VISIT TOTTORI CITY

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.

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.

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.

This restaurant is located at the boarding point for pleasure boats that tour the islands, and serves up seafood bowls that allow you to enjoy Tottori's bountiful seafood to your heart's content. We also recommend the seafood set meal so that you can try sashimi, boiled fish, and fried fish all at once. Limited daily specials and seasonal menus are also available. This restaurant is also popular among the locals.

The three beaches of Kokamogaiso, Tsubakidani, and Okamogaiso, in order from the west, are collectively known as Kamogaiso. The complex inlet is dotted with many small islands, and the beach glimmers with large stones that sparkle like crystals. Depending on the season, you can observe various coastal plants and even encounter ducks and sea cormorants. Along the Uradome Coast, this location offers some of the most beautiful views.

This coast covers the entire southern side of the "five islands of Natane,” which is made up of five beautiful islands. The area has been designated as a marine park, where valuable marine life is protected, and its rich natural environment is preserved.

The emerald-green sea boasts a maximum transparency of 25 m, making it an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. During the season, the area bustles with many beachgoers. Simply strolling along the coastline will soothe your soul as you gaze at the sparkling waters. This is one of the most famous scenic spots in Iwami Town.

The “five islands of Natane” is the collective name for five islands that form a chain with Natane Island at the tip. Originally a single cape, they became separated over a long period of time due to the effects of waves and wind.

The largest island, Natane Island, is particularly notable for the bright yellow rapeseed flowers that bloom on the rock faces around mid-April each year. These rapeseed flowers are a rare endemic species found only in Japan. It is said that a long time ago, rapeseed carried on a northbound ship ran aground near the island, and the seeds were scattered by the wind or washed ashore, and that was how the flowers came to bloom there.

This historic shrine was built in 1682 as a branch of Arasuna Shrine in town of Tajiri. During the Meiji period, Ebisu, the deity of fishing, was brought from Arasuna Shrine and enshrined here.

This shrine was thrown into the spotlight after featuring in the TV anime series “Free!” which was aired in 2013. “Free!” is a work depicting high school boys who dedicated their youth to swimming, and was a popular anime both within and outside Japan. The area around Tajiri Shrine, which served as the model location near the protagonist's home, appears multiple times in the series and continues to attract many fans who visit it as a film location site even after the series ended.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Uradome Coast from the observation deck next to Tajiri Shrine.

This cafe is located right in front of Higashihama Beach, offering a spectacular view from the rooftop counter and table seats. Have a relaxing time as you enjoy the pleasant sea breezes.

Within the lush natural surroundings near Iwai Onsen stands Iwai Kiln, where the philosophy of potter Noriyuki Yamamoto comes to life. Here, traditional Japanese techniques are fused with modern sensibilities to create vessels that harmoniously complement our daily lives.

Yamamoto values his own intuition and takes joy in the serendipity that arises from the firing process and his interaction with the clay. This is precisely why no two pieces from Iwai Kiln are exactly alike. Works that intuitively resonate with you are likely to enrich your life.
The premises comprise three buildings: the Works Exhibition Hall, where pieces are displayed and sold; Kissa HANA, where you can enjoy meals served on Iwai Kiln's tableware; and the Reference Library, where various historical materials are displayed.

Why not discover your own gem at Iwai Kiln?

Iwai Onsen is the oldest hot spring in the San'in region, with a history of 1,200 years. It follows the custom of “yukamuri” that has been practiced since the Edo period, where visitors place a hand towel on their heads and pour hot spring water over themselves using a ladle. The hot spring town along the river is enveloped in a peaceful and rustic atmosphere and has been designated as a National Hot Spring Health Resort, a testament to its excellent hot spring properties.

Iwai Onsen's representative hot spring facility is Yukamuri Onsen, a public bathhouse with 100% natural spring water flowing directly from the source. It is a popular facility that attracts many visitors even from outside the prefecture.

This facility offers an extensive range that includes Tottori's famous Matsuba crab, as well as other fresh seafood, safe and reliable local agricultural produce, sweets, and folk crafts. In addition to serving as a rest area for drivers, it is a lively hub that provides local tourist information, hosts seasonal events, and sells Iwami’s local delicacies directly from the producers to consumers.

You can enjoy fresh seafood caught locally in bowls and set meals. There are counter seats and table seats that surround a fish tank filled with natural seawater.

Tottori Station is positioned on the JR West San'in Main Line and Inbi Line. It is about 20 minutes by bus to Tottori Airport. There are many accommodation facilities and restaurants in the surrounding downtown area, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Tottori.