VISIT TOTTORI CITY

This shrine is associated with a Japanese myth about the white rabbit of Inaba, in which a kind-hearted deity saves a wounded rabbit and, as a result, becomes a deity of love matches and marriage. The shrine is recognized as the birthplace of Japan's first love story and has been designated as a “Lover’s Sanctuary."

The grounds are lined with adorable statues of white rabbits, and you can buy ema (wooden plaques on which people write their wishes) and omamori (amulets) decorated with a rabbit motif. Among these, Hakuto Shrine is famous for its musubi ishi, an amulet that includes five stones. It is said that writing your wish on the stones and placing them at the torii gate or a white rabbit statue, will make the wish come true.

Not far from the shrine is a roadside station where you can enjoy seafood dishes while gazing out across the Sea of Japan, as well as Hakuto Beach and Hakuto-no-oka, renowned for beautiful sunsets and breathtaking views.

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.

The beautiful sand dunes, spread across the Sea of Japan, is one of Japan's largest expanse of coastal sand dunes. A part of it has been designated a national natural monument. In particular, “Umanose" (“Horse’s Back”), a wall of sand that stands at a height of 47 m, is an impressive and poweful sight when viewed from directly below.

The wave-like patterns created by the sea breezes are incredibly beautiful, and exude the strong presence of nature’s ever-changing beauty.

◆ Be careful to avoid heatstroke.

At Tottori Sand Dunes, even in seasons other than summer, there is a risk of heatstroke when the maximum temperature exceeds 20 degrees Celsius. There is no shade within the sand dunes, so please bring a hat, umbrella, or other sun protection, as well as plenty of fluids, and take proper precautions against heatstroke before heading out.

◆ Replenish your water and salt intake frequently.

(Drinking alcohol the day before may cause dehydration, so be sure to take plenty of fluids on the day of your visit).

◆ We recommend wearing cool clothing and using a hat or parasol.

◆Take breaks at moderate intervals and avoid strenuous schedules.

◆ If you feel unwell, rest immediately in a cool place.

Sand becomes extremely hot when the sun is strong, so walking barefoot or in sandals could result in burns. Be sure to wear socks and shoes when walking on the sand.

◆ Information on camel riding experiences

Starting in 2024, only commemorative photo sessions will be offered on weekends, national holidays, spring holidays, summer holidays, autumn holidays, winter holidays, Golden Week (late April to early May), and Silver Week (mid-September).

(On most weekdays, operations are also focused mainly on photo sessions.)

Please note that operations may be suspended on the day without prior notice due to weather or the camels’ condition.

Please check Rakudaya’s official website (Japanese) for details.

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.