VISIT TOTTORI CITY

Begin your journey at the No. 0 bus stop!
One-day unlimited ride tickets for the Loop Kirinjishi Bus can be purchased at the Tottori City Tourist Information Center, Tottori Station Bus Terminal, and on the bus.

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.

Use the sand dune lift (paid service) to see the vast sand dunes spreading out before you.

There are many restaurants scattered around the Tottori Sand Dunes that are perfect for having lunch at, including the Sakyu Center “Miharashi-no-Oka." Enjoy the unique flavors of Tottori, such as the fresh seafood it takes pride in, and curries made to the exclusive recipes of each restaurant.

This aquarium recreates the world of the deep sea so that visitors can learn about its ecology. Various types of crabs are on display, including the red snow crab as well as the world's largest crab, the spider crab. There are also tanks that house fish and other creatures that inhabit the seas and rivers of Tottori. Visitors can try their hand at feeding flounder, or other experiences to get up close and personal with various creatures. Crafting activities using seashells and other hands-on events are also held regularly, making it a fun place for both children and grownups to visit.

Right next door is Tottori Port’s Karoichi Fish Market, where you can purchase fresh seafood and gifts at reasonable prices.

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.

◆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.

[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.

Jinpukaku is a beautiful French Renaissance-style mansion constructed on the site of the former Tottori Castle. Built in 1907 using the most advanced technology of the time, it has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.

It is known as the place where the Emperor of Japan of the Taisho period (1912–1916) stayed while he was still the Crown Prince, and the interiors of the house from that period are on display. The column-free spiral staircase is a rare feature worldwide and demonstrates the high level of architectural skill of the time.

Horyuin Tei'en is a Japanese garden where visitors can stroll around a pond while appreciating the beauty landscape. In one corner of the garden stands the tea house Hosen-an, a valuable building that is the only surviving structure from Tottori Castle.

Jinpukaku, together with the nearby Kyusho Park, known for its lovely cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, attracts many tourists.

The Loop Kirinjishi Bus returns to the Tottori Station Bus Terminal where it departs from. Although this model itinerary does not include stops at any bus stops along the way, the bus does stop at tourist attractions such as the Watanabe Museum of Art and Karo Shrine. If there are any spots that interest you, feel free to rearrange the itinerary for an efficient tour that suits your needs.

Tottori Station is a station along the JR West San'in Main Line and Inbi Line. The surrounding downtown area is lined with accommodation facilities and restaurants, making it an ideal base for sightseeing in Tottori. It is conveniently located about 20 minutes by bus from Tottori Airport.