Bokksu Snack Box
Discover Tottori: Japan's Coastal Gem Off the Beaten Path
Introduction to Tottori
Tucked away in the Chugoku region of Honshu, Tottori Prefecture (Tottori-ken) is renowned for its natural wonders, including the Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's largest sand dunes system, and Mount Daisen, the highest peak in the Chugoku Mountains. As one of Japan's least populated regions, Tottori offers a slower pace of life, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. Its natural beauty and cultural richness provide an authentic Japanese experience away from the usual tourist destinations.
Exploring Tottori Sand Dunes
Tottori City (or Tottori-shi), the capital of Tottori Prefecture, serves as a great starting point for exploring the sand dunes and the surrounding attractions. Located just outside the city's center, the massive Tottori Sand Dunes stretch over 16 kilometers along the Sea of Japan, with heights reaching up to 50 meters. These sand dunes provide a unique desert-like experience in the heart of Tottori Prefecture. The Tottori Sand Dunes were formed over thousands of years by sediment deposits from the Sendai River, which flows into the Sea of Japan.
Today, visitors to the massive Tottori Sand Dunes can partake in a variety of activities that highlight the area's natural splendor and offer unforgettable adventures. Among the most favored activities is sandboarding, akin to snowboarding, where you slide down the dunes' steep slopes on a board, offering an exhilarating thrill and a unique way to appreciate the scenery. For a more relaxed and traditional exploration, camel rides are also on offer. These guided tours provide a distinctive viewpoint of the dunes, evoking the ambiance of desert journeys and offering an experience that feels far removed from Japan!
In addition, located near the Tottori Sand Dunes, the Sand Museum is a must-visit attraction that showcases incredible sand sculptures crafted by artists from around the world. Each year, the museum presents a new theme, featuring intricate sculptures that vividly depict diverse cultural and historical motifs.
What Makes Tottori Unique?
Unlike the bustling cities and popular tourist spots, Tottori City, Japan, provides a tranquil retreat with its dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient historical sites, and deep ties to Japanese mythology. Even if the prefecture has the lowest population, Tottori is stepped in history, featuring numerous sites such as the ruins of Tottori Castle and the Kannon-in Temple. These locations provide visitors with a glimpse into the feudal era and a profound connection to the spiritual heritage of the region.
Tottori is also intricately linked with Japanese mythology and folklore. One well-known legend associated with the prefecture is the tale of the White Rabbit of Inaba, tied to the Hakuto Shrine in Tottori. According to the myth, the white rabbit played a significant role in the love story of the hero Okuninushi, and the shrine continues to attract visitors seeking blessings of good fortune and love.
Getting to Tottori is now more convenient than ever, thanks to Tottori Airport and Tottori Station. These transport hubs connect the prefecture with major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, facilitating easy access for both domestic and international travelers to explore this hidden gem of Japan. Once there, a rental car is the most straightforward way to get around.
Culinary Delights of Tottori
Out of all of Tottori's local delicacies, it is renowned for its crab delicacies, especially matsuba gani (male snow crabs) and beni gani (red queen crabs), which are celebrated as quintessential winter foods in the region. Situated along the Sea of Japan, Tottori's coastal location creates an optimal environment for these crabs to flourish, establishing the prefecture as one of Japan's major crab-producing areas. These prized crustaceans are typically savored boiled, grilled, as sashimi, or in hot pots, drawing food enthusiasts from across Japan eager to indulge in these maritime delights.
Tottori is also famous for its pears, particularly the Nijisseiki (20th century) variety, prized for its crisp texture, juicy flesh, and refreshing sweetness. Besides being enjoyed fresh, these pears are widely used in various desserts and culinary creations. They hold such significance locally, especially in Kurayoshi, a town in central Tottori, that there's even a dedicated museum—the Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum—where visitors can delve into the history and cultivation of pears and sample different varieties throughout the year. Don't miss their specialty 20th Century Pear Soft Cream!
Finally, exploring Tottori's culinary delights would be incomplete without mentioning its sake. The prefecture has a rich tradition of sake brewing, with several esteemed breweries crafting high-quality sake that highlights the area's pure water and premium rice. One standout is Tottori's local sake, known as "jizake," which boasts a history spanning approximately 350 years and remains popular among locals. Inata Honten, founded in 1673, is a notable brewery known for producing this revered sake. Tottori's sake perfectly complements the region's abundant seafood offerings.
Tottori’s Cultural and Historical Sites
Tottori Prefecture is a treasure trove of historical and cultural sites that offer a glimpse into its storied past, providing a captivating journey through time. Here are some of the most notable sites in Tottori.
Ruins of Tottori Castle
Originally constructed in 1532, Tottori Castle served as the regional seat of power during the Sengoku Period and later as the stronghold of the Ikeda Clan, rulers of the Tottori fiefdom in the Edo period. While much of the castle was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration, its stone walls and foundations have endured, offering visitors a picturesque and historically significant site. Today, the castle ruins are located within Kyusho Park, celebrated for its cherry blossom viewing from early to mid-April. The park also houses a small museum providing insights into the castle's history and importance.
Kurayoshi's Merchant Town
Kurayoshi, often dubbed the "Little Kyoto of the San'in Region," is a picturesque town nestled in Tottori Prefecture. Renowned for its meticulously preserved traditional architecture, historic merchant houses, and tranquil hot springs, Kurayoshi's old town district, Shikabe Dozo-gun, is particularly notable. Dating back to the Edo period, this area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Each meticulously maintained storehouse and merchant house within the district serves as a testament to Kurayoshi's vibrant history as a thriving hub of commerce and trade.
Kannon-in Temple
Located on the East side of Tottori City, Kannon-in is a Buddhist temple established during the Edo Period under the patronage of the Ikeda Family, who ruled the region. Dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, the temple is renowned for its picturesque landscape garden. The garden features a large pond adorned with small islands that symbolically represent a crane and a turtle, embodying concepts of longevity and good health.
Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple
Perched on the steep slopes of Mt. Mitoku, Sanbutsuji Temple is known for its Nageire-do Hall, a wooden prayer hall dramatically positioned on a cliffside. Accessing the hall entails a challenging hike along a mountain trail, earning it the reputation as one of Japan's most perilous national treasures. However, those who undertake the journey are rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas and a deep sense of achievement.
Outdoor Adventures in Tottori
Tottori, Japan's least populated prefecture, offers a paradise for nature enthusiasts, ranging from scaling towering mountains to unwinding on unspoiled beaches. In addition to its renowned expansive sand dunes, here are some of Tottori's finest outdoor attractions.
Hiking Mount Daisen
Mount Daisen, towering at 1,729 meters, is the highest peak in the Chugoku region and often referred to as the Mount Fuji of the West. Hikers can opt for the Daisen Summit Trail, the most frequented route starting from Daisenji Temple, which typically takes about 4-5 hours round trip. Alternatively, there's the Ogamiyama Trail, offering a less strenuous path through Ogamiyama Shrine.
Visiting Uradome Coast's Beaches and Inlets
The Uradome Coast, situated in eastern Tottori within the San'in Kaigan National Park, is celebrated for its striking cliffs, clear waters, and picturesque inlets. Uradome Beach and the numerous coves along the coastline offer fantastic opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring marine life. Visitors can also rent kayaks to explore the scenic waters and secluded coves.
Tottori’s Art and Literature Connections
Tottori Prefecture boasts a rich cultural heritage, especially in the realms of art and literature. The region has produced some of Japan's most beloved manga artists and is home to several notable museums that celebrate its artistic contributions.
One of Tottori's most renowned cultural figures is Shigeru Mizuki, a legendary manga artist known for his work in the yokai (supernatural creatures) genre. Born in Sakaiminato, Tottori, Mizuki has profoundly influenced Japanese pop culture. His renowned series, "GeGeGe no Kitaro," has become a cornerstone of Japanese folklore and entertainment. The series chronicles the adventures of Kitaro, a yokai boy who protects humans from malevolent supernatural entities, inspiring adaptations into anime, films, and various merchandise.
The Mizuki Shigeru Museum in Sakaiminato stands as a tribute to Shigeru Mizuki's enduring legacy, attracting fans from across Japan and beyond. Showcasing a vast collection of Mizuki's original artwork, manuscripts, and personal items, the museum offers an insightful journey into his life and creative process. Adjacent to the museum lies Mizuki Shigeru Road, adorned with bronze statues depicting characters from "GeGeGe no Kitaro." This whimsical street provides a distinctive and immersive experience, inviting visitors to stroll among beloved characters and immerse themselves in Mizuki's fantastical world.
Annual Festivals and Events
Tottori Prefecture hosts a variety of vibrant festivals and event throughout the year that highlight the local culture and community spirit. Here are two of the key festivals in Tottori:
Shan-Shan Umbrella Festival
The Shan-Shan Umbrella Festival stands out as one of Tottori's vibrant and spirited events, held each year in mid-August. Named for the resonant sound of the decorative umbrellas shaking which echo the sound "shan-shan," the festival is a celebration of local culture. The highlight of the festival is the traditional umbrella dance, where hundreds of participants parade through the streets of Tottori City, twirling beautifully adorned umbrellas adorned with bells.
Tottori Crab Festival
Winter heralds the beginning of the fishing season for Tottori's renowned matsuba-gani, or male snow crab. Bustling crab markets provide visitors with the perfect chance to procure freshly caught local crabs and other seafood, and to savor an array of delectable crab dishes.
Visiting Tottori's Beaches
Located in western Japan, Tottori Prefecture is home to some of the most serene and stunning beaches along the Sea of Japan. These coastal treasures offer an ideal retreat for those seeking to veer off the beaten path and immerse themselves in the peacefulness of nature.
An excellent illustration is Tottori Old Beach, a peaceful coastal sanctuary located near Tottori City. Unlike crowded tourist beaches, this beach is renowned for its wide stretches of sandy shores and crystal-clear blue waters, providing a serene setting ideal for relaxation and appreciating the natural surroundings. Visitors can delight in activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along this pristine shoreline.
Another example is Hakuto Coast, renowned not just for its breathtaking scenery but also for its significance in Japanese mythology. It is associated with the tale of the White Rabbit, adding a distinctive cultural dimension to the visit. A statue of the rabbit stands as a poignant reminder of this ancient legend. Here, visitors can indulge in leisurely walks and immerse themselves in the tranquil natural surroundings, offering a serene escape from the daily hustle and bustle.
Exploring Tottori's Hidden Gems
While Tottori Prefecture is renowned for its iconic massive sand dunes, it also holds numerous hidden gems that beckon travelers to explore its lesser-known attractions off the beaten path.
While Mount Daisen draws many hikers, Mount Senjo offers an equally rewarding experience with its scenic trail winding through dense forests and offering spectacular views. This moderately challenging hike appeals to adventurers seeking a quieter alternative to more crowded trails.
Visitors can unwind at Misasa Onsen, renowned for its radium-rich waters often referred to as 'the healing spring'. The charming town surrounding the onsen offers traditional inns, local eateries, and scenic spots, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway.
Lastly, the Tottori Folk Craft Museum Shop, a part of the Tottori Folk Craft Museum, presents authentic Tottori crafts meticulously crafted by local artisans, offering an ideal spot to find unique souvenirs from your trip.
Conclusion:
Tottori stands out as a tranquil and beautiful destination, offering travelers a memorable experience away from Japan's bustling cities. Its breathtaking landscapes, ranging from the renowned sand dunes to tranquil beaches, coupled with its rich cultural heritage, make Tottori an ideal destination for those seeking a serene retreat with a unique cultural charm.
As you prepare for your Tottori adventure, why not embark on a delectable journey through Japan from the comfort of your home with a Bokksu Snack Box subscription? Every month, Bokksu curates a selection of authentic Japanese snacks that showcase the flavors and traditions from various regions across Japan.
Author Bio
More from the blog
View all
