How should you plan your itinerary for a trip to Tottori? Located in the San’in region, this hidden gem of Japan offers not only breathtaking natural landscapes but also top-tier seafood that drives foodies wild. This guide features 10 hand-picked must-visit spots and essential eats in Tottori to save you from planning stress—just follow this list for the most authentic experience!
Must-Visit Tottori: Iconic Landmarks & Natural Beauty
Tottori Sand Dunes (Tottori Sakyu)
The most iconic landmark of Tottori! As Japan’s largest coastal sand dunes, the “Tottori Sand Dunes” are absolutely worth a visit. Climb the “Umanose” (Horse’s Back) ridge to overlook the Sea of Japan, or try camel riding and sandboarding to experience desert-like grandeur right here in Japan.
- Tottori Sand Dunes (Tottori Sakyu)
- Address: Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
Uradome Coast Sightseeing Boat
Known as the “Matsushima of San’in,” this area is famous for its exceptionally clear waters. Taking a sightseeing boat through the jagged rocks and getting an up-close look at the stunning, translucent “Iwami Blue” seascape is the most soul-soothing activity during summer and autumn.
- Uradome Coast Sightseeing Boat
- Address: 2182 Otani, Iwami-cho, Iwami-gun, Tottori Prefecture
Hakuto Shrine
A must-visit for those seeking love! This is the setting of the myth “The Hare of Inaba” and a famous “lover’s sanctuary” in Tottori. Cute rabbit statues can be found everywhere within the shrine; don’t forget to get a rabbit-shaped lucky charm (omamori) to pray for a good match.
- Hakuto Shrine
- Address: 603 Hakuto Miyagoshi, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
Wakasa Railway
A must-see for railway enthusiasts! This 19.2-km route is famous for its nostalgic scenery. Along the line, including the terminal “Wakasa Station,” there are 23 facilities registered as National Tangible Cultural Properties. The highlight is the vintage sightseeing train designed by master designer Eiji Mitooka; sitting in the carriage feels like traveling back to the Showa era.
- Wakasa Railway
- Address: 345-2 Wakasa, Wakasa-cho, Yazu-gun, Tottori Prefecture
Mizuki Shigeru Road, Sakaiminato
The hometown of the creator of “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” This street features over 170 bronze yokai (monster) statues, along with the must-visit “Mizuki Shigeru Museum” and the Yokai Shrine. Besides taking photos, don’t forget to try the eye-catching “Medama-oyaji” (Daddy Eyeball) themed snacks to experience a cute yet quirky yokai atmosphere!
- Mizuki Shigeru Road, Sakaiminato
- Address: 5 Honmachi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture
Tottori Food Map: From Fresh Local Produce to Quality Desserts
Sakaiminato Marine Products Direct Sales Center
When in Tottori, you absolutely have to feast on crab! Sakaiminato boasts the highest catch of Red Snow Crabs in Japan, and the fresh, sweet flavor is unforgettable. In addition to Red Snow Crab, you may also have the chance to taste premium Matsuba Crab and various sashimi for a truly luxurious seafood moment.
- Sakaiminato Marine Products Direct Sales Center
- Address: 9-5 Showa-machi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture
Ooe-no-Sato Natural Farm
A paradise for dessert lovers! This farm is famous for its high-quality “Tenbi-ran” eggs. Besides the signature melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, the daily limited “Tenbi-ran Tamago Kake Gohan” (raw egg over rice) is a hidden gem known only to locals—simple yet exquisite.
- Ooe-no-Sato Natural Farm
- Address: 877 Hashimoto, Yazu-cho, Yazu-gun, Tottori Prefecture
Totto Purin (Sand Dune Pudding)
Located near the sand dunes, this pudding specialty shop is most famous for its pudding that uses crushed caramel to mimic the texture of “sand.” It’s a treat for both the eyes and the palate, making it the #1 trending spot on Instagram!
- Totto Purin
- Address: 2164-657 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
URUWASHI JAPANESE TEA
A sophisticated tea house highly recommended by locals, specializing in professional hand-whisked Matcha. Here, you can savor carefully selected Matcha paired with handmade Japanese sweets crafted from premium ingredients, all within a minimalist space that invites a slow pace.
- URUWASHI JAPANESE TEA
- Address: 379 Wakasa, Wakasa-cho, Yazu-gun, Tottori Prefecture
Sunaba Coffee
Tottori was once the only prefecture in Japan without a Starbucks, leading to the creation of “Sunaba Coffee.” This “Tottori version of Starbucks” is not only a local cultural symbol but also offers unique “sand-roasted coffee” made using sand-heating techniques. The retro dining environment is also a huge hit among tourists.
- Sunaba Coffee
- Address: 706 Sakaemachi, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
The charm of Tottori lies in its slow and refined sense of lifestyle. Whether it’s feeling the breeze at the sand dunes or sipping a unique cup of sand-roasted coffee, these are experiences you won’t find in any other city. These 10 spots are enough for a rich and authentic getaway—be sure to share this with that friend who’s always saying they want to visit Japan!
