Tottori Travel Guide: Sand Dunes, Silence, and Stories Untold

Tottori is a place of space. Sand dunes stretch toward the sea, forests cloak sacred mountains, and small towns preserve the rhythm of old Japan. Here, travelers find something rare — solitude that nourishes, and nature that gently whispers.

Landscapes that Breathe

• Tottori Sand Dunes: Japan’s only large-scale dune field — ever-shifting waves of golden sand beside the sea.
• Uradome Coast: Rugged cliffs and sea caves — a hidden gem for kayaking, snorkeling, and coastal hikes.
• Mt. Daisen: Towering peak revered since ancient times — hiking trails with panoramic views and spiritual calm.

Folklore, Art, and Time Travel

• Mizuki Shigeru Road (Sakaiminato): Street dedicated to the creator of “GeGeGe no Kitaro” — yokai statues and quirky charm.
• Kurayoshi Old Town: White-walled warehouses, sake breweries, and traditional merchant homes — step into Edo-era Japan.
• The Sand Museum: Intricate sand sculptures by international artists — changing themes every year.

Local Flavors, Simple Pleasures

• Matsuba Crab: Sweet, tender winter delicacy from the Sea of Japan — served grilled or as hot pot.
• 20th Century Pears: Juicy and fragrant — a regional fruit symbol with global fans.
• Ijinkan Curry: Mildly spicy and nostalgic — a fusion of old Western and Japanese flavors from port towns.

Wabi-Sabi Moments in Tottori

• Watching the sunset cast long shadows across endless dunes
• Hiking through silent pine forests on Mt. Daisen as mist curls through branches
• Meeting yokai statues along a quiet seaside road and smiling like a child again
• Eating crab by the sea in winter, waves crashing outside your window

Tottori doesn’t shout — it waits for you to listen. It’s a place to slow down, to reconnect with what’s quiet and real. For those who travel not just to see, but to feel — Tottori welcomes you.

How to Get There

• To Tottori City: From Osaka by Super Hakuto Limited Express (about 2.5 hours).
• To Sakaiminato: Take trains via Yonago — known for yokai culture and fresh seafood.
• To Mt. Daisen: Buses or cars from Yonago Station — best in spring, summer, and autumn.