Located in the San’in region of Japan, Tottori Prefecture is known for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.
One of the most famous tourist attractions is the Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest sand dunes in Japan. However, the charm of this city doesn’t stop there.
Tottori is also the birthplace of the famous cartoonist Mizuki Shigeru, who created the magical Yokai Kitaro Road.
In addition, the town of Hokuei is the birthplace of Gosho Aoyama, the creator of Detective Conan, and visitors can enjoy the Conan Town theme park.
Tottori also features the adorable White Rabbit Shrine and Japan’s largest flower garden.
With a variety of attractions ranging from natural beauty to cultural and historical sites, Tottori offers a unique experience for every traveler.
If you are planning to visit Japan, including this city, here are the 10 best tourist spot in Tottori that you must visit.
1. Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest in Japan, stretch over 16 km along the coastline. With its vast sandy expanses, blue skies, and majestic sea, this location is known as a “natural sculpture wonder.”
What makes this place unique is the ever-changing appearance and texture of the sand dunes, which shift with the weather and wind direction. In winter, the snow covering the dunes creates a fairy-tale-like scene.
In addition to enjoying the scenery, visitors can also try other activities such as walking, paragliding, and even camel riding.
- Address: 2164-971 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: Open 24 hours
2. Sand Museum
The “Sand Museum” at Tottori Sand Dunes is the world’s only museum dedicated to sand sculpture art. Established in 2006, its purpose is to help visitors appreciate the Tottori Sand Dunes through beautiful sand sculpting.
Every year, renowned international sand sculptors are invited to create works based on the theme “Sand World Travel.”
The exhibition themes change regularly to showcase landscapes and cultures from around the world. After each exhibition, the sculptures are dismantled, and the sand is reused for the next display.
- Address: 2083-1 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: 09:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
- Entry Fee: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children, free for elementary school students and below
3. White Rabbit Shrine
The White Rabbit Shrine is a historical and mythological site in Japan, especially famous for the tale of the White Rabbit of Inaba from the Kojiki.
Additionally, this shrine is believed to be the origin of Japanese medicine and is also a symbol of love and marriage. For this reason, many newlyweds visit to pray for good fortune in their relationships.
- Address: 603 Shiroji, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: Open 24 hours (Shrine office: 09:00–16:00)
4. Kanemochi Shrine
The next tourist spot in Tottori is Kanemochi Shrine. “Kanemochi” (meaning “wealthy” in Japanese) is the only place in Japan with such a lucky name.
The land where Kanemochi Shrine stands was once considered “more valuable than gold” and was an important iron-producing area in ancient times.
According to the “Boqi Zhi,” there are three iron mountains in Kinchi Village, hence the name “Kinmochi,” which means a village with iron mountains.
This connection to wealth attracts people from across the country to pray for business prosperity, financial wealth, and good luck.
- Address: 74 Kinmochi, Hino-cho, Hino-gun, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: Open 24 hours (Shrine office: 09:00–16:00)
5. Tottori Castle
Tottori Castle (Tottorijou) was built in the 16th century and is located atop Mount Hisamatsu, 263 meters above sea level. This historical site is famous for its unique stone wall defense technique.
Although most of the castle has become ruins, restoration work continues to revive its former glory. The castle has undergone gradual renovation for over 270 years.
- Address: Higashi-machi, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: Open 24 hours
6. Tottori Toshogu Shrine
Another tourist spot in Tottori is the Tottori Toshogu Shrine. Built in 1650, this shrine is a replica of the famous Toshogu Shrine in Nikko.
During the Meiji Era, it was known as “Okei Shrine,” but it was later restored to its original name, Toshogu Shrine.
Tottori Toshogu is located in a peaceful forest, surrounded by greenery, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The main hall of the shrine features intricate carvings, including one of an eagle, believed to have been created by Sa Jingoro.
- Address: 87 Kamimachi, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: Open 24 hours
7. Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park
As the largest flower park in Japan, Tottori Hanakairo offers beautiful flowers year-round. The vast park utilizes the rolling landscape and mixed forest to showcase a variety of flowers.
Its main attraction is the display of lilies in the eastern hall, while 15 species of native Japanese lilies are featured seasonally from May to August.
In mid-November through early January, a spectacular light show takes place, with around one million lights illuminating the park.
- Address: 110 Tsuruta, Minami-machi, Saihaku-gun, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: Varies by season
- Entry Fee: 1,000 yen for adults; 500 yen for children (varies by season)
8. Mizuki Shigeru Road
In Sakaiminato, the birthplace of Kitaro’s creator, Mizuki Shigeru, lies “Mizuki Shigeru Road.” This street stretches about 800 meters from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall.
Visitors can enjoy street food such as “Eyeball Daddy” desserts and Yokai Latte, as well as explore 177 bronze statues of monsters along the way. At night, these statues light up, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
- Address: Taisho-cho ~ Honmachi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: Open all day
9. Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum
Just a 14-minute walk from JR Sakaiminato Station along Mizuki Shigeru Road, visitors can find the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, which showcases the life and works of the legendary artist.
After renovations, the museum reopened on April 20, 2024, with a more modern design. The first floor features the reception area and gift shop, while the second floor houses the exhibition space. The highlight is the classic Kitaro statue pouring hot water into Papa Eyeball’s tea bowl.
- Address: 5 5 Honmachi, Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture
- Hours: 09:30–17:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Entry Fee: 700 yen for adults, 500 yen for high school and middle school students, 300 yen for elementary school students, 300 yen for disabled visitors and caregivers (one person)
10. Conan Town
Conan Town, located in Hokuei, Tottori Prefecture, is dedicated to the popular anime “Detective Conan.” This town is the hometown of Gosho Aoyama, the creator of Detective Conan, and it integrates the world of the anime into the local culture and landscape.
Visitors can explore attractions such as 23 Conan statues, 30 stone monuments decorated with comic covers, and interactive puzzle games.
Fans can immerse themselves in detective-themed activities and solve mysteries while enjoying a range of Conan-themed souvenirs.
- Address: Starting from Conan Station (JR Yura Station) to “Aoyama Gosho Furusatokan”
- Hours: Varies by store and facility
Tottori Prefecture offers a wide range of tourist destinations that cater to different preferences. From breathtaking natural views and historical sites to enjoyable cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, what tourist spot do you want to visit while in Tottori?
