VISIT TOTTORI CITY

“There are no branches of the popular coffee chain, Starbucks, in Tottori, but you will be able to find Japan's best coffee, Sunaba Coffee!"

This statement by then-governor of Tottori Prefecture led to the birth of Sunaba Coffee, Tottori’s representative cafe.

The store in front of Tottori Station is open from 8:00 a.m. and offers a great value morning set until 10:30 a.m.

From Tottori Station, take the JR Inbi Line for about 15 minutes to Koge Station, then transfer to Wakasa Railway. There are some through trains that do not require a transfer but they are infrequent, so we recommend checking the timetable beforehand.

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.

・Wakasa Town History and Folklore Museum
This traditional dozo-zukuri (earthen-wall storehouse style) building, which was used as a bank until 1981, has been relocated and repurposed as a museum. The museum features exhibits associated with the history and culture of Wakasa Town, with a focus on household items and tools donated by local residents. Artifacts unearthed from the town and notable stones are also on display.

・Sanbyakuda Residence
This residence is a Japanese house that actually once stood in the Yoshikawa settlement of Wakasa Town. The original building from 1694 has been relocated and restored. The house is characterized by its traditional thatched roof (made of straw and Japanese pampas grass), thick and sturdy wooden beams supporting the structure, and a large sunken hearth (a traditional type of Japanese fireplace) in the middle of the room.

・Sanmon Gate of Mudosan Eifukuji Temple
This sanmon gate (the entrance gate to a temple) has been relocated from Mudosan Eifukuji Temple, and is designated as an important cultural property of Wakasa Town.

・Takumi Hall
Takumi Hall displays documents and other items related to local culture and industry. Visitors can also participate in woodworking experiences using a woodworking lathe to make items such as wooden tops, small stands, and kokeshi (wooden dolls) that are easy even for beginners. The exhibition room also serves as a mini art museum.

Located on the main street of Wakasa-juku, in front of Wakasa Station, this shop sells local specialties, crafts, and original miscellaneous goods.

The most famous item is grilled mackerel sushi, which is a popular product available at supermarkets throughout Tottori Prefecture.

At the restaurant inside the shop, you can also enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and grilled mackerel sushi arranged in a bento-style dish, “Yaki Saba Ju."

Wakasa-juku is an area that was developed as the castle town of Wakasa Oniga Castle. It flourished as a post town along the Wakasa Kaido and Ise Do roads that connected Tottori and Himeji, and as a commercial town.

Disinctive buildings have been preserved here, such as Kura Street, where warehouses are clustered together, and Kariya Road lined with buildings that have eaves (small roofs installed above windows or entrances). A river flows alongside these streets, creating a pleasant walking path for taking a stroll while admiring the buildings and immersing yourself in the historic atmosphere.

This Japanese confectionery shop was founded in 1949. Its popular product, Tochi Yokan, is made from chestnuts processed using a unique method. It is characterized by its mildly bitter taste and has become a specialty of Wakasa. A wide range of seasonal Japanese sweets are available at the store.

This kominka (old Japanese private home), built about 100 years ago, has been renovated and now displays folk crafts made by those who have ties with the local region. Upon entering the museum, you will see about 2,000 clay bells hanging on the wall to your left, a sight truly worth seeing.
Clay bells are small bells made of pottery, ranging from traditional to distinctive designs, and they exude a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Do also take time to admire the traditional architecture of the old house and its beautiful garden.

This museum, housed in a kominka (old Japanese private home) built during olden times, is along the main street of Wakasa-juku. The shop's sign, “Showa Toy Museum,” hangs at the entrance.
Inside, you will find a colorful array of traditional Japanese snacks (small, inexpensive sweets that were common in the past), making it a delightful place for both children and grownups.

This is a shop where you can taste refined and fragrant Japanese tea. Inside the shop, enjoy Japanese tea slowly brewed by the owner right in front of you. We also recommend buying hojicha or matcha latte for takeout to enjoy on your walk around the town.

Wakasa Shrine is a shrine with an impressive 200 stone steps.
This shrine is believed to house a deity that protects the Wakasa area and its residents, and has been revered as a local shrine since ancient times. The shrine also holds documents written by former emperors, weapons used by military commanders, and armor used to protect against blades and flying arrows, among other historical items.

Founded in 1909, this small sake brewery is located along an old road in the town. Using rice and water cultivated locally, it produces the Japanese sake called “Benten Musume.” It places importance on the natural taste and aroma of rice, and aims to produce sake that remains delicious even when warmed.

The pickles sold at the store are all made using vegetables grown in Wakasa Town. We also recommend trying the simple and mildly flavored pickles that have been made by pickling radishes and cucumbers in sake lees.

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.

Arrive at Tottori Station. Hope you had a good trip!