The Tottori Sand Dunes, Mount Daisen and the manga town of Sakaiminato.
Tottori is Japan’s least populous prefecture, with wide open landscapes. Combine it with neighbouring Shimane for a San-in coast trip.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesThe dunes stretch about 16 km along the coast, with ridges over 40 metres high. Climb the “horse’s back” ridge for a sea view, try sandboarding or a camel ride, and see sand sculptures at the Sand Museum.
Buses run from Tottori Station in about 20 minutes; bring sunglasses and shoes you can empty of sand.
Read this area guide →Daisen, at 1,729 metres, is the highest peak in the Chugoku region. A stone-paved approach leads to Ogamiyama Shrine and Daisen-ji temple; ski slopes open in winter.
Buses run from Yonago Station; summit hikes take most of a day.
Read this area guide →Mizuki Shigeru Road is lined with over 170 bronze statues of yokai spirits from the manga GeGeGe no Kitaro. The port is one of Japan’s top landing points for snow crab and tuna.
Trains from Yonago are decorated with Kitaro characters.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Bus to the Tottori Sand Dunes in the morning.
Seafood lunch near Tottori Station.
Sand Museum, then train west to Yonago.
Overnight at Kaike Onsen near Yonago.
Try snow crab in winter, nijisseiki pears, Tottori beef and rakkyo.
Stay in Tottori City for the dunes, or in Yonago and Kaike Onsen for Daisen and Sakaiminato.
Super Hakuto limited expresses run from Kyoto and Osaka to Tottori; Yakumo trains link Okayama with Yonago. Flights serve Tottori and Yonago airports.
