Open Travel Guide
History of Tottori

Tottori History & Heritage Guide 2026

Explore the rich history, historical sites, and museums of Tottori.

Tottori has 8+ historical sites covered in this guide, led by Tottori Castle Ruins (Kyusho-en), Aoya Kamijichi Historic Park and Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple and Nageiredo Hall. Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Tottori Prefecture stretches along Japan's San'in coast on the Sea of Japan, home to the Tottori Sand Dunes, the country's largest coastal dune system, and the yokai-themed Mizuki Shigeru Road in the port town of Sakaiminato. Japan's least populous prefecture, Tottori pairs a dramatic, uncrowded coastline with Mount Daisen's hiking trails, the white-walled storehouse district of Kurayoshi, and radium-rich hot springs at Misasa and Kaike Onsen.

Historical sites

Places where Tottori's past comes alive.

Museums

Curated collections that tell Tottori's story.

Museum

Tottori Prefectural Museum

Hours: 9:00–17:00 (until 19:00 during some special exhibitions); closed Mondays and Dec 29–Jan 3

Admission: Adult: ¥180 ($1.20) permanent exhibition; special exhibitions priced separately | Child: Reduced or free for students, varies by exhibition

Museum

Tottori Folk Crafts Museum (Mingei)

Hours: Hours vary seasonally; closed Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a holiday) — confirm via official listing before visiting

Admission: Adult: ¥500 ($3.30) | Child: ¥300 ($2.00) students; free for ages 70+ and preschoolers

Museum

Mizuki Shigeru Museum

Hours: 9:30–18:00 daily (last entry 30 min before close); some days have extended hours

Admission: Adult: ¥1,000 ($6.70) | Child: ¥500 ($3.30) junior high/high school; ¥300 ($2.00) elementary; ¥300 ($2.00) visitors with disabilities

Museum

Tottori Sand Museum

Hours: 9:00–18:00 daily (last entry 17:30); closed periodically between exhibition changes — confirm current dates before visiting

Admission: Adult: ¥800 ($5.30) | Child: ¥400 ($2.70) elementary–high school; free below elementary age