Matsuba-gani (snow crab)松葉がに
Male snow crab landed in winter, eaten boiled, grilled or in hotpot at ports like Tottori and Sakaiminato.
Chugoku
Tottori Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
Japan’s least populated prefecture, on the Japan Sea coast. Come for the Tottori Sand Dunes, the slopes of Mt. Daisen and the white-walled storehouses of Kurayoshi.
Open Tottori on the map39 places on the map · 14 local favourites
Local tips
- TipTrains along the coast are infrequent and sights are spread out, so a rental car makes Tottori far easier.
- DoVisit the dunes early morning or near sunset; the sand gets very hot in summer and there is no shade.
- Heads upMt. Daisen and inland roads get heavy snow in winter; check road conditions and carry winter tyres if driving.
- TipSakaiminato’s Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with yokai statues, is a fun detour near the Shimane border.
- TipWinter is snow crab season, when coastal towns and inns serve matsuba-gani in every form.
What to eat
Gyukotsu ramen (beef-bone ramen)牛骨ラーメン
A light, sweet beef-bone broth ramen, a local favourite in central and western Tottori.
Nijisseiki nashi (pear)二十世紀梨
Crisp, juicy green Japanese pears that Tottori is famous for, in season in late summer.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Asahimachi, Yonago
米子 朝日町 NightlifeYonago's main drinking district, a grid of izakaya, snack bars and small restaurants. Good for fresh seafood from Sakaiminato.
● Mostly localsInshu Nakai Kiln
因州中井窯 ShoppingA mingei pottery in the rural Sajicho hills known for bold two-tone dishes in green, black and white. The kiln shop sells pieces directly.
● Mostly localsSuwa Shuzo
諏訪酒造 Local FoodShoppingA traditional sake brewery in the old post town of Chizu, surrounded by cedar forest. Its shop offers tastings of the Suwaizumi label, well regarded by sake fans.
● Mostly localsYayoicho
弥生町 鳥取 NightlifeTottori city's small izakaya and bar quarter near the station, where locals go for seafood, local sake and snacks after work.
● Mostly localsYonago Castle Ruins
米子城跡 Sights & HistoryNature & SceneryWell-preserved stone walls on a small hill by Lake Nakaumi, with a panoramic summit view of Mount Daisen, Yonago city and the sea. A short, easy climb.
● Mostly localsAmedaki Falls
雨滝 Nature & SceneryA tall, powerful waterfall in the forested mountains south of Tottori city, reached by a short trail. Cool and quiet even in summer.
● Mostly localsAoya Washi Kobo
あおや和紙工房 ExperiencesShoppingA workshop in the papermaking village of Aoya where you can make your own sheet of traditional Inshu washi paper and buy paper goods.
● Mostly localsIshitani Residence
石谷家住宅 Sights & HistoryA grand merchant house in the old post town of Chizu, with a soaring earthen-floored hall, huge beams and a garden. Few foreign visitors make it this far into the…
● Mostly localsUbe Shrine
宇倍神社 Temples & GoshuinchoThe ichinomiya (top shrine) of old Inaba province, set in a quiet grove in Tottori city. Its main hall once appeared on Japanese banknotes, and it is visited for luck…
● Mostly localsIwai Onsen
岩井温泉 Hot SpringsOne of Tottori's oldest hot spring villages, known for 'yukamuri', a local custom of pouring hot water over the head to a folk song. The public bath is small and…
● Mostly localsKagikake Pass
鍵掛峠 Nature & SceneryA mountain pass viewpoint facing Mount Daisen's dramatic southern wall. In autumn the beech forest below turns red and gold, making it one of Tottori's best drives.
● Mostly localsTakumi Kappo
たくみ割烹店 Local FoodA restaurant founded by the mingei (folk craft) movement in Tottori city, serving local beef in 'suzugi-nabe' hotpot on handmade pottery. Next door to the folk craft…
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.
Tottori Sand Dunes
鳥取砂丘 Nature & SceneryJapan's largest dunes, stretching along the Sea of Japan coast. Climb the big 'Horse's Back' ridge for sea views; paragliding, sandboarding and camel rides are on offer…
Mizuki Shigeru Road
水木しげるロード Sights & HistoryMascot CharactersA street in Sakaiminato lined with more than a hundred bronze statues of yokai from Mizuki Shigeru's GeGeGe no Kitaro manga, plus themed shops and a museum. At night…
Sand Museum
砂の美術館 Sights & HistoryExperiencesAn indoor gallery of huge, astonishingly detailed sand sculptures carved by international artists around a changing world theme each year. Right next to the Tottori…