VISIT TOTTORI CITY

Hotels around Tottori Station are convenient for sightseeing using public transportation such as JR trains and local buses. Relax and recharge at your base hotel, and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Uradome Coast is a popular tourist area in Iwami Town. Over the years, it has been shaped into rock arches, caves, and numerous islands of various sizes, around which the vast expanse of a deep, clear marine-blue sea spreads out.

On an island boat tour, you can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of this area from the sea. On large cruise ships, you can get up close to sheer cliffs and caves for an up-close experience of the majestic and dynamic scenery of the Sea of Japan.

There are several types of pleasure boats available, including the “Uradome Coast Island Small Boat Uradome,” which is able to navigate narrow channels inaccessible to larger ships to explore oddly-shaped rocks and shallow coves, as well as private chartered cruisers.

From January 5 to April 23, 2026, the museum will be closed for the next sand sculpture production and facility maintenance.

★ Next, from Friday, April 24, the 17th exhibition "Traveling the World with Sand: Spain" will be held! Look forward to it!

The Sand Museum is the world's first museum that exclusively displays sand sculptures made solely with sand and water. Exhibits take on different themes every year, based on the concept “Travel Around the World in Sand.” The museum is produced by Chaen Katsuhiko, a sand sculpture artist active both in Japan and abroad, and the works on display are created by some of the world's top sculptors. There are also large-scale sand sculptures over 20m wide, and the exhibition space where they are displayed is truly spectacular.

After the exhibition ends, the sculptures are returned to their original state as sand, so they can be described as art that can only be experienced once in a lifetime. Enjoy this unique world of sand sculptures.

This facility serves as a tourist hub for Tottori Sand Dunes, offering both dining and shopping. The restaurant is popular for its “Sand Dune Seafood Bowls" and local burgers. From the terrace on the restaurant's rooftop, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Sea of Japan and the sand dunes.

This facility is also the departure and arrival point for the sightseeing lift. We recommend using the lift to reach the sand dunes in just 5 minutes each way.

The gift shop offers an extensive selection of Tottori's famous local products, so be sure to enjoy shopping after your sand dune tour.

This sightseeing lift offers an aerial view of the entire sand dune. During the ride, which takes about 5 minutes each way, you can enjoy the vast sand dunes and the beautiful view of the Sea of Japan spreading out beyond them through the gaps between the trees.

The boarding area is located at Sakyu Center "Miharashi no Oka" There is also a restaurant there, where the “Sand Dune Seafood Bowl” and local burgers are so popular they have even become a hit on social media. The restaurant's rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of the Sea of Japan and the sand dunes.

Enjoy a quick spot of shopping at the gift corner, which features a variety of local specialties from Tottori Prefecture.

The beautiful sand dunes, spread across the Sea of Japan, is one of Japan's largest expanse of coastal sand dunes. A part of it has been designated a national natural monument. In particular, “Umanose" (“Horse’s Back”), a wall of sand that stands at a height of 47 m, is an impressive and poweful sight when viewed from directly below.

The wave-like patterns created by the sea breezes are incredibly beautiful, and exude the strong presence of nature’s ever-changing beauty.

◆ Be careful to avoid heatstroke.

At Tottori Sand Dunes, even in seasons other than summer, there is a risk of heatstroke when the maximum temperature exceeds 20 degrees Celsius. There is no shade within the sand dunes, so please bring a hat, umbrella, or other sun protection, as well as plenty of fluids, and take proper precautions against heatstroke before heading out.

◆ Replenish your water and salt intake frequently.

(Drinking alcohol the day before may cause dehydration, so be sure to take plenty of fluids on the day of your visit).

◆ We recommend wearing cool clothing and using a hat or parasol.

◆Take breaks at moderate intervals and avoid strenuous schedules.

◆ If you feel unwell, rest immediately in a cool place.

Sand becomes extremely hot when the sun is strong, so walking barefoot or in sandals could result in burns. Be sure to wear socks and shoes when walking on the sand.

◆ Information on camel riding experiences

Starting in 2024, only commemorative photo sessions will be offered on weekends, national holidays, spring holidays, summer holidays, autumn holidays, winter holidays, Golden Week (late April to early May), and Silver Week (mid-September).

(On most weekdays, operations are also focused mainly on photo sessions.)

Please note that operations may be suspended on the day without prior notice due to weather or the camels’ condition.

Please check Rakudaya’s official website (Japanese) for details.

Transfer to the Wakasa Railway at Koge Station, about 15 minutes from Tottori Station on the JR Inbi Line.

Some trains run directly without a transfer, but the number of services is limited, so be sure to check the round‑trip timetable in advance.

Wakasa Railway Ticket Information

In addition to the standard hard‑ticket fare, several value tickets are available:

■ One‑Day Free Pass  

■ Parent & Child Ticket  

■ Wakasa Railway Day Trip Ticket (advance purchase required)

Transfer to the Wakasa Railway at Koge Station. Enjoy the nostalgic scenery of rural Japan as you ride toward the final stop, Wakasa Station.

Wakasa Station is the terminus station on Wakasa Railway's Wakasa Line, which runs through picturesque mountain villages. The charming wooden station building, constructed about 100 years ago, has retained its historic exterior while its interior has been completely renovated by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. The result is a space that blends retro charm with a sophisticated appeal.

Steam locomotives that once supported Japan's railway system have been preserved in working condition. Additionally, a manually operated turntable for changing the direction of locomotives is still in use, a rare sight not be missed. A total of 23 facilities under Wakasa Railway, including Wakasa Station, have been designated as National Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, so visitors can get a first-hand sense of Japan’s railway history and culture.

Wakasa Railway uses traditional paper tickets, which are popular among railway enthusiasts. At Wakasa Cafe retro located inside the station, you can enjoy coffee and light snacks while admiring steam locomotives and stylishly designed sightseeing trains.

Yamaneya is located along the main street of Wakasa‑juku, right in front of Wakasa Station, and offers local specialties, handicrafts, and original goods. Its most famous item is the Grilled Mackerel Sushi, a popular product that can also be found in supermarkets across Tottori Prefecture. The shop includes a small eatery where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, as well as a bento‑style version of the grilled mackerel sushi called Grilled Mackerel Boxed Sushi.

Wakasa‑juku was once the castle town of Wakasa Oniga‑jo. It flourished as a post‑station on the Wakasa Highway connecting Tottori and Himeji, and also prospered as a commercial town along the historic Ise Road.

The townscape still retains its nostalgic atmosphere. You can stroll through Kura‑dōri, an area lined with traditional storehouses, and Kari‑ya‑dōri, a street characterized by rows of buildings with distinctive sunshades above their windows and doors. A small stream runs alongside the street, creating a charming setting where you can enjoy historic architecture and the retro ambiance of this old post‑station town.

A traditional Japanese house built about 100 years ago (the former Nakao Residence) has been renovated to showcase folk crafts created by people connected to Wakasa Town.

Just inside the entrance, the sight of nearly 2,000 clay bells hanging densely along the left wall is truly impressive.

From classic designs to charmingly unique ones, each bell has its own expression and a warm, handmade feel.

Be sure to also enjoy the architecture of this Taishō‑era residence and its beautiful garden.

A retro-style dagashiya housed in a Meiji‑era traditional home along Wakasa‑juku’s main street. The long eaves and kariya—a hallmark of Wakasa’s architecture—guide you to its welcoming sign. Inside, shelves of colorful dagashi and timeless toys revive the thrill of childhood, delighting visitors of all ages.

This Japanese tea stand offers an elegant selection of fragrant teas. You can relax inside and enjoy tea freshly brewed right in front of you by the owner, or take a hojicha or matcha latte to go and enjoy a stroll around town.

Wakasa Shrine, the guardian deity of Wakasa, stands in a sacred forest and is approached by an impressive 200‑step stone staircase. Once known as Matsuue Daimyōjin, it was relocated during the era of the Yabe clan and Oniga‑jō Castle. The shrine was long revered by the lords of Wakasa Castle, and its treasure records include offerings from Emperor Go‑Daigo and notable warriors.

Hakuto Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand shaped like a bow. In summer, it is crowded with many beachgoers and surfers. This coast is the setting for the Japanese myth about the white rabbit of Inaba, a story that has been passed down since ancient times. Hakuto Shrine is dedicated to the white rabbit, revered as a symbol of love and marriage. Hence, it attracts many lovers and has been designated as a “Lover's Sanctuary.”

On the western side of Hakuto Beach is a viewing plaza called Hakuto-no-oka. A “love bell” and camera stand have been set up here, so visitors can take beautiful photos with the Sea of Japan as their backdrop.

On the eastern side is a cluster of beach roses, designated as a national natural monument. From mid-May to mid-June every year, pale red flowers bloom here and welcome visitors.

This shrine is associated with a Japanese myth about the white rabbit of Inaba, in which a kind-hearted deity saves a wounded rabbit and, as a result, becomes a deity of love matches and marriage. The shrine is recognized as the birthplace of Japan's first love story and has been designated as a “Lover’s Sanctuary."

The grounds are lined with adorable statues of white rabbits, and you can buy ema (wooden plaques on which people write their wishes) and omamori (amulets) decorated with a rabbit motif. Among these, Hakuto Shrine is famous for its musubi ishi, an amulet that includes five stones. It is said that writing your wish on the stones and placing them at the torii gate or a white rabbit statue, will make the wish come true.

Not far from the shrine is a roadside station where you can enjoy seafood dishes while gazing out across the Sea of Japan, as well as Hakuto Beach and Hakuto-no-oka, renowned for beautiful sunsets and breathtaking views.

A restaurant located on the second floor of Roadside Station Shinwa no Sato Hakuto, where you can enjoy an elegant meal in a traditional tatami room while gazing out over the Sea of Japan.

This is a roadside station located right in front of Hakuto Beach. This coast is the setting for the Japanese myth about the white rabbit of Inaba and is famous as a place for love matches due to its link with the story.

In addition to purchasing various local specialties from Tottori, you can enjoy fresh seafood cuisine at the second-floor restaurant that overlooks the sea. The menu features local gourmet dishes and unique items inspired by the myth. There is also a wide selection of sweets and merchandise with the white rabit as the motif.

◆Tottori Castle Ruins

The historic Tottori Castle, built in the 16th century, is best known for falling at the hands of the famous military commander Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who employed starvation tactics (a strategy of laying siege to a castle, cutting off its supply of food and resources, to force the enemy to surrender).

Today, the stone walls and the foundation of the keep (known as “Tenshudai”) remain. In recent years, restoration plans to bring the castle back to its former glory have been underway, and the bridge that serves as the main entrance as well as the Otemon Gate already restored. Plans to restore other buildings are also in the works, making this a must-see spot for those interested in history and castles.

◆Kyusho Park

Kyusho Park was constructed by developing the Tottori Castle Ruins, and it features a spacious lawn. It is a renowned spot for cherry blossoms in the spring, and offers beautiful views marked by the colors of autumn leaves in the fall.

Other attractions near the park include Jinpukaku, a Western-style mansion associated with the imperial family from the Taisho period (1912-1916), and the Tottori Prefectural Museum.

[Notice of extended closure of Jinpukaku]

Jinpukaku will be closed for an extended period until around 2029 for conservation and repair works on the cultural property. During this period, the Horyuin Tei'en garden and Hosen-an, located within the grounds, will remain open to the public.

This building was constructed in the 17th century by the first lord of the Tottori domain. It is a branch shrine of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

The falcon carvings that decorate the pillars of the main hall are said to be the work of the legendary Edo-period sculptor, Hidari Jingoro, who is also reputed to be the artisan who created the Nemuri-neko (sleeping cat) carving at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This demonstrates the high level of decorative artistry of the time.

Enjoy local flavors served in handcrafted mingei vessels. Don’t miss their most famous dish, the Beef Susugi Hotpot, known as the predecessor of shabu-shabu.

This museum houses approximately 5,000 pieces, including art pieces from around the world and folk craft works from Tottori, collected by Shoya Yoshida, known as the “father of Tottori's folk craft.” While working as a doctor, Yoshida dedicated himself to nurturing artisans in various fields of craft, including pottery, woodworking, metalwork, bamboo craft, dyeing, and Japanese paper making. This museum was established not only to spread the beauty of folk craft to the masses, but also as an educational venue to set standards of beauty for artisans. Highlights include the museum's exterior, resembling a traditional storehouse, and the sliding doors and other interior decorations crafted with meticulous detail.

Folk Crafts Shop TAKUMI, Japan's first folk craft specialty store, is located next door. Here, you can purchase Ushinotoyaki pottery and pottery produced by Nakai Kiln, as well as dyed textiles. There is also an adjoining restaurant, Takumi Kappo Ten, where you can enjoy local cuisine served on folk craft tableware.