Tottori Prefecture: More than just Sand Dunes
Tottori Prefecture (鳥取県 Tottori-ken), located in the Chugoku Region (中国地方 Chūgoku-chihō), is unlike any other prefecture in Japan. It is known by many to be home to Japan’s largest sand dunes, which in itself is unique. However, there is so much more that Tottori has to offer, and in this article, I will be introducing three other places that will convince you to include this charming prefecture in your next itinerary to Japan.
Uradome Coast (浦富海岸 Uradomekaizan)
(Image credit: Tottori Prefecture / JNTO)
This beautiful coastline is lined with white sandy beaches and shallow coves, making it a popular destination for many locals to cool-off in the summer. If you are a fan of watersports such as swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking, the crystal-clear waters serve as the perfect location to do so. Sightseeing or pleasure boat tours are also available for those who want an up-close view of the coves and rock formations.
As Uradome Coast spans approximately 15km, there are various ways you can access your desired location. Many begin their journey at Uradome Kaigan Shima Meguri Yurasen Noriba (浦富海岸島めぐり遊覧船のりば), where you can board the the boats that will take you from the river out to the vast ocean. To get there from Iwami Station (岩美駅), hop on a bus from Iwami Station Bus Station (岩美駅バス乗り場) bound for Tottori Station (鳥取駅), and the journey will take approximately 15 minutes.
Uradome Kaigan Shima Meguri Yurasen Noriba (浦富海岸島めぐり遊覧船のりば)
Address: 2182 Otani, Iwami-cho, Iwami-gun, Tottori 681-0073
Nearest station: Iwami Station (岩美駅)
Nearest bus stop: Shimameguri Yukansenoriba Mae Bus Stop (島めぐり遊覧船のりば前バス停)
Opening hours (Pleasure Boat): 9:30am–3:30pm (March–November) (40-min/ride)
Opening hours (Small Boat): 9:10am–3:10pm (25 April–30 September) (50-min/ride)
Tel: +81 857-73-1212
Mount Daisen (大山)
(Image credit: Tottori Prefecture / JNTO)
Located in the Daisen-Oki National Park (大山隠岐国立公園 Daisen-oki-kokuritsukoen), Mount Daisen stands at an impressive 1,729m tall. It is the tallest mountain in the Chugoku Region, and the third-tallest in all of Japan—just behind Mount Fuji (富士山 Fuji-san) and Mount Yarigatake (槍ヶ岳). Mount Daisen is lined with a network of hiking trails that vary in distance and difficulty, making it a popular option among hikers. In winter, the mountain is typically blanketed by snow from late November to early April.
To get to Mount Daisen, you can ride the local buses that run about five times a day between Yonago Station (米子駅) and Daisenji Temple Bus Stop (大山寺バス乗り場). The trip will take approximately an hour. There is even a loop bus that runs from Yonago Station to Daisen's main attractions during the peak season, weekends, and holidays. The closest station is actually Kishimoto Station (岸本駅), but Yonago Station is more accessible.
Mount Daisen (大山)
Address: 9 Daisen, Saihaku-gun, Tottori 689-3318
Nearest bus stop: Daisenji Temple Bus Stop
Nearest station: JR Yonago Station (米子駅) / JR Kishimoto Station (岸本駅)
Tel: +81 859-52-2502
Tottori Prefectural Flower Park (とっとり花回廊 Tottori Hanakairo)
(Image credit: Tottori Prefecture / JNTO)
Who would have thought that the prefecture known for its sand dunes would have such a myriad variety of flora as well! In Tottori Prefectural Flower Park, they have their very own flower dome which allows you to enjoy the flowers even in winter. With the picturesque Mount Daisen in the backdrop, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while viewing the seasonal blooms. Their main flower is the lily, which they have 15 varieties of. A free 30-minute shuttle bus is available from Yonago Station.
Tottori Prefectural Flower Park (とっとり花回廊)
Address: 110 Tsuruda, Nambu, Saihaku-gun, Tottori 683-0217
Nearest station: JR Yonago Station (米子駅)
Opening hours: 9am–5pm (April–November), 9am–4:30pm (February–March)
Admission fee for international visitors: ¥350–¥500 (Adults), ¥170–¥250 (Elementary, Junior High School students)
Tel: +81 859-48-3030
Bonus: Mizuki Shigeru Road (水木しげるロード)
Kitaro (鬼太郎) and Medama Oyaji (目玉おやじ) from GeGeGe no Kitaro. (Image credit: Tottori Prefecture / JNTO)
For anyone who’s a fan of Japanese pop-culture, anime or manga, you will definitely want to visit Mizuki Shigeru Road. This 800m road from JR Sakaiminato Station (境港駅 sakaiminato-eki) is dotted with 177 bronze statues of various yokai (妖怪), a type of supernatural creature that appears in renowned artist Mizuki Shigeru’s (水木しげる) famous manga: GeGeGe no Kitaro (ゲゲゲの鬼太郎). It is one of those manga that even till this day, would be next to impossible to find any Japanese who doesn't know.
For those who are unaware, Mr Mizuki was the reason for the yokai boom which accelerated the use and interest of yokai as staples of Japanese pop culture. As you may have guessed, Mr Mizuki is born and raised in Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, hence this road is to pay homage to his most famous work. You can even visit the Mizuki Shigeru Museum (水木しげる記念館 Mizuki Shigeru Kinenkan), where visitors can see his other artworks.
Mizuki Shigeru Road (水木しげるロード)
Address: Taishomachi, Sakaiminato-shi, Tottori 684-0004
Nearest station: JR Sakaiminato Station (境港駅)
Opening hours: 24 hours
Mizuki Shigeru Museum (水木しげる記念館)
Address: 5 Honmachi, Sakaiminato-shi, Tottori 684-0025
Nearest station: JR Sakaiminato Station (境港駅)
Opening hours: 9:30am–6pm (Last entry: 5:30pm)
Admission fee: ¥300 (Adults), ¥200 (Middle school and high school students), ¥100 (Elementary school students)
Tel: +81 859-42-2171
Contrary to the belief that Tottori Prefecture has nothing but the sand dunes, there are indeed many other sights to take in and even local specialties to try! From the vast sand dunes, to clear blue ocean, and picturesque mountain, there is definitely a little something for everyone in this all-encompassing prefecture.
Header image credit: ©Tottori Prefecture / ©JNTO
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Julia Yee
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