VISIT TOTTORI CITY

Depart from Shin-Osaka Station!

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

Motoise is an ancient shrine where, according to legend, the deities Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami were originally enshrined before being moved to Ise where they are today. It is a historic shrine that has been revered since ancient times as an important shrine of the region and the country.

Five-colored suetama, which can only be enshrined at Ise Shrine and Kono Shrine, glimmer at the front of the main hall. Suetama refers to jewels or gems that hold special meaning in Japanese shrines. There is also a suikinkutsu (Japanese ornamental structure) within the shrine grounds, from which one can hear the sound of water flowing underground. This magical sound has a soothing effect on the mind.

This shrine is also known as a place for making good matches between men and women.

This park is located midway up the slopes of Mt. Nariai and offers a panoramic view of Amanohashidate from the north.

The view of Amanohashidate from here is said to resemble a dragon rising into the sky. It is also renowned for the illusion of the sky and earth being reversed when you bend forward to look at Amanohashidate through the gap between your legs.

This temple is one of the Nihon San Monju (three great temples in Japan dedicated to the Monju Bosatsu, the Manjusri Bodhisattva). Monju Bosatsu is widely revered as the deity of wisdom and learning, and many people preparing for exams or qualification tests, along with their families, visit and pray at the temple.

The sanmon gate is also known as Ogonkaku (“Golden Pavilion”) and has been designated as a cultural property of the city. On the upper floor, there is a statue of Shaka Nyorai Buddha in the center, flanked by sixteen rakan (arhats).

This sanmon gate is among the largest in the Tango region.

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.

Kinosaki Marine World, which faces the Sea of Japan, is an interactive aquarium where visitors can enjoy marine life exhibits, shows, and trainer tours. With 10 live shows, including dolphin and sea lion shows, and experiences such as fishing for horse mackerel and eating it, there are many attractions that can only be enjoyed here.

After having the time of your life at Kinosaki Marine World, indulge in some recommended gourmet cuisine. Here, we feature some restaurants in the area around Kinosaki Marine World.

■Reference site: TripAdvisor

■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.

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.

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.

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.