Tottori Prefecture | A Natural Treasure Trove of Expansive Sand Dunes and Coastal Scenery
Tottori Prefecture | A Natural Treasure Trove of Expansive Sand Dunes and Coastal Scenery
Located on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu, Tottori Prefecture is a region rich in nature and characterized by a calm, unhurried way of life.
Its most iconic feature is the Tottori Sand Dunes—the largest coastal sand dunes in Japan—where wind and sand create a vast, dynamic landscape that attracts visitors from across the country and beyond.
The prefecture also boasts a diverse natural environment, from rugged coastlines along the Sea of Japan to the lush slopes of Mount Daisen. As the highest peak in the Chūgoku region, Mount Daisen is not only popular for hiking and skiing, but also holds historical significance as a site of mountain worship.
Tottori is equally known for its abundance of agricultural and marine products. Local specialties such as 20th Century pears and Matsuba crab are widely celebrated throughout Japan. The region’s cuisine, centered on fresh, seasonal ingredients, offers a flavorful glimpse into its rich food culture.
With tranquil nature, exquisite local fare, and a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and warmth,
Tottori offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world.
Prefectural capital
- Tottori City
Major Cities
- Tottori city
- Yonago city
- Kurayoshi city
Population
- Approximately 0.55 million
Major Tourist Attractions and Events
- Tottori Sand Dunes
- Mount Daisen
- Mizuki Shigeru Road
Local Cuisine
- Persimmon Leaf Sushi
- Igisu (Seaweed Gel Dish)
Craft Works
- Inshu Washi (Traditional Japanese Paper)
- Yumihama Gasuri (Yumihama Ikat Weaving)
Mt. Daisen in Tottori, wearing a snowy cap — a serene and beautiful winter scene.
Misasa Onsen, Tottori – One of the world’s top radon hot springs, beloved for its healing waters and tranquil atmosphere.
Tottori Sand Dunes – Japan’s largest dunes offering a stunning desert-like landscape.
A transport aircraft stationed at Miho Airbase (Yonago Kitaro Airport), a key hub for Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force.
Sanmon Gate of Daisenji Temple — the solemn entrance to this ancient sacred site.
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