VISIT TOTTORI CITY

Take a bus on the Red Route from the bus terminal in front of Tottori Station. You can purchase unlimited one-day passes at the Tottori Station Bus Terminal, Tottori City Tourist Information Center, or on the bus.

This building was constructed in the 17th century by the first lord of the Tottori domain. It is a branch shrine of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

The falcon carvings that decorate the pillars of the main hall are said to be the work of the legendary Edo-period sculptor, Hidari Jingoro, who is also reputed to be the artisan who created the Nemuri-neko (sleeping cat) carving at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This demonstrates the high level of decorative artistry of the time.

At this museum, visitors can learn about the history of Tottori City from prehistoric times to the present day, as well as the lifestyles and culture of its people. Explanations are focused on Tottori Castle and the castle town, and the achievements of the samurai era. The mini theater also introduces the cultural properties and famous sites that can be found in the city.

The museum shop offers original historical merchandise that make perfect gifts. The restaurant in the museum serves up light meals such as curry and cake sets, so do stop by for lunch.

Takasagoya is an exchange center renovated from a merchant's house from the Meiji period. Have a leisurely time in the coffee shop and enjoy coffee, juice, fruit mitsu-mame (sweet beans served with fruit), and other refreshments. Folk crafts such as Inshu washi and Tottori pottery are also available for sale here, so you can also hunt for gifts while you’re here.

Take a bus on the Red Route back to Tottori Station and enjoy lunch. There are many restaurants around the station. We recommend the “Tottori Wagyu Miso Nikomi Curry” (available for lunch only) at Takumi Kappo, a restaurant renowned as the birthplace of shabu-shabu.

This museum houses approximately 5,000 pieces, including art pieces from around the world and folk craft works from Tottori, collected by Shoya Yoshida, known as the “father of Tottori's folk craft.” While working as a doctor, Yoshida dedicated himself to nurturing artisans in various fields of craft, including pottery, woodworking, metalwork, bamboo craft, dyeing, and Japanese paper making. This museum was established not only to spread the beauty of folk craft to the masses, but also as an educational venue to set standards of beauty for artisans. Highlights include the museum's exterior, resembling a traditional storehouse, and the sliding doors and other interior decorations crafted with meticulous detail.

Folk Crafts Shop TAKUMI, Japan's first folk craft specialty store, is located next door. Here, you can purchase Ushinotoyaki pottery and pottery produced by Nakai Kiln, as well as dyed textiles. There is also an adjoining restaurant, Takumi Kappo Ten, where you can enjoy local cuisine served on folk craft tableware.

Take the Green Route bus after lunch

This museum provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the nature, history, and art of Tottori Prefecture. Using various art and craft items such as old documents, paintings, and ceramics, it presents detailed explanations on the history and culture of the samurai era, which served as the foundation for the development of Tottori Prefecture.

Tottori Castle Ruins stands near the museum. This castle is best known for being captured in the late 1500s by 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).

There are also many sightseeing spots near the musuem that you can cover on foot, including Jinpukaku, a Western-style mansion built during the Taisho period (1912-1916) and associated with the Japanese imperial family, as well as Kyusho Park.

◆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.

Alight at “Tottori Internal Migration Information Center” to quickly reach the Tottori Station area.

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.