1. How to reach Tottori ?
To reach Tottori, you can follow these general guidelines, but please note that transportation options and routes may vary, so it's essential to check the most up-to-date information when planning your trip :
By Air: The nearest airport to Tottori is Tottori Airport (Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport), which is well-connected to major Japanese cities like Tokyo and Osaka. You can book a flight to Tottori from these cities or connect through other international airports in Japan.
By Train: Tottori is accessible by train, and you can take the JR Sanin Main Line. If you're coming from major cities like Osaka or Kyoto, take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Okayama, and from Okayama, transfer to the JR Sanin Main Line bound for Tottori.
By Bus (cheapest way from Osaka or Kyoto) : Long-distance buses are another option, particularly if you are on a budget. You can find overnight buses that connect Tottori with major cities in Japan. The bus terminal in Tottori is located near the city center.
By Car: If you prefer flexibility and have an international driver's license, you can rent a car. Tottori is accessible by road from other major cities, but it's essential to check the driving routes and road conditions before your journey. Tottori offers a delightful mix of attractions, ranging from the whimsical and unique to the serene and traditional.
Here are some of the main attractions in Tottori :
1. Tottori Sand Dunes
Tottori's most iconic natural attraction, the Sand Dunes, are often referred to as "Japan's Desert." These vast sand dunes stretch along the coast and offer opportunities for sandboarding, camel rides, and breathtaking sunsets.
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2. Tottori Sand Museum (Tottori Sakyu Sunaato)
The Tottori Sand Museum is a unique and fascinating attraction that showcases intricate sand sculptures on a grand scale. Each year, a specific theme is chosen, and artists from various countries create stunning sand artworks related to that theme. The sculptures are often incredibly detailed and impressive, making the museum a must-visit destination for art and sand enthusiasts.The Tottori Sand Museum is a remarkable place where you can appreciate the intersection of art and nature, as well as the talent of the artists who transform ordinary sand into extraordinary creations. It's a unique and memorable attraction to explore when visiting Tottori.
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3. Conan Town (Hokuei, Yura Station )
Located near Tottori Airport, Conan Town is a haven for fans of "Detective Conan" (Case Closed). You can find various Conan-themed attractions (reproduction of the anime’s restaurants and a museum) , a statue of the famous detective, and even a souvenir shop with exclusive Conan merchandise. Trains to go there will be COnan themed, and the station full conan theme with the music. If you are a fan of the anime, you will surely be pleased.
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4. Gegege no Kitaro
Tottori is aslo the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, the creator of the manga series "Gegege no Kitaro." The Mizuki Shigeru Road is a street lined with bronze statues of characters from the series. The Mizuki Shigeru Museum showcases his work and the world of yokai (Japanese monsters) that he brought to life.
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5. Kaike Onsen
A tranquil hot spring resort located on the coast, Kaike Onsen is known for its picturesque beach, soothing hot spring baths, and beautiful sunsets. It's an ideal place to relax and unwind
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6. Misasa Onsen:
This is another hot spring resort, but it's unique for its radium-rich waters. The onsen town is also home to the Yumura Onsen Kojin no Yu, an open-air hot spring bath located next to a river.
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7. Uradome Coast
This rugged and unspoiled coastline is known for its dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters. It's a great spot for hiking, swimming, and taking in the natural beauty of the area.
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8. Yonago Castle Ruins
Explore the historical Yonago Castle Ruins, which offer a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. The site is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
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9. Kurayoshi
This charming district in Kurayoshi features well-preserved white-walled buildings, offering a glimpse into Japan's Edo period architecture. It's often called the "Little Kyoto of San-in."
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Utsubuki Park in Kurayoshi
Utsubuki Park is a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and enjoying the serene ambiance of the park's landscape, especially during cherry blossom season when the park is adorned with beautiful blossoms. It's a lovely place to visit and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
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10. Gokoku Shrine
Located near the Tottori Sand Dunes, this temple gives a nice view on the sand dunes.
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Don't forget to explore the local cuisine as well, including Tottori's famous "Tottori Gyukotsu Ramen" (beef bone ramen) and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.
11. .Chizu Town
Chizu Town is a charming rural village nestled in the mountains. It's a great place to experience the traditional side of Japan, complete with thatched-roof farmhouses and beautiful countryside. The Chizu Express Line, a scenic train journey, offers stunning views of the landscape
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For 2 - 3 days to Tottori, here is what you can do :
DAY 1 & 2 : Stay 2 night in Tottori so you can visit the dunes, the sand museum, and Kofuji temple. Day 2 you can visit the conan town and Kurayoshi. You can also choose to sleep over there depending on where you go after.
DAY 3 :
Option 1 : Gege no Kitaro. Find an accodations near the GEGE no kitaro town to visit it, Yonago Ruins and Kaike Onsen.
Option 2 : Stay in Uradome Coast.
Planning a trip to Japan ?
I've taken all of my experiences from my gap year in Japan in 2019 and my recent trip to Japan and compiled them into guides : day by day itinerary, maps, direction, and many tips including the lessons learned and what I wish I had known. It represents over months of planning and research and you have different options✨
🌸 My itinerary, thoughtfully crafted from my own experiences living in and exploring Japan, span 15 to 20 days of immersive travel. You're not just visiting; you're experiencing Japan's heart through my eyes. Here's what you can expect:
🗼 Kanto Region day by day itinerary : Explore Tokyo and the surrounding areas, including Kamakura, Mount Fuji 🗻, and Nikko.
🏯 Kansai Itinerary: Delve into the heart of Kansai with day-to-day plans for Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and more. Plus, gain insights into less-explored areas that promise unique experiences.
☮️ Bonus Day in Hiroshima : As an added bonus, how to spend a day in Hiroshima.
📅 Each section is packed with additional ideas for exploring nearby locales.
🎍 Map to accompanies this guide, pinpointing all mentioned locations for your convenience.
✈️ Travel Tips : Benefit from practical advice on navigating Japan, including transportation tips , how and where to eat Kobe beef, managing SIM cards and currency exchange, and more.
🎭 Cultural Experiences : how to attend a sumo match , watch a geisha show and Anime Pilgrimage for anime fans, I've included a map and tips for embarking on an unforgettable anime pilgrimage.
🏩 How to find the perfect accommodation, and choose the best area to stay in.
This itinerary is designed for those who really don't want to spend time on travel planning and prefer a nearly ready-to-go trip.
If you're not a planning or itinerary person and desire more freedom in your planning, then my "map & tips" option is better suited for you. It's just the map with all the locations, allowing you to freely choose what you want to do.
🌸 My itinerary, thoughtfully crafted from my own experiences living in and exploring Japan, span 15 to 20 days of immersive travel. You're not just visiting; you're experiencing Japan's heart through my eyes. Here's what you can expect:
🗼 Kanto Region day by day itinerary : Explore Tokyo and the surrounding areas, including Kamakura, Mount Fuji 🗻, and Nikko.
🏯 Kansai Itinerary: Delve into the heart of Kansai with day-to-day plans for Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and more. Plus, gain insights into less-explored areas that promise unique experiences.
☮️ Bonus Day in Hiroshima : As an added bonus, how to spend a day in Hiroshima.
📅 Each section is packed with additional ideas for exploring nearby locales.
🎍 Map to accompanies this guide, pinpointing all mentioned locations for your convenience.
✈️ Travel Tips : Benefit from practical advice on navigating Japan, including transportation tips , how and where to eat Kobe beef, managing SIM cards and currency exchange, and more.
🎭 Cultural Experiences : how to attend a sumo match , watch a geisha show and Anime Pilgrimage for anime fans, I've included a map and tips for embarking on an unforgettable anime pilgrimage.
🏩 How to find the perfect accommodation, and choose the best area to stay in.
This itinerary is designed for those who really don't want to spend time on travel planning and prefer a nearly ready-to-go trip.
If you're not a planning or itinerary person and desire more freedom in your planning, then my "map & tips" option is better suited for you. It's just the map with all the locations, allowing you to freely choose what you want to do.
This itinerary, thoughtfully crafted from my own experiences living in and exploring Japan, span one week in Tokyo. Here's what you can expect :
🗼 Tokyo day by day itinerary : Explore Tokyo and the surrounding area.
🎍 Map pinpointing all mentioned locations for your convenience.
✈️ Travel Tips : Benefit from practical advice on navigating Japan, including transportation tips , how and where to eat Kobe beef, managing SIM cards and currency exchange, and more.
🎭 Cultural Experiences : how to attend a sumo match , watch a geisha show and Anime Pilgrimage for anime fans, I've included a map and tips for embarking on an unforgettable anime pilgrimage.
🏩 How to find the perfect accommodation, and choose the best area to stay in.
This itinerary is designed for those who really don't want to spend time on travel planning and prefer a nearly ready-to-go trip.
If you're not a planning or itinerary person and desire more freedom in your planning, then my "map & tips" option is better suited for you. It's just the map with all the locations, allowing you to freely choose what you want to do.
🌸 This itinerary, thoughtfully crafted from my own experiences living in and exploring Japan, span 4 to 8 days in Osaka. You're not just visiting; you're experiencing Japan's heart through my eyes. Here's what you can expect :
🗼 Osaka day by day itinerary : Explore Osaka and the surrounding area.
🎍 Map pinpointing all mentioned locations for your convenience.
✈️ Travel Tips : Benefit from practical advice on navigating Japan, including transportation tips , how and where to eat Kobe beef, managing SIM cards and currency exchange, and more.
🎭 Cultural Experiences : how to attend a sumo match , watch a geisha show and Anime Pilgrimage for anime fans, I've included a map and tips for embarking on an unforgettable anime pilgrimage.
🏩 How to find the perfect accommodation, and choose the best area to stay in.
This itinerary is designed for those who really don't want to spend time on travel planning and prefer a nearly ready-to-go trip.
If you're not a planning or itinerary person and desire more freedom in your planning, then my "map & tips" option is better suited for you. It's just the map with all the locations, allowing you to freely choose what you want to do.
🌸 This itinerary, thoughtfully crafted from my own experiences living in and exploring Japan, span 3 to 7 days in Kyoto. You're not just visiting; you're experiencing Japan's heart through my eyes. Here's what you can expect:
🗼 Kyoto day by day itinerary : Explore Kyoto and the surrounding area.
🎍 Map to accompanies this guide, pinpointing all mentioned locations for your convenience.
✈️ Travel Tips : Benefit from practical advice on navigating Japan, including transportation tips , how and where to eat Kobe beef, managing SIM cards and currency exchange, and more.
🎭 Cultural Experiences : how to attend a sumo match , watch a geisha show and Anime Pilgrimage for anime fans, I've included a map and tips for embarking on an unforgettable anime pilgrimage.
🏩 How to find the perfect accommodation, and choose the best area to stay in.
This itinerary is designed for those who really don't want to spend time on travel planning and prefer a nearly ready-to-go trip.
If you're not a planning or itinerary person and desire more freedom in your planning, then my "map & tips" option is better suited for you. It's just the map with all the locations, allowing you to freely choose what you want to do.
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