On this page
About Tottori
Tottori Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan along the San'in coast, and is Japan's least populous prefecture — giving its beaches, shrines, and hot spring towns a calm that's rare near Japan's better-known circuits. The Tottori Sand Dunes, a roughly 16-kilometre coastal dune system near the capital, Tottori City, are the prefecture's signature sight, paired with the neighboring Sand Museum's rotating international sand-sculpture exhibitions. To the west, Sakaiminato's Mizuki Shigeru Road honors manga artist Shigeru Mizuki with more than 100 bronze yokai statues lining the walk to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, while nearby Yonago serves as the gateway to Mount Daisen, the highest peak in the Chugoku region and a base for hiking, foliage viewing, and Daisenji Temple. Kurayoshi's Shirakabe Dozogun preserves a riverside district of white-plastered, black charred-cedar storehouses from the Edo and Meiji eras, and the radium-rich hot springs of Misasa Onsen and the beachfront baths of Kaike Onsen offer an onsen-town counterpoint to the coastline. Tottori is also Japan's prime Matsuba crab region, with fishing ports at Sakaiminato and along the coast supplying kaiseki-style crab courses each winter.
- Capital
- Tottori City
- Largest city
- Tottori City
- Population
- 530,000 (prefecture, 2025 estimate) — Japan's least populous prefecture
- Languages
- Japanese
- Currency
- Japanese Yen
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo (JST, UTC+9)
Explore Tottori by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Tottori
The 10 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Tottori Sand Museum
Mizuki Shigeru Road
Mount Daisen
Uradome Coast Sightseeing Boat
Kurayoshi Shirakabe Dozogun (White-Walled Storehouse District)
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Tottori Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Tottori, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Tottori
- Days 1-2Tottori city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Tottori
- Days 1-3Tottori comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Tottori, departure
Where to stay in Tottori
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ¥5,500–7,500 ($37–50)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ¥14,000–24,000 ($93–160)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ¥40,000–95,000 ($267–633)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Kiya Ryokan
Check rates on Booking.comMisasakan
Check rates on Booking.comUmiiro-Yunoyado Shogetsu
Check rates on Booking.comKaike Yugetsu
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Tottori
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Kaniyoshi
Menya Musou
Inoyoshi
Musashiya Shokudo
Soba Sakabou Tsunagiya
Kanijiman
Getting around Tottori
Tottori City, Kurayoshi, and Yonago/Sakaiminato form the prefecture's transport spine, linked by the JR San'in Main Line. There is no Shinkansen station in Tottori — travelers connect via the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama, then the JR Limited Express Super Hakuto/Super Inaba to Tottori City and Kurayoshi, or the Limited Express Yakumo to Yonago. Two small regional airports serve the prefecture, and a rental car is close to essential for reaching Mount Daisen, Misasa Onsen, Hawai Onsen, and the Yumigahama Peninsula.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in JPY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥3,000–4,500 ($20–30) guesthouse/business hotel | ¥7,000–14,000 ($47–93) business hotel | ¥20,000–60,000 ($133–400) onsen ryokan |
| Food (per day) | ¥1,500–2,500 ($10–17) | ¥3,000–5,000 ($20–33) | ¥8,000–20,000 ($53–133) Matsuba crab kaiseki |
| Transportation | ¥500–1,000 ($3.30–6.70) | ¥1,000–2,000 ($6.70–13.30) | ¥2,000–4,000 ($13.30–26.70) |
| Activities | ¥500–1,500 ($3.30–10) | ¥1,000–3,000 ($6.70–20) | ¥3,000–7,000 ($20–47) |
| Daily total | ¥5,500–7,500 ($37–50) | ¥14,000–24,000 ($93–160) | ¥40,000–95,000 ($267–633) |
Best time to visit Tottori
April–May (spring) and late September–November (autumn)
Spring brings mild temperatures and cherry blossoms around Tottori Castle Ruins. Autumn offers the clearest skies of the year and comfortable conditions for the Sand Dunes and Mitokusan Sanbutsuji climb. Winter is Tottori's wettest and snowiest season, notably heavier than Japan's Pacific-side cities at similar latitudes.
Essential travel tips
- Buy the Kirinjishi Loop Bus day pass (¥600/$4.00) for unlimited rides between Tottori Station and the Sand Dunes/Sand Museum area
- Rent a car for Mount Daisen, Misasa Onsen, Hawai Onsen, and the Uradome Coast beyond Tottori City/Yonago — rural bus frequency makes multi-stop days difficult without one
- Book Matsuba crab kaiseki courses outside the November–March peak season for meaningfully lower prices at the same restaurants
- There is no Shinkansen station in Tottori Prefecture — plan the Okayama transfer into arrival timing, allowing 15–20 minutes to change platforms
- The JR Sakai Line between Yonago and Sakaiminato is itself part of the Mizuki Shigeru sightseeing experience, with yokai-decorated trains and station names
Safety information
Carry cash — rural Tottori (Misasa, Mitoku, Kurayoshi's Shirakabe district) is heavily cash-based
Check the Nageiredo climb's current status at Mitokusan Sanbutsuji before setting out — it closes after rain, snow, or high wind
Visit the Sand Dunes early morning or late afternoon in July–August to avoid heat exposure on the exposed sand
Confirm rental cars have snow tires fitted (standard practice November–March) before driving toward Misasa, Mitoku, or inland Kurayoshi routes
Rural bus and train services can run hourly or less outside Tottori City and Yonago — check the return timetable before a day trip
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Tottori?
The best time to visit Tottori is April–May.
Do I need a visa to visit Tottori?
Visitors from most Western countries enjoy visa-free entry to Japan for 90 days. Check the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mofa.go.jp) for nationality-specific requirements. Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Tottori?
The currency in Tottori is the Japanese Yen (JPY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Tottori?
The main language(s) spoken in Tottori: Japanese. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Tottori?
The top attractions in Tottori include Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori Sand Museum, Mizuki Shigeru Road, Mount Daisen, and Uradome Coast Sightseeing Boat. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.