Best Places to Visit in Tottori Prefecture | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Tottori Prefecture Travel Guide
Quick overview of Tottori Prefecture with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
- Tottori Prefecture Travel Videos
- Plan Tottori Prefecture Trip
- Best Places To Visit In Tottori Prefecture
- Hotels Map Of Tottori Prefecture
- Tours And Activities In Tottori Prefecture
- Food And Drinks To Try In Tottori Prefecture
- Best Time To Visit Tottori Prefecture
- Flight Calendar For Tottori Prefecture
- Transportation To Tottori Prefecture
Welcome to Tottori Prefecture, a hidden gem nestled in the western part of Japan's Honshu Island. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Tottori offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel experience. One of the prefecture's most famous attractions is the Tottori Sand Dunes, a vast expanse of golden sand stretching along the Sea of Japan. These dunes, formed over thousands of years, provide a breathtaking backdrop for activities such as sandboarding and camel rides. Additionally, Tottori is home to the iconic Tottori Castle Ruins, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's feudal history. With its tranquil coastal towns, picturesque mountain ranges, and delicious local cuisine, Tottori Prefecture is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and unforgettable Japanese travel experience.
Tottori Prefecture Travel Videos
We've curated authentic Tottori Prefecture videos for inspiration and practical tips. Discover all the amazing places to visit and things to do in Tottori Prefecture in 2024. Make your own Itinerary, like a Pro.
![[VLOG] Sightseeing in Tottori prefecture, which has the smallest population in Japan](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ls0FzoAPmck/hqdefault.jpg)
![Top Things to do in Tottori | Travel Guide Japan [鳥取観光]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GiQzB3WuaWM/hqdefault.jpg)
Plan Tottori Prefecture Trip
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Best Places To Visit in Tottori Prefecture
1. Tottori City : The capital of Tottori Prefecture, Tottori City is known for its sand dunes, which are the largest in Japan. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, paragliding, and sandboarding on the dunes. The city also has a beautiful castle ruin, a museum dedicated to the famous manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, and a hot spring resort.
2. Kurayoshi : A historic town located in the western part of Tottori Prefecture, Kurayoshi is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture. Visitors can stroll through the old streets lined with white-walled storehouses and samurai residences, and visit the Kurayoshi Museum to learn about the town's history and culture.
3. Yonago : A coastal city located in the northern part of Tottori Prefecture, Yonago is known for its beautiful beaches and seafood. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing, and sample local specialties such as crab, squid, and pufferfish. The city also has a zoo, a botanical garden, and a museum dedicated to the famous poet and calligrapher Yosa Buson.
4. Sakaiminato : A port town located in the western part of Tottori Prefecture, Sakaiminato is known for its seafood and its connection to the famous manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at the local market, visit Mizuki's museum and bronze statues of his characters, and take a boat tour of the harbor.
5. Misasa : A hot spring town located in the central part of Tottori Prefecture, Misasa is known for its healing waters and scenic surroundings. Visitors can relax in the hot springs, hike in the nearby mountains, and visit the Misasa Art Museum to see works by local artists.
6. Chizu : A rural town located in the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture, Chizu is known for its traditional crafts and natural beauty. Visitors can learn about the town's pottery, weaving, and lacquerware traditions, and enjoy hiking and camping in the nearby mountains and forests.
7. Hokuei : A town located in the northern part of Tottori Prefecture, Hokuei is known for its connection to the famous manga artist Gosho Aoyama, creator of the popular series Detective Conan. Visitors can visit the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory to learn about his life and work, and see original artwork and memorabilia.
8. Yurihama : A coastal town located in the southern part of Tottori Prefecture, Yurihama is known for its beautiful beaches and hot springs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, and relax in the hot springs with views of the Sea of Japan.
9. Daisen : A mountain town located in the western part of Tottori Prefecture, Daisen is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike to the summit of Mount Daisen, one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in the nearby ski resort.
10. Nichinan : A town located in the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture, Nichinan is known for its connection to the famous poet and calligrapher Ono no Komachi. Visitors can visit the Ono no Komachi Memorial Museum to learn about her life and work, and see examples of her calligraphy and poetry. The town also has a beautiful park with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall.
Hotels Map Of Tottori Prefecture
Use our All-in-one Map to find Best Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Tours, Activities and Restaurants in Tottori Prefecture.
Tours And Activities In Tottori Prefecture
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Food & Drinks To Try In Tottori Prefecture
1. Matsuba crab: Tottori Prefecture is famous for its delicious Matsuba crab, also known as snow crab. This delicacy is known for its sweet and succulent meat, which is best enjoyed by steaming or grilling it.
2. Tottori Wagyu beef: Tottori is home to its own unique breed of Wagyu cattle, known as Tottori Wagyu. This beef is highly marbled and tender, making it a must-try for meat lovers. Whether you enjoy it as a steak or in a hot pot, Tottori Wagyu beef is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
3. Sakaiminato seafood: Sakaiminato, a city in Tottori Prefecture, is renowned for its fresh seafood. From sashimi to grilled fish, you can indulge in a wide variety of seafood dishes here. Don't miss trying the local specialties like grilled pufferfish or sea bream sashimi.
4. Yonago Mizuho soba: Yonago Mizuho soba is a type of buckwheat noodle dish that is popular in Tottori Prefecture. The noodles are made from locally grown buckwheat and are served in a flavorful broth with toppings such as green onions and tempura. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that you shouldn't miss.
5. Tottori pear: Tottori Prefecture is known for its juicy and sweet pears. The region's unique climate and soil conditions contribute to the exceptional quality of these pears. They are often enjoyed fresh or used in desserts like pear tarts or pear sorbet.
6. Tottori sake: Tottori Prefecture has a long history of sake production, and you can find a wide variety of sake breweries in the region. From dry to sweet, there is a sake to suit every palate. Take a sake tour and sample different varieties to experience the rich flavors and craftsmanship of Tottori sake.
7. Tottori fruit juice: Tottori is also famous for its fruit juice, made from locally grown fruits such as grapes, peaches, and melons. These juices are refreshing and packed with natural flavors. Try a glass of Tottori fruit juice to quench your thirst and enjoy the taste of the region's bountiful fruits.
8. Tottori ramen: Tottori has its own unique style of ramen, known as Tottori ramen. This ramen features a soy-based broth with thin noodles and various toppings like roasted pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that is popular among locals and visitors alike.
9. Tottori black beans: Tottori is known for its high-quality black beans, which are often used in traditional Japanese sweets. These beans have a rich and nutty flavor and are often simmered in sugar syrup to create a sweet treat. Don't miss trying Tottori black bean sweets like yokan or dorayaki.
10. Tottori green tea: Tottori Prefecture is home to several tea plantations, producing high-quality green tea. The region's tea is known for its vibrant green color and refreshing taste. Take a tea tour and learn about the tea-making process while enjoying a cup of Tottori green tea.
Best Time To Visit Tottori Prefecture
The best time to visit Tottori Prefecture, Japan, is during the spring and autumn seasons. In spring, which is from March to May, the weather is mild and pleasant, with cherry blossoms blooming all over the prefecture. This is a great time to visit attractions such as the Tottori Sand Dunes and the Uradome Coast, as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. In autumn, which is from September to November, Tottori Prefecture experiences a beautiful foliage season. The leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning backdrop for sightseeing. The Mount Daisen area is particularly popular during this time, as hikers can enjoy the breathtaking views while surrounded by colorful foliage. It is important to note that Tottori Prefecture can get quite hot and humid during the summer months of June to August, and the winter months of December to February can be quite cold, with occasional snowfall. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid visiting during these seasons if you are not comfortable with extreme temperatures. Overall, the spring and autumn seasons offer the most pleasant weather and beautiful natural scenery, making them the ideal times to visit Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
Flight Calendar For Tottori Prefecture
Use our flight calendar to discover the Cheapest Days and Months to Book Flight to Tottori Prefecture.
Transportation To Tottori Prefecture
There are several transportation options to Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Tottori Prefecture is Tottori Airport, which has domestic flights from Tokyo and Osaka. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to your destination within the prefecture.
2. By Train: Tottori Prefecture is well-connected by train. The main train station in the prefecture is Tottori Station, which is served by the JR Sanin Main Line. You can take a train from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto to Tottori Station.
3. By Bus: There are also long-distance buses that connect Tottori Prefecture with other cities in Japan. You can check the bus schedules and book tickets in advance.
4. By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and drive to Tottori Prefecture. The prefecture is accessible via major highways and roads.
Once you are in Tottori Prefecture, there are local transportation options such as buses and taxis to get around the different cities and attractions within the prefecture.