Japanese
Tottori is a prefecture situated in the western part of Honshu island in Japan. It is famous for its stunning landscapes, Beautiful sand dunes, And rich cultural heritage. Tottori has a population of approximately 570, 000 people and covers an area of around 3, 500 square kilometers. One of the most popular attractions in Tottori is the Tottori Sand Dunes. This natural wonder stretches for over 16 kilometers along the coast and reaches heights of up to 50 meters. Visitors can indulge in activities such as camel rides, Sandboarding, And paragliding while enjoying breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan.
Another well-known destination in Tottori is Mount Daisen. This majestic mountain stands at over 1, 700 meters tall and offers incredible hiking trails with stunning views all year round. During winter months it becomes a ski resort with several slopes catering to skiers at all levels. Tottori also boasts many cultural landmarks that showcase its long history like the ruins of Tottorijo Castle built during the Edo period (1603-1868). The castle was once one of Japan’s most impressive fortresses but now only ruins remain that provide visitors an insight into its former grandeur.
For those interested in Japanese art history, There are several museums worth visiting including The Museum Of Modern Art which showcases contemporary art from both local artists as well as international ones. Another must-visit museum is The Warabekan Museum that displays traditional Japanese handicrafts made by local artisans. Food lovers will appreciate traditional dishes such as sakaiminato crab caught fresh from nearby waters or yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) made with locally sourced beef from Tajima cattle breeders nearby.
visitors can experience Japanese hospitality by staying at one out many hot spring resorts located throughout Tottori prefecture where they can relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs while taking in scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. Tottori prefecture is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Japan’s nature, Culture, And history. Its sand dunes, Mountains, Museums, And traditional cuisine offer visitors an unforgettable experience that will leave them wanting to return again and again.
- Tottori Sand Dunes
- Jinpukaku Mansion
- Uradome Coast
- Mount Daisen
- Tottori Castle Ruins
- Wakasa Fisherman’s Wharf
- Misasa Onsen Hot Springs
- Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji Temple
- Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park
- Yumigahama Beach
- Agriculture
- Fruit cultivation
- Forestry
- Fishing
- Tourism
- Sand dunes
- Hot springs
- Manufacturing
- Textiles
- Machinery
- Electronics
- Healthcare
- Universities and research institutions
- The Battle of Sekigahara was a significant event in Japanese history, fought between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari in 1600. Tottori played a role in supplying both sides during the battle.
- The Tottori earthquake of 1943 caused widespread damage and loss of life, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities and destruction of many buildings.
- Matsuo Basho is a renowned Japanese poet famous for his haiku poetry that captures the beauty of nature. He visited Tottori during his travels around Japan and wrote several poems about the area.
- Jinpukaku Mansion is an iconic historic mansion built by wealthy merchant Jinpachi Ogura in 1907, featuring a blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles that now serves as a museum open to visitors.
- Nakamura Tempu was born in Tottori Prefecture in 1876 and became a famous martial artist known for developing Shinshin Toitsu Aikido (mind-body unified Aikido).
- Warabekan Museum aims to preserve traditional culture unique to Tottori Prefecture such as pottery, textiles, folk crafts etc.
- Yonago Castle Ruins offer an interesting glimpse into Japan’s feudal past despite being only ruins today; it was built early on but fell into disrepair over time.
- Tatsuko Hoshino established the first women’s school in Tottori during Meiji period contributing towards women’s education movement making her notable figure from this region’s history.
- Tottori Sand Dunes – A vast sand dune system located along the coast of Tottori.
- Jinpukaku – A historic mansion constructed in the late 19th century.
- Warabekan Museum – A museum dedicated to showcasing traditional Japanese crafts and culture.
- The Tottori Castle Ruins – Remnants of an ancient castle that was destroyed in the 16th century.
- The Tottori Folk Crafts Museum – Exhibits traditional handicrafts from the region.
- The Yonago City Museum of Art – Displays contemporary art, including works by local artists.
- Mizuki Shigeru Road – A street lined with bronze statues depicting characters from famous manga artist Mizuki Shigeru’s work.
- Hanakairou Flower Viewing Tower – A tower offering panoramic views of cherry blossoms and other flowers during springtime.
- Daisen-Oki National Park – A natural park featuring scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and hot springs.
- Kurayoshi Retro Town – An area that preserves traditional buildings and streetscapes from the Edo period (1603-1868).
- Tottori Marathon Club: This running club was established in 1979 and organizes various running events throughout the year.
- Tottori Volleyball Association: The association was founded in 1954 to promote volleyball as a sport in the region.
- San’in Kaigan FC: This semi-professional football club is based in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture. They were founded in 2007 and currently play in the Japan Football League (JFL).
- Chugoku Electric Power SC: Another semi-professional football club based in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture is Chugoku Electric Power SC. They were established in 1955 and currently play in the Chugoku Soccer League.
- Shimane Susanoo Magic (Basketball): Although not located within Tottori prefecture specifically, Shimane Susanoo Magic is a professional basketball team based nearby Shimane prefecture that represents both Shimane and neighboring regions such as Okayama and Hiroshima at national level tournaments like B.League (Japan’s top-level men’s basketball league).
- Tottori Sand Dunes Festival is an August event that celebrates the beauty of Japan’s largest sand dunes. The festival includes traditional music and dance performances, sand sculpture contests, and fireworks.
- Mitokusan Sanbutuji Festival takes place in October at Mitokusan Sanbutuji Temple to celebrate the autumn foliage. The temple is famous for its beautiful maple trees that turn bright red during this time of year.
- Yonago Water and Greenery Festival happens in May to celebrate the natural beauty of Yonago City with a parade featuring traditional floats, music performances, food stalls, and a fireworks display.
- Sakaiminato Matsuri is an August festival that celebrates Sakaiminato City’s fishing industry with a parade featuring giant fish-shaped floats, taiko drumming performances, food stalls selling fresh seafood dishes, and fireworks.
- Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park Illumination runs from November to February each year when thousands of colorful lights illuminate Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park at night creating a magical winter wonderland experience for visitors.
- Kurayoshi Koi-Nobori Festival occurs on Children’s Day (May 5th) with hundreds of colorful carp-shaped streamers flying high above Kurayoshi City’s streets celebrating children’s health and happiness.
- Chugoku Mountains Hiking Event happens every September offering outdoor enthusiasts stunning views of fall foliage along with cultural experiences such as visiting local shrines along the way during their hike through Chugoku Mountains.
- Matsuba crab: This is a local delicacy that can be found at various seafood restaurants in Tottori.
- Tottori Wagyu beef: This high-quality beef is known for its marbling and tenderness, and can be found at many local steakhouses.
- Kaisen-don: A rice bowl topped with fresh seafood such as tuna, salmon, squid, and shrimp.
- Yonago Soba: A type of buckwheat noodle that is a specialty of the Yonago area in Tottori.
- Izakaya-style dining: Many small bars and taverns offer traditional Japanese pub food such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), edamame (soybeans), and sashimi (raw fish).
Some popular restaurants to try these dishes include:
- Kani Doraku Honten: A seafood restaurant that specializes in Matsuba crab dishes.
- Steak House Matsuura: A steakhouse that serves high-quality Tottori Wagyu beef.
- Okonomiyaki Chitoseya: An okonomiyaki restaurant where you can cook your own savory pancakes on a hot grill at your table.
- Yamadaya Soba-ten Yonago Ekimae Honkan: A soba noodle restaurant located near the Yonago train station.
- Izakaya Hanaregumi: An izakaya-style bar with a wide variety of small plates to choose from, including grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood dishes.
- Tottori Sand Dunes: The Tottori Sand Dunes are a natural wonder in Japan, stretching over 16 kilometers along the Sea of Japan coast. Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities such as camel rides, sandboarding, and paragliding.
- Jinpukaku: Built in 1907 for the local governor, Jinpukaku is a historic villa now open to the public as a museum showcasing traditional Japanese architecture.
- Utsubuki Park: Located in central Tottori city, Utsubuki Park features walking trails, gardens, playgrounds, a small zoo and a large pond with boats for rent.
- Kaike Onsen Beach: A popular beach resort area offering swimming and sunbathing during summer months and hot springs year-round.
- Misasa Onsen: Known for its healing properties due to high radon content; Misasa Onsen offers numerous hot spring baths and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns).
- Mount Daisen National Park: One of Japan’s most scenic mountains located just outside of Tottori city; Mount Daisen has hiking trails leading to stunning views from its peak.
- Kannon-in Temple Garden: This tranquil garden surrounding an ancient temple features cherry blossom trees during springtime and colorful foliage during autumn.
- Hanakairou Flower Museum & Botanical Garden: A paradise for flower lovers with over 700 species on display throughout the year including tulips in spring and roses in summer.
- Sanin Kaigan Geopark Visitor Center: Learn about the geological history of the region through interactive exhibits at this visitor center located near the Tottori Sand Dunes.
- Tamatsukuriyu Shrine & Hot Spring Village: A picturesque shrine surrounded by hot springs that are said to have healing properties; visitors can enjoy soaking in outdoor baths while taking in mountain views.
