Tottori
Discover Tottori
Tottori (鳥取市 Tottori-shi) and its sand dunes are among the best reasons to visit western Japan. There's more to do than climbing and collecting seashells — hang-gliders, sandboards, and even camels await. Kobo Abe's existential meditation on sand and work, The Woman in the Dunes (砂の女, Suna no Onna), was published in 1964. Although the novel does not mention Tottori by name, it was a natural choice for the film adaptation of Abe's book. "There has never been sand photography like this (no, not even in Lawrence of Arabia)," said Roger Ebert, of the Oscar-nominated film.
What to Experience in Tottori
Taste of Tottori...
Tottori is most famous for its pears; cookies, cakes, and other sweets are made from them. Have a look at the omiyage shop in the train station, at the local handcraft shop two blocks up the main street, or in the basement floor of Maruyu. Another local specialty is shallots, grown in huge fields out near the sand dunes and pickled for appetizers. Crab and white squid are the best of the local catch. A number of popular chain restaurants can be found in the city center, such as Wara Wara (笑笑), Doma Doma (土間土間), and Shirokiya (白木屋). To find the main drinking district, which is an area about 2 blocks by 3 blocks, walk about two blocks up the main street from the train station, take a right and go down about a block. There are plenty of izakaya and small pubs.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Tottori.
Walking east from the station, you will find a string of small shops lining the main street to the right. Tottori is most famous for its pears; cookies, cakes, and other sweets are made from them. Have a look at the omiyage shop in the train station, at the local handcraft shop two blocks up the main street, or in the basement floor of Maruyu. Another local specialty is shallots, grown in huge fields out near the sand dunes and pickled for appetizers. Crab and white squid are the best of the local catch. A number of popular chain restaurants can be found in the city center, such as Wara Wara (笑笑), Doma Doma (土間土間), and Shirokiya (白木屋). To find the main drinking district, which is an area about 2 blocks by 3 blocks, walk about two blocks up the main street from the train station, take a right and go down about a block. There are plenty of izakaya and small pubs.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe nearest airports with regular international flights are Yonago and Okayama; however, travellers should also consider using Osaka-Kansai. Limited express trains to the east take you to Kansai. The train goes to Himeji, Akashi, Sannomiya, Osaka, and Kyoto. Other limited express trains to the west connect with Kurayoshi, Yonago, Matsue, Izumo-shi, Hamada, Masuda, and Shin-Yamaguchi. The Super Inaba limited express train runs south to Okayama. For budget travelers, it is possible to reach Tottori from Okayama in 4 hours and ¥2,590 using the Tsuyama and Imbi Lines. The city center, between the train station and Mt. Kyusho, is easily navigable on foot. From downtown, a wide and pleasant greenbelt leads to the beach. Starting from JR Tottori Station, walk west about 5 blocks to find the river, Sendai-gawa. Head right when you find the path. The walk takes about 45 minutes. To get to the sand dunes, it is best to take the bus. Walking would take a few hours....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The city center, between the train station and Mt. Kyusho, is easily navigable on foot. From downtown, a wide and pleasant greenbelt leads to the beach. Starting from JR Tottori Station, walk west about 5 blocks to find the river, Sendai-gawa. Head right when you find the path. The walk takes about 45 minutes. To get to the sand dunes, it is best to take the bus. Walking would take a few hours. There's a lot to do at the sand dunes. Pay close attention to operating days and seasons, and make reservations before getting your heart set on a specific activity. For a vaguely Lawrence of Arabia experience, try a horse-drawn carriages ride. With the Sea of Japan as its northern border, Tottori has some excellent beaches. Walking east from the station, you will find a string of small shops lining the main street to the right. Tottori is most famous for its pears; cookies, cakes, and other sweets are made from them.
Money & Budget
Walking east from the station, you will find a string of small shops lining the main street to the right. Tottori is most famous for its pears; cookies, cakes, and other sweets are made from them. Have a look at the omiyage shop in the train station, at the local handcraft shop two blocks up the main street, or in the basement floor of Maruyu. Another local specialty is shallots, grown in huge fields out near the sand dunes and pickled for appetizers. Crab and white squid are the best of the local catch. A number of popular chain restaurants can be found in the city center, such as Wara Wara (笑笑), Doma Doma (土間土間), and Shirokiya (白木屋).
Safety Information
Glimpses of Tottori
a sandy beach with waves coming in from the ocean
a couple of people walking across a sandy field
a couple of people standing on top of a sandy hill
Rocky Beach | Tottori, Japan
white and brown house near river during daytime
a sandy area with a few footprints in the sand
Rocks and waves meet the sand.
A sign on the side of a building pointing in different directions
A train arrives at a japanese train station.
desert and body of water
a sandy beach with waves coming in from the ocean
a couple of people walking across a sandy field
a couple of people standing on top of a sandy hill