VISIT TOTTORI CITY

Depart from Shin-Osaka Station!

■Reference site for car rental: Nippon Rent-A-Car

This white lighthouse stands on a cliff 148 m above sea level, at the northernmost tip of the Tango Peninsula. Built in 1898, it is one of only five lighthouses in Japan that uses a rare Fresnel lens. It was designated as a modern industrial heritage in 2008, and selected as one of Japan’s “Romantic Lighthouses” in 2018. Kyogamisaki Cape is a columnar cliff formed from andesite rock and is a popular tourist spot in San'in Kaigan Geopark.

This hot spring takes pride in its free-flowing spring water that comes direct from the source. Both the men's and women's baths have indoor baths, outdoor baths, and herbal baths, each of which can allow 100 people to soak in at the same time. You can enjoy bathing while enjoying the nature in the four seasons. On some winter days, you can even see snow-dusted landscapes.

■Reference site: TripAdvisor

Lava that had flowed out due to volcanic activity approximately 1.6 million years ago cooled and solidified, creating regular cracks in the process. The walls of basalt rock created by nature make an impressive and spectacular sight.

The park consists of five caves, each offering a different view.

■Amarube Bridge and Viaduct “Sky Station”

There used to be a massive metal bridge in this location that remained in service for about 100 years. In 2010, it was replaced with a new concrete bridge, but three piers of the old metal bridge were preserved and converted into a floating observation facility known as the “Sky Station.” The station features peepholes offering views below the metal bridge, providing a thrilling experience at a height of 41 meters above ground level, along with panoramic views of the Sea of Japan.

Below the old bridge, a grassy park has been developed and is equipped with rest areas and playground equipment utilizing the remains of the bridge piers.

■Amarube Crystal Tower

An elevator connects the ground level to the observation facility of the Amarube Bridge and Viaduct “Sky Station,” reaching the observation deck in approximately 45 seconds. With its floor-to-ceiling glass facade, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan while experiencing the sensation of floating at a height of 41 meters. The nighttime illumination, which changes color with the seasons, is also a must-see.

Hamasaka is a town with one of Japan's largest fishing ports for Matsuba crab and firefly squid. In winter, many tourists visit to enjoy the crab. Relax, unwind, and enjoy the fresh flavors of the Sea of Japan.

■Reference site: TripAdvisor

Kitamae-bune were merchant ships that mainly sailed the Sea of Japan during the Edo period. The ports of call for these ships became centers of commerce and cultural exchange, and played an important role in Japanese history. Moroyose was one of the ports of call for the kitamae-bune. Take a walking tour of the sightseeing spots related to the kitamae-bune ports of call, such as Moroyose, Ashiyzsaka, and Shiroyama Park. Following the winding path from Ashiyazaka leads to Shiroyama Park, from where the Sea of Japan can be seen. In spring, it is a popular spot for admiring cherry blossoms and offers beautiful views both during the day and at sunset.The sun setting over the Sea of Japan is an especially stunning sight in the evening. This area has also been designated as a “Lover’s Sanctuary” and has become a popular dating spot among the young.

Located near the prefectural border between Hyogo and Tottori Prefectures, this famous hot spring gushes forth along the Haruki River. It is one of the most well-known hot springs in the San'in region alongside Kinosaki Onsen, and is said to have been discovered in 848.
At the Arayu Gensen in the heart of town, hot water at the high temperature of 98 degrees Celsius gushes forth at a rate of 470 liters per minute. This rich spring water is used to cook onsen tamago (eggs cooked in a hot spring), and for enjoying foot baths.

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.

Located at the eastern end of the Uradome Coast, the fishing village of Tajiri is a charming place with a maze of narrow streets. It is also known as the setting for the popular TV anime “free!”, so you can enjoy a stroll while taking in the atmosphere of the work.

This is an exhibition hall that introduces the attractions of San'in Kaigan Geopark through various materials and videos. It features a digital globe that helps visitors learn about the Earth's activities from multiple perspectives, as well as a theater where visitors can experience the sea caves (caves carved out by waves) of Haneo Cape through powerful 3D images.

In the experience corner, visitors can also study the sand and creatures of the San'in Kaigan coast.

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.

Enjoy sightseeing at the Tottori Sand Dunes!
Here are some restaurants where you can have a meal after sightseeing around the sand dunes.

■Reference site: TripAdvisor

This market is lined with shops selling fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, as well as dried goods and other gifts. It also houses reasonably priced restaurants, a specialty shop for Tottori's famous “tofu chikuwa,” and a coffee shop.

It adjoins the Local Products Plaza Wattaina, which sells locally grown vegetables and Wagyu beef, making this area a hub for Tottori's food culture.

Tottori Karo Crab Aquarium is also located nearby. This compact aquarium (free admission) features crabs, and is a popular tourist spot for families.

Karoichi Fish Market is just a 2-minute walk from Tottori Port and about a 15-minute drive from Tottori Station. It is also close to Tottori Airport, making it a convenient place to while away the time as you wait for your flight.