Tottori Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Tottori, a charming city located in the western part of Japan, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. Nestled between the majestic mountains and the Sea of Japan, Tottori is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

One of the main attractions in Tottori is the Tottori Sand Dunes, a vast expanse of golden sand stretching along the coast. Visitors can stroll along the dunes, go sandboarding or enjoy a camel ride, creating an unforgettable experience. The dunes offer breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset.

For those interested in history and culture, Tottori Castle Ruins are a must-visit. Although the castle itself no longer stands, the ruins provide a glimpse into the city's past. Explore the ancient stone walls and imagine the grandeur of the castle that once stood proudly in this spot.

Another notable site in Tottori is the Jinpukaku Mansion, a beautifully preserved Western-style mansion built in the late 19th century. This architectural gem showcases a fusion of Japanese and Western design elements and offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the samurai era.

Nature enthusiasts will also be delighted by the serene beauty of Uradome Coast, located a short distance from the city. With its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden caves, this coastal area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring marine life.

After a day of exploration, indulge in Tottori's local cuisine, renowned for its fresh seafood and delicious regional specialties. Taste the famous Tottori crab, savor the local delicacy "sakyu-ramen" (a ramen dish topped with fried shrimp), or try the mouthwatering "horumon-yaki" (grilled offal).

Tottori is also home to several hot spring resorts, offering a relaxing retreat for weary travelers. Soak in the healing mineral-rich waters and let your worries melt away.

Local name: 鳥取市 Population: 188.7 thous. (2019)Area: 295.62 mi²Elevation: 36 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°29'51"N, 134°13'44"E

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Region: TottoriJapan

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Tottori Top Attractions

Tottori Attractions - What to See and Explore

Tottori offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Tottori Sand Dunes, Axis Bird Stadium, Watanabe Art Museum, Shikano Castle. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sand dune • Nature • Beach
Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes are a striking natural wonder nestled within the coastal city of Tottori, Japan. As the largest sand dunes in the country, they offer a unique landscape that is quite unexpected in the traditionally green and mountainous scenery of Japan.
Arenas and stadiums • Football • Sport venue
Axis Bird Stadium
The Axis Bird Stadium is a 16,033-capacity multi-purpose stadium in Tottori, Tottori. The stadium is home to J3 League side Gainare Tottori. The stadium hosted Ecuador's national selection during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. It was formerly known as Tottori Stadium.
Museum • Specialty museum
Watanabe Art Museum
Watanabe Museum Of Art opened in Tottori, Tottori Prefecture, Japan in 1978. It houses the collection of Tottori resident Dr Hajime Watanabe, which includes Buddhist sculptures, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ceramics, ukiyo-e, and over two hundred sets of samurai armour.

35°27'31"N • 134°3'50"E
Shikano Castle
Shikano Castle was a medieval period castle, situated in Tottori Prefecture. The date the castle was constructed is not known, though the earliest mention of it occurs in 1544. The castle is located south west of Tottori city, in Shikano, Tottori town. It was a small castle, situated not far from the centre of Tottori city.
Museum • Art museum
Sand Museum
The Sand Museum first opened by the Tottori Sand Dunes, in Tottori, Japan, in 2006, displaying sand sculptures in temporary facilities. In 2012, it reopened in what is said to be the world's first permanent indoor exhibition space dedicated to sand art, with works by fifteen international sculptors.
Forts and castles
Tottori Castle
Tottori Castle was a Japanese castle located in Tottori, Tottori Prefecture.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Tottori Prefectural Museum
The Tottori Prefectural Museum is a prefectural museum located in Tottori, Japan, dedicated to the nature, history, folklore, and art of Tottori Prefecture.
Sacred and religious sites • Temple • Beach
Hakuto Shrine
Hakuto Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tottori, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. In 1937, its trees were designated a Natural Monument.
Sacred and religious sites • Buddhist temple • Temple
Kannon-in
Kannon-in, formally known as Fudarakusan Jigen-ji Kannon-in, is a Buddhist temple in Uemachi district of the city of Tottori, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Kannon-in was built early in the Edo period and is noted for its Edo-style Japanese garden.
Temple
Ube shrine
Ube Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tottori, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The shrine having been the most renowned shrine in the province is famous for its many benefits including the protection of children, prosperity, and longevity of life.
Museum • Historical place
Jinpūkaku
Jinpūkaku is a Western-style French Renaissance style residence of the Ikeda clan located in Tottori, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
Temple
Ōchidani Shrine
Ōchidani Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Tottori, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The Karamon, Honden, and Haiden/Heiden, all of 1650, are Important Cultural Properties. The surrounding area is a public park.
Museum • History museum
Tottori City Historical Museum
The Tottori City Historical Museum opened in Tottori, Japan, in 2000 and is dedicated to the history of the city.
Museum • Art museum
Tottori Folk Crafts Museum
The Tottori Folk Crafts Museum opened in Tottori, Japan, in 1949. It was established as the Tottori Mingeikan by Yoshida Shōya, local advocate of the mingei folk craft movement, who formed a craft guild in 1931 and opened the craft shop "Takumi" in the city the following year.
Museum
Yin fan wan ye li shi guan
Inaba Manyo History Museum is a historical museum located in Kunifu-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
Temple
Xi jian shan mo ni si
Mani-ji Temple is a temple of the Anraku Ritsuryo school of the Tendai sect in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The temple is located in Tottori, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
Temple
Long feng shan xing chan si
Kozenji is a temple of the Őbaku school of Zen Buddhism located in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. The name of the temple is Ryubozan. It is the family temple of the Ikeda family, the feudal lord of Tottori.
35°30'10"N • 134°14'13"E
Niao qu xian li tu shu guan
Library
Temple
Da tang da yan shen xin shan jiu pin yuan xuan zhong si
Genchuji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect located in Shinshinji-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture. Its official name is Daitang Daegan Shinshinzan Gyuhonin Genchuji Temple.

Day trips

Tottori – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Tottori, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Okayama International Circuit (Mimasaka), Mount Daisen, Amarube Viaduct (Kami).

40 milesS
Sport venue, Sport
Okayama International Circuit, Mimasaka
Okayama International Circuit, formerly known as TI Circuit Aida before 2005, is a 3.703 km private motorsport race track in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
40 milesW
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Mount Daisen
Mount Daisen, an imposing stratovolcano, stands as a natural marvel in the Chūgoku region of Japan. Reaching a height of 1,729 meters, it is the tallest mountain in the region and a prominent feature of Daisen-Oki National Park.
21 milesNE
View point, Bridge
Amarube Viaduct, Kami
The Amarube Viaduct is a railway bridge in the town of Kami, Mikata District, Hyōgo Prefecture, on JR West's Sanin Main Line between the stations of Yoroi and Amarube.
33 milesS
Museum
Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum, Tsuyama
Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum is a railway museum in Tsuyama, Okayama, Japan, operated by West Japan Railway Company since 2 April 2016. It is based around the former Tsuyama Depot roundhouse, which was used to house a number of preserved locomotives since 2007.
36 milesE
Historical place, View point, Forts and castles
Takeda Castle, Asago
Takeda Castle was a Sengoku period Japanese castle located in the Wadayama neighborhood of the city of Asago, in the northern part of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.

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Best Time To Visit Tottori

Learn when is the best time to travel to Tottori weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

May, July, August, November and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in March, April, May and August. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Tottori?

The top attractions to visit in Tottori are:

What is the best time to visit Tottori?

May, July, August, November and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.