Japan's Least Populated Prefecture | Tottori Prefecture Travel Guide

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Discover Tottori, Japan's least populated prefecture, a hidden gem offering a blend of sea, mountains, outdoor activities, and traditional culture. The creator shares a 4-day itinerary, highlighting why it's one of her top three favorite prefectures.

2 days · 9 places · 6 experiences

Day 1 · 3 places · Tottori, Japan

Tottori Day 1: Forest Dining & Coastal Kayaking

“On my first day in Tottori, I started with a peaceful forest meal, then went clear kayaking along the beautiful Uradome Coast, and ended with dinner at the birthplace of Shabu Shabu.”

1
Mitaki-en Restaurant
Japanese restaurant · Chizu
4.5 (474)Open · until 4 PM
Creator's voice
A restaurant surrounded by forest, serving organic Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy your meal outside in a very peaceful atmosphere.
Mitaki-en, 707 Ashizu, Chizu, Yazu District, Tottori 689-1412, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Clear Kayaking at Uradome Coast
Uradome Coast is known for its clear waters, so I decided to try out the clear kayaks to see the sites up close and personal. It's designated as one of Japan's natural treasures and has many caves, cliffs, and unique rock formations. On a clear day, the water transparency can be up to 25 meters, allowing you to see all the way down. It's also popular for snorkeling and diving. I want you to know about this place and come enjoy the beautiful ocean, as not many foreigners visit here.
2
Uradome Coast
Beach · Iwami
4.3 (824)
Creator's voice
A beautiful coastline designated as one of Japan's natural treasures and voted one of its best coastlines. It features clear waters, caves, cliffs, and uniquely shaped rocks. Boat tours are available, but clear kayaking offers an up-close experience. It's also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
Uradome Coast, Uradome, Iwami, Iwami District, Tottori 681-0003, Japan
3
Takumi Shabu Shabu Restaurant
Japanese regional restaurant · Tottori
4.5 (732)Closed · opens 5 PM
Creator's voice
A restaurant where Shabu Shabu is said to have originated.
Takumi Kappo, 652 Sakaemachi, Tottori, 680-0831, Japan

Day 2 · 3 places · Tottori, Japan

Tottori Day 2: Sand Dunes, Pears & Sand Art

“Day 2 in Tottori started bright and early at the famous Sand Dunes for some fun, followed by delicious pear picking, and then exploring the impressive indoor Sand Museum.”

Experience · 1 place
Sandboarding at Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes are the largest in Japan, and you shouldn't just see them, but try out the many activities available! I tried sandboarding, which was super, super fun. The first time I landed on my stomach and got sand everywhere, but the second and third times I got my landing right. It's a good morning workout, and it gets hot once the sun comes out.
4
Tottori Sand Dunes
Beach · Tottori
4.7
Creator's voice
Japan's largest sand dunes, offering various activities like paragliding, sandboarding, and sunrise yoga. It's a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Pear Picking at Sankouen Pear Orchard
Tottori is well known for its delicious pears, so you can't go home without trying them! I went to pick some pears, and they were so sweet and juicy.
5
Sankouen Pear Orchard
Orchard · Tottori
4.1 (310)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
An orchard where you can pick and taste Tottori's famous sweet and juicy pears.
Sankouen, 1973 Fukubecho Yuyama, Tottori, 689-0105, Japan
6
Tottori Sand Museum
Art museum · Tottori
4.4 (189)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
An indoor museum showcasing impressive sand sculptures. It's much bigger than you might expect.
The Sand Museum, 鳥取砂丘砂の美術館 2083-17 Fukubecho Yuyama, Tottori, 689-0105, Japan

Also in this video

Experience · 1 place
Eating Fresh Raw Squid at Karoichi Fish Market
Being close to the sea, Tottori offers a lot of fresh seafood. At this restaurant, you can enjoy seafood at its freshest, as they catch the fish right out of the tank in front of you. Their specialty is raw squid, which my local friends recommended. If you squeeze lemon on it, the legs apparently come alive and start dancing! I don't usually like raw squid, but I tried it for you guys. It wasn't as slimy as I thought, and it didn't have a strong taste. Afterwards, we got the squid legs deep-fried. It was a really fun experience overall, and the squid was actually pretty good.
7
Karoichi Fish Market
Seafood market · Tottori
3.8 (5,335)Open · until 4 PM
Creator's voice
A fish market where you can enjoy incredibly fresh seafood. There are restaurants that catch fish right out of the tank for your meal.
Karoichi Fish Market, 3 Chome-27-1 Karochonishi, Tottori, 680-0908, Japan
Raw squid — The restaurant's specialty, recommended by locals. Squeezing lemon on it makes the legs move, creating a 'dancing' effect. Despite not usually liking raw squid, I found it not slimy and without a strong taste, making for a fun and surprisingly good experience.
Deep-fried squid legs — After trying the raw squid, the legs were deep-fried. A great option if you're not a fan of raw seafood, or just want to try another preparation.
Experience · 1 place
Japanese Paper Lampshade Class
I came to this place that specializes in making Japanese paper, and I took a class to make a lampshade. This type of Japanese paper is tougher than ordinary paper because it's made from wood pulp. This is what it should look like when you put it in your room.
8
Japanese Paper Making Class
Handicraft · Tottori
4.1 (175)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
A workshop specializing in making Japanese paper, where you can take a class to create items like lampshades. The paper is made from wood pulp, making it tougher than ordinary paper.
Aoya Japanese Paper Workshop, 313 Aoyacho Yamane, Tottori, 689-0514, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Strolling Misasa Onsen Town at Night
I love staying in a Japanese Inn, especially in a hot spring town, because you can go down for a nice peaceful stroll. It's so peaceful here, listening to the sound of the water. This is such a beautiful onsen town, and at nighttime, they often have a festival going on, which I was really looking forward to. There's nothing better than ending your day with a nice traditional Japanese meal. Check out the hot spring town at night because the shops open and the town comes more alive.
9
Misasa Onsen Hot Spring Town
Misasa
Creator's voice
A beautiful hot spring town known for its peaceful atmosphere, especially at night. It's a great place to stay in a traditional Japanese inn and enjoy a relaxing stroll, with shops and festivals often coming alive in the evening.
Misasa Onsen, Misasa, Tōhaku District, Tottori, Japan
Staying in a traditional Japanese Inn — Staying in a Japanese Inn truly gives you the whole Japanese experience. I recommend staying at least once in your life. It's especially atmospheric in a hot spring town.