Get To Know Tottori, Japan’s Quiet Prefecture

Nestled along the Japan Sea in western Honshu (Japan’s main island) in the Chugoku region, Tottori Prefecture is a hidden wonder waiting to be discovered. As one of Japan’s least populous prefectures, Tottori offers a tranquil escape from the bustling cities, boasting a diverse landscape of sandy coastlines and lush mountains. Despite its quiet reputation, Tottori is home to some of Japan’s most unique attractions and natural wonders.

Tottori’s crown jewel is undoubtedly its Sand Dunes, a sight that catches most visitors completely off guard. Sand dunes are perhaps the last thing one expects to encounter in Japan, a country more commonly associated with lush forests, mountains, and cherry blossoms. Yet here, stretching 16 kilometers along the coast, lies Japan’s very own slice of desert landscape.

These sweeping dunes offer a surreal and almost otherworldly experience, with opportunities for sandboarding, camel rides, and breathtaking views of the Japan Sea. The scene is more reminiscent of the Sahara than the land of sushi and samurai, making it a truly unique attraction within Japan. Nearby, The Sand Museum further capitalizes on this unexpected terrain, showcasing intricate must-see sand sculptures.

Just when you think Tottori has exhausted its capacity to surprise with its sand dunes, it throws another curveball your way. Mount Daisen, nicknamed "Mount Fuji of Western Japan", is a majestic mountain peak that offers breathtaking hiking trails, stunning mountain views during the warmer months, and dramatically transformative beauty come winter. As the temperature drops, Mount Daisen dons a cloak of pristine, powdery snow, morphing into a prime ski destination. The duality between Tottori's sand dunes and its snowy slopes makes it one of the most interesting destinations.

You probably expect to see some ancient temples during your trip to Japan, but few expect to find a temple hall precariously perched on a 900-meter-high cliff face. That’s exactly what you’ll discover at Sanbutsu-ji Temple, home to the gravity-defying Nageire-do Prayer Hall.

While manga is quintessentially Japanese, an entire museum dedicated to a single manga creator is a delightful surprise. The Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, celebrating the creator of Detective Conan, offers a deep dive into Japan’s manga culture in an unlikely rural setting.

Reaching Tottori is an adventure in itself, offering a chance to experience Japan’s efficient transportation system while venturing off the beaten path. One option is flying, and there are two airports in Tottori: Tottori Airport (Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport) located in Tottori City, and Yonago Airport (Yonago Kitaro Airport) in Yonago City.

If you prefer a land route, Japan’s famous Shinkansen (bullet train) network comes into play. While there’s no direct Shinkansen to Tottori, you can take a Shinkansen from major stations like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto to Himeji Station. From there, transfer to an express train to reach Tottori Station. This route allows you to experience Japan’s high-speed rail system and enjoy scenic views of Japan along the way.

When it comes to accommodation in Tottori, Kaike Onsen Kaike Seaside Hotel offers an experience that perfectly encapsulates the prefecture’s ability to surprise and delight. This unique hotel sits at the intersection of two of Japan’s most beloved travel experiences: onsen (hot springs) and seaside resorts.

Perched on the coast of the Japan Sea, Kaike Seaside Hotel offers rooms with sweeping ocean views — a sight not too dissimilar from what one may come to expect from a tropical beach resort. But the real magic happens when you step into the hotel’s hot springs. Here, you can soak in the natural spring waters while gazing out at the ocean, creating a serene fusion of relaxation and coastal beauty.

The hotel’s location in Kaike Onsen, a rare sodium chloride spring locale, means guests will benefit from the restorative properties of the natural spring water, particularly for nerve and skin ailments.

The hotel also offers easy access from Yonago Airport, which is about a 25-minute drive, and Tottori Sand Dunes, around an hour and a half away. Start your day with a camel ride on the dunes, spend the afternoon taking a walk by the sea, and end your evening soaking in a hot spring — the perfect way to experience the unexpectedly peaceful delights of Tottori Prefecture.