Yonago is located in the western part of Tottori Prefecture and is known as the birthplace of triathlon. The area is home to the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, one of the largest silver mines in Japan, and Yonago Castle, designated as a national historic site.
Iwami Ginzan was the largest silver mine in Japan, operating from the late Warring States Period until 1943. It is said that at its peak, about one-third of the world's silver was produced from this silver mine. Many historical buildings remain in Iwami Ginzan and have long been designated as cultural assets due to their value.
In 2007, it was registered as a World Heritage site, and the surrounding area offers beautiful nature in each of the four seasons. Visitors are attracted by the purple tubular flowers of the akichouji, and the beautiful pink flowers of the gennoshouko, which has been used as a traditional medicinal herb.
Yonago Castle is a historic castle built around 1470. Although the castle keep and other structures do not exist today, the stone walls and other historic sites are carefully protected. Around the castle, old merchant houses and white-walled streets stretching along the Kamo River are a popular tourist attraction that attracts many visitors.
Sakaiminato is located in the western part of Tottori Prefecture, in the northern part of the Chugoku Region, and is an area where the beautiful Yumigahama Peninsula stretches. Here are two notable attractions, including the Eshima Ohashi Bridge and Yumeminato Tower, both of which were briefly the subject of a TV commercial.
The Eshima Ohashi Bridge connects Sakaiminato and Matsue, and has a very steep slope to accommodate ship traffic. The steepness is so astonishing that one might suspect it is computer graphics, and the bridge is equipped with a pedestrian walkway that allows visitors to enjoy the spectacular view from high above. For this reason, the Eshima Bridge is a popular spot for tourists.
Yumeminato Tower is a 43-meter-high tower in Yumeminato Park, a popular observation spot where visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. From the tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Shimane Peninsula, Sakaiminato City, and the beautiful Yumigahama Peninsula.
There are also hot spring facilities near the tower, making it a popular destination for many people from the city and beyond. Various events are held in each of the four seasons, making it a must-see spot when visiting Sakaiminato.
Mizuki Shigeru Road is a unique sightseeing street in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, dedicated to the fascinating world of yokai—supernatural creatures and spirits from Japanese folklore. Stretching approximately 800 meters from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, the street features 177 bronze statues of yokai, including the beloved characters from the famous manga series GeGeGe n...»
Located at the foot of Mount Daisen in Tottori Prefecture, Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park is one of Japan's largest flower parks and a wonderful destination for nature lovers. Its expansive grounds feature an impressive variety of flowers and plants from Japan and around the world, offering colorful displays throughout the year. Among the park's highlights are the magnificent Flower Dome, a vast g...»
Daisen Makiba Milk no Sato is a scenic dairy farm in Tottori Prefecture, surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes of Mount Daisen. With a restaurant, barbecue cabins, and hands-on activity workshops, the farm is a wonderful destination for visitors who want to enjoy fresh dairy products while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the Japanese countryside. Approximately 100 dairy cows graz...»
Ogamiyama Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Mount Daisen, a sacred mountain revered as a divine presence. Located in Tottori Prefecture, the shrine has a long history of mountain worship and religious asceticism. During the Heian period (794–1185), Mount Daisen became an important center for shugendo, a Japanese spiritual tradition that combines mountain ascetic practices with elemen...»
The Shuji Ueda Museum of Photography celebrates the work of Shuji Ueda (1913–2000), one of Japan's most distinctive photographers. Born in what is now part of Sakaiminato City in Tottori Prefecture, Ueda developed a unique artistic style that transformed people and everyday objects into carefully arranged subjects within striking compositions. The museum houses and displays approximately 12,000 of...»
Yonago Castle once stood on a hill overlooking Yonago City in Tottori Prefecture. Although the castle buildings no longer survive, the ruins preserve impressive stone walls, foundation stones, and other features that reveal the structure of this important Japanese fortress. Historical documents and illustrated plans related to the castle have also been handed down in remarkably good condition. The...»
Kaike Onsen is a popular seaside hot spring resort in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, situated along the Sea of Japan amid coastal pine trees and beautiful sandy beaches. Modern hotels and traditional Japanese inns line the shore, creating a resort atmosphere that combines relaxing hot spring bathing with scenic ocean views. Across the water, the Shimane Peninsula stretches along the horizon, while th...»
Located on Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, Yokai Shrine is a unique place of worship inspired by the supernatural creatures known as yokai in Japanese folklore. The shrine celebrates the imaginative world of GeGeGe no Kitaro, the famous manga created by Shigeru Mizuki, and offers visitors a playful twist on traditional Japanese spirituality. Rather than simply praying to t...»
Located on the slopes of Mount Daisen in western Tottori Prefecture, Kakuban-zan Daisenji is an ancient Buddhist temple with a history stretching back more than 1,300 years. Long revered as a sacred place of mountain worship, it became an important center for Buddhist practice and ascetic training, attracting monks and pilgrims from across Japan. The temple is also the 29th temple on the Chugoku ...»
The Daisen Masumizu Kogen Sky Lift offers a relaxing aerial journey to an observation deck at an elevation of approximately 900 meters. The ride takes about eight minutes, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. From the summit, the panorama extends across the Sea of Japan, the Yumigahama Peninsula, and the Shimane Peninsula. On clear da...»
Yumeminato Tower is the landmark of Yumeminato Park in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the surrounding coastline, mountains, and cityscape. Although the tower stands just 43 meters tall, its elevated viewpoint offers sweeping views that extend far beyond what its modest height might suggest. The tower reaches a to...»
GeGeGe no Yokai Paradise is a lively theme park dedicated to the world of yokai—supernatural creatures and spirits from Japanese folklore—created by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. Located in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, the attraction stands beside the Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Museum, along the famous Mizuki Shigeru Road, a popular destination celebrating the artist and his imaginative creations....»
Itadaki is a traditional local dish from Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, particularly associated with the Yumigahama Peninsula. Also known as nonoko or nonoko meshi, it consists of large triangular pockets of deep-fried tofu stuffed with uncooked rice and vegetables, then slowly simmered in seasoned dashi broth until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors. Although it may resemble inar...»
Kanijiru is a traditional crab miso soup from Tottori Prefecture, made with female Matsuba snow crabs known as seko-gani. Matsuba crab is celebrated as one of the great delicacies of winter in Japan, and this comforting soup offers a delicious way to enjoy the rich flavors of the Sea of Japan. Female crabs are especially prized for this dish because their eggs add a distinctive depth of flavor to...»
Daisen Okowa is a traditional dish from western Tottori Prefecture, prepared with glutinous rice and ingredients gathered or produced around Mount Daisen. Seasoned with soy sauce, this rustic steamed rice dish combines the flavors of the mountains with a generous selection of vegetables. It is said to have developed from okowa once prepared and eaten by Buddhist monks in the area. Made entirely w...»
Iwashi dango, or sardine dumplings, is a traditional home-style dish enjoyed in Tottori Prefecture. Fishing ports throughout the prefecture, including Sakaiminato on the Yumigahama Peninsula in western Tottori, see the sardine fishing season reach its peak from April to May. The freshly caught fish are used to make these simple yet flavorful dumplings, a longstanding part of local food culture. O...»
Daisen Hyakusaishoku is a distinctive local cuisine developed in Daisen Town, Tottori Prefecture, with the wish to promote health and longevity through the region’s abundant seasonal ingredients. The area stretches from the shores of the Sea of Japan at sea level to the summit of Mount Daisen, which rises to 1,709 meters, offering an exceptional variety of natural resources. The cuisine brings to...»
Saba-zushi, or mackerel sushi, is a traditional dish in Tottori Prefecture with two distinct forms: fermented sushi and pressed sushi. In the upper reaches of the Sendai River, fermented saba-zushi has traditionally been prepared as a New Year’s dish, preserving an age-old food culture passed down through generations....»
Shironegi nabe is a regional hot pot dish featuring white leeks, a well-known specialty of Tottori Prefecture. It is also called Shironegi Shogun Nabe, or “White Leek General Hot Pot.” Rather than treating vegetables as a side dish, this recipe makes the leek the star of the meal, showcasing its natural sweetness and satisfying texture....»
Kanitoro-don is a specialty rice bowl topped generously with kanitoro, crab meat aged using a distinctive preparation method. The process gives the crab a remarkably soft, almost melting texture reminiscent of the fatty tuna known as toro, along with a rich, concentrated umami flavor. Served over rice, the crab is complemented by grated Japanese mountain yam, or nagaimo, and an original house-mad...»
Tottori Matsuba Crab is a prized regional brand of male snow crab caught off the coast of Tottori Prefecture and other parts of the Sea of Japan. Renowned for its sweet, succulent meat and rich flavor, it is widely regarded as one of Japan’s finest winter seafood delicacies....»
Mosa ebi is one of Tottori Prefecture’s most distinctive seafood specialties. Often called a “phantom shrimp” because it is difficult to transport while fresh, this prized local delicacy is celebrated for its rich sweetness, firm texture, and exceptional umami flavor. Many seafood lovers consider its sweetness even more intense than that of the familiar amaebi, or sweet shrimp....»
Tottori red snow crab is a popular seafood specialty landed at Sakaiminato, one of the major fishing ports in Tottori Prefecture. Known for its sweet meat and high moisture content, this crab is harvested from the deep waters of the Sea of Japan and is an important part of the region’s seafood industry. Its fishing season runs from autumn through spring, making it a familiar sight in local markets...»
Babachan, also known as Tanaka genge, is a distinctive deep-sea fish caught in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Tottori Prefecture. It lives at depths of approximately 300–500 meters and is typically caught during the snowy winter months. Despite its rather fierce and wrinkled appearance, the fish has mild, delicate flesh with a pleasantly springy texture, similar to cod. Babachan is regarded as...»
Hatahata is one of Tottori Prefecture’s signature seafood products, and the prefecture ranks among Japan’s leading producers of this fish. Although relatively small, hatahata has a rich, oily flavor that makes it delicious whether simmered, grilled, or dried. It has no scales, so it is also easy to clean and prepare. In Tottori, the fish is commonly known by the local name shirohata. The regional...»
Seikogani is the female snow crab known as Matsuba-gani in the San'in region of Japan. Smaller and less abundant than the male crab, it is prized for its intensely savory flavor, creamy crab miso, and distinctive eggs. Although once enjoyed mainly by people living near local fishing ports, seikogani has become a much-loved seasonal delicacy among seafood enthusiasts. The fishing season for male M...»
Daisen Ruby is a branded pork developed in Tottori Prefecture, combining desirable qualities from two distinct pig breeds. It was created by crossing a male Berkshire-type black pig, known for its excellent flavor, with the Daisen Red Pig, a Duroc breed developed in the prefecture. The defining feature of Daisen Ruby is its combination of the strengths of both parent breeds. From the black pig, i...»
Bluefin tuna, known in Japanese as kuro-maguro and often called the “king of tuna,” is one of Japan’s most prized seafood varieties. Tottori Prefecture is known for its substantial bluefin tuna landings, making this fish an important part of the region’s seafood culture. Tuna is one of the most popular fish in Japan, especially for eating raw as sashimi or sushi. Several species are sold under th...»
Junmai Ginjo Nakadare is a distinguished sake produced by Otani Brewery in Kotoura Town, Tottori Prefecture. Part of the brewery’s celebrated Takeyū brand, this premium sake combines more than 150 years of brewing tradition with carefully selected rice and the pure waters of Mount Daisen. It offers a refined drinking experience at an accessible price, making it an excellent choice for visitors see...»
Daisen G Beer is a locally brewed craft beer from the foothills of Mount Daisen in Tottori Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 300 meters, the brewery benefits from exceptionally pure underground water that springs from the mountain’s natural environment. This water has been recognized as one of Japan’s “100 Remarkable Waters of the Heisei Era,” making it a prized ingredient in th...»
Imobota is a traditional rice cake from Tottori Prefecture made with sweet potatoes and glutinous rice. This rustic local delicacy reflects the ingenuity of earlier generations, who made the most of locally available ingredients when rice was scarce. The sweet potatoes add a gentle sweetness and distinctive flavor, creating a comforting treat rooted in the region’s food culture. To make imobota, ...»
A Popular Souvenir from Mizuki Shigeru Road In Tottori Prefecture, a pedestrian street extending from JR Sakaiminato Station is known as Mizuki Shigeru Road. This popular sightseeing destination features numerous bronze statues of yokai—supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore—as depicted in the works of manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. Among the most popular souvenirs from the area is Yokai Ma...»
Shiro Usagi Financier is a delightful Western-style confection created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Inaba no Shiro Usagi, or the White Rabbit of Inaba, one of Tottori Prefecture’s best-known traditional sweets. While the original is a rabbit-shaped baked bun filled with sweet bean paste, this version transforms the familiar rabbit silhouette into a French-style financier, made with an or...»
Oni Monaka is a popular Japanese confection made by Ikegami, a traditional mochi and confectionery shop that has been loved by local residents in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, for more than 60 years. Inspired by local oni (ogre) legends passed down around Hoki Town at the foot of the majestic Mount Daisen, this charming sweet makes a distinctive souvenir from the region. Each monaka features a deli...»
In Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, the main shopping street known as Mizuki Shigeru Road celebrates the world of GeGeGe no Kitarō, the famous Japanese manga and anime series featuring supernatural creatures known as yokai. Bronze statues of the series' characters line the street, and shops offer a wide variety of themed sweets and souvenirs. Among the most memorable treats is Yōka Medama Oyaji, ...»
Inaba no Shiro Usagi, or the White Rabbit of Inaba, is one of Tottori Prefecture’s best-known traditional sweets. Produced by Kotobuki Seika, a confectionery company founded in 1952, these charming baked cakes have been cherished by local residents for more than 50 years. The sweet takes the form of an adorable white rabbit inspired by the famous Japanese myth of the White Rabbit of Inaba, a stor...»
Kitarō’s Favorite Beef Curry is a well-known Japanese retort curry that has become a popular souvenir for fans of GeGeGe no Kitarō, the beloved manga and anime series featuring supernatural creatures known as yōkai. Tottori Prefecture is the birthplace of the series’ creator, Shigeru Mizuki, and the coastal city of Sakaiminato is especially famous for its strong connection to Kitarō and the world ...»
Totoriko Black Pork is a distinctive regional pork specialty from Tottori Prefecture, prized for its exceptional flavor and carefully managed rearing process. Just as Spain is famous for its acorn-fed Iberian pork, Tottori has developed its own special pork, raised with meticulous care and fed locally sourced acorns. The result is pork with a beautifully balanced flavor: gently sweet, rich fat co...»