Tottori Prefecture, located on Japan's Sea of Japan coast, is a tranquil escape from the bustling cities. Easily accessible from Tokyo by air or Osaka and Kyoto by train, this region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Known for its pristine environment, Tottori has preserved traditional crafts and customs. The majestic Mount Daisen and Mount Mitoku, revered for centuries as spiritual training grounds, invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore their natural splendor. The prefecture's coastline is equally captivating, featuring the iconic Tottori Sand Dunes, a rare sight in Japan. Visitors can hike, paraglide, or even ride a camel across these vast sands. For relaxation, Tottori's numerous hot springs offer rejuvenating experiences.
Tottori City is easy to navigate, especially if you’re using public transportation. Buses are a great way to see the city, with most routes starting and ending at Tottori Station. For tourists, the Loop Kirinjishi Bus and Kukuri are your best friends. The Loop Kirinjishi Bus takes you on a tour of the city's top spots like Tottori Castle Ruins, the famous Sand Dunes, the Sand Museum, and the port. It runs every day from July 20 to August 31 and on weekends and holidays the rest of the year. A one-way ticket is ¥300, or you can get an all-day pass for ¥600. Kukuri buses are perfect for exploring the city at a leisurely pace. They have three routes that circle around Tottori Station, and a ride only costs ¥100. You can also buy a day pass for ¥300. Buses come every 20 minutes, with the first one leaving around 8:05 AM and the last around 6:00 PM.
Express trains and highway buses connect Tottori with many of western Japan's major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji and Okayama. You can also fly into one of two local airports. Once there, a rental car is the easiest mode of transport. Tottori's two main transport hubs are Yonago and Tottori City. From Tokyo, Osaka and other stations on the JR Tokaido and JR Sanyo shinkansen lines, change at Himeji to the Super Hakuto Limited Express to Tottori City (approximately 90 minutes). For Yonago City, take the JR service from Okayama Station (two hours). Highway buses connect Tottori and Yonago to Osaka and Hiroshima in three to four hours. Yonago Kitaro and Tottori Sakyu Conan airports handle several ANA flights per day to and from Haneda in Tokyo.
Tottori City is the best base if you want to explore the prefecture. Most of the key tourist attractions are within the city, and those that are not are easily accessible from here. The number of accommodations in the city, however, is pretty limited (compared to other main cities). Yet, every type of traveler would be able to find something that suits their style here.
Tottori offers fantastic hiking opportunities, with Mount Daisen being a standout. This majestic peak, once a sacred site for mountain worshipers, is now a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its impressive height as the tallest mountain in the Chugoku region, reaching the summit is achievable for most hikers. A three-hour trek rewards you with breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan from Misen Peak. Along the way, you can explore the historic Daisen-ji Temple and Ogamiyama Shrine, immersing yourself in the mountain's rich spiritual heritage.
Tottori offers a unique culinary experience. Renowned for its sweet and crisp Asian pears, the prefecture boasts a pear museum in Kurayoshi, a testament to its local pride in this fruit. Seafood lovers will be in paradise with Tottori's abundant crab, served in various delicious preparations. A must-try for ramen enthusiasts is gyukotsu ramen, a local specialty featuring a rich broth. For a taste of home-style comfort food, try itadaki, a savory dish of stuffed tofu simmered in dashi.
Tottori Prefecture boasts some of Japan’s most stunning natural landscapes. The star of the show is the Tottori Sand Dunes, a massive expanse of sand sculpted by wind and time. This natural marvel, protected as a national treasure, offers breathtaking views and exciting activities. For a different perspective, take a boat tour along the Uradome coast. Its rugged beauty, marked by dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, is a photographer’s dream. To fully appreciate the coastal scenery, time your visit for the afternoon when the sun illuminates the landscape. Inland, the town of Misasa is a charming escape. Famous for its therapeutic hot springs, Misasa has a unique atmosphere that has inspired renowned filmmaker, Hayao Miyazaki. Sweet tooths will delight in Tottori’s world-famous strawberries. These juicy treats are best enjoyed fresh from the farm. Many farms offer strawberry picking experiences, allowing visitors to savor the sweet taste of the region.
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