Things To Do
in Tottori
Tottori is a picturesque coastal city located in western Japan, known for its stunning sand dunes that stretch along the Sea of Japan. The city is home to Tottori Castle, a historic fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. In addition to its natural beauty, Tottori is famous for its delicious seafood, particularly snow crabs and pufferfish.
Visitors can also explore traditional Japanese culture through various festivals and events held throughout the year in Tottori.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's only desert. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the breathtaking views of the dunes and the Sea of Japan.
Have lunch at a nearby café, sampling local seafood. Then, explore the Sand Museum, which features intricate sand sculptures from artists around the world.
Head back to the city and enjoy dinner at a traditional izakaya. Try Tottori's famous Wagyu beef and relax in the local atmosphere.
Begin with a hike up Mount Daisen, known for its stunning mountain landscapes. The fresh air and beautiful scenery will energize you for the day ahead.
Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the scenic spots on the mountain. Spend a few hours hiking different trails and soaking in the natural beauty.
Return to Tottori city and unwind with a relaxing hot spring bath. Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local dishes at a nearby restaurant.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty including the famous Tottori Sand Dunes.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites such as Tottori Castle.
- Less crowded compared to other tourist destinations in Japan, offering a more tranquil experience.
- Delicious local cuisine, particularly fresh seafood and unique products like Tottori pears.
- Access to beautiful coastlines and outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.
- Limited public transportation options which can make it difficult to navigate the area.
- Less international recognition, which may mean fewer English-speaking services.
- Fewer entertainment and shopping options compared to larger Japanese cities.
- Seasonal weather variations can be extreme, influencing travel plans.
- Some attractions may have limited hours or be closed during off-peak seasons.
Best Activities in Tottori
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the thrill of boarding down the Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest dune system in Japan.
Take a leisurely ride through the sand dunes on a camel for a unique experience.
Explore the beautiful nature trails and hiking routes in and around Tottori, such as Mount Daisen and the Misasa Onsen area.
Relax and enjoy various beach activities along the coast, from swimming and sunbathing to beachcombing and beach volleyball.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tottori with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tottori
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its beautiful sand dunes, offering stunning views and picturesque photo opportunities.
A majestic mountain providing panoramic views of the surrounding area, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Tottori
Tottori Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tottori is famous for its Matsuba crab, known for its tender meat and sweet flavor. It is best enjoyed as sashimi or grilled, and can be found at local seafood restaurants and markets such as Tottori Karo Crab Market.
Must-Try!
Tottori Wagyu, particularly the Tajima strain, is highly prized for its exceptional marbling and flavor. It can be savored at specialty barbecue restaurants like Yakiniku Hiro, known for serving top-quality Wagyu beef.
A unique local dish, Sakyu Sando is a sand dune-shaped ice cream sandwich, representing the Tottori Sand Dunes. It can be found at various dessert shops around the dunes area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This market offers a wide array of local produce, seafood, and artisanal crafts. It's a great place to sample street food like grilled squid and tempura as you explore the majestic sand dunes.
This street food village near Tottori Station is a bustling hub for trying local delicacies such as Tottori ramen, Kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl), and yakitori skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tottori, it is customary to bow slightly when greeting someone as a sign of respect and courtesy.
When entering a Japanese home or certain traditional establishments in Tottori, it is important to remove your shoes at the entrance to show respect for the cleanliness of the space.
When speaking to elders or those in positions of authority in Tottori, it is important to use polite language and honorifics to show respect.
Safety
Tipping in Tottori
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Tottori. In fact, it may be seen as rude or confusing in some situations. Service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants and hotels, so additional tipping is not expected.
In Tottori, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most commonly used form of payment. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and department stores, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. Mobile payment options such as IC cards and smartphone apps are also becoming increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms and enjoy pleasant weather
Ideal for visiting beaches and experiencing local festivals
Great for viewing colorful foliage and pleasant temperatures
Perfect for enjoying Tottori's snow festival and skiing
Tottori at Night
Hiking in Tottori
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park that features the majestic Daisen mountain, offering various trails for hiking with breathtaking views of nature.
The highest peak in the Chūgoku region, Mount Daisen has several hiking routes ranging from beginner to advanced, providing excellent scenery and a challenging experience.
This scenic trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, with well-maintained paths.
A unique hiking spot that not only offers a walk through nature but also showcases artwork related to manga, particularly the works of Shigeru Mizuki.
While known for its sand dunes, there are hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the diverse landscapes of the area, including its dunes and shoreline.
Aiports
How to reach Tottori by plane.
Located in Osaka, this major international airport serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights.
Located in Okayama, this airport offers a mix of domestic and limited international flights, serving the western part of Japan.
Situated near Hiroshima, this airport provides both domestic and international services, catering to the Chugoku region.
Also known as Itami Airport, this facility primarily handles domestic flights but is located close to the major city of Osaka and provides access to international flights through Kansai International Airport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Tottori consists of Japanese citizens, predominantly ethnically Japanese.
A smaller group including expatriates and international residents, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the region.
A significant demographic group in Tottori, reflecting the aging population trend seen across Japan.
This group encompasses school-aged children and teenagers, although they make up a smaller portion of the population compared to the elderly.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A highly popular sport in Tottori, with local teams and a strong following among fans.
Soccer enjoys a growing popularity in Tottori, with youth leagues and community support for local teams.
Basketball is played at schools and community centers, and there are local clubs organized in the region.
Volleyball has a strong presence in schools and recreational leagues, both for men and women.
With beautiful natural landscapes, trekking and hiking are popular activities among locals and tourists alike.
Sports such as Kendo and Judo are practiced and celebrated, contributing to the cultural heritage of the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tottori.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, some restaurants in Tottori, such as Oshokujidokoro Furari, offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like tempura, vegetable sushi, and tofu-based meals.
Several establishments in Tottori, like Waremokou, provide gluten-free alternatives and can accommodate dietary restrictions. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly to ensure a pleasant dining experience.