Things To Do
in Yonago
Yonago is a city located in Tottori Prefecture on the western coast of Japan. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Mt. Daisen and the shore of Lake Nakaumi. Yonago is also home to the Yonago Castle ruins and the beautiful Kaike Onsen hot springs.
The city has a rich cultural history and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
- "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 Daisen-Oki National Park, where you can enjoy scenic hiking trails and stunning views of Mount Daisen. Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
Head to Yonago Castle Ruins for a glimpse of history and picturesque surroundings. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park while soaking in the local culture.
Visit the nearby hot springs for a relaxing soak after a day of exploration. Savor a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant to complete your experience.
Start your day at the Yonago City Museum of Art, where you can admire both traditional and contemporary Japanese art. Take time to appreciate the exhibitions before the crowds arrive.
Visit the historic Yonago Castle, which provides insight into the castle's rich history. Enjoy the views from the castle grounds as you learn about the city's past.
Explore the vibrant nightlife in downtown Yonago. Sample local street food for dinner and chat with locals for a true cultural experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and coastline.
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional festivals and temples.
- Less crowded compared to larger Japanese cities, providing a peaceful environment.
- Access to local hot springs (onsen) for relaxation.
- Delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood and local sake.
- Limited public transportation options compared to bigger cities.
- Fewer international amenities and services.
- Job opportunities may be limited, especially for non-Japanese speakers.
- Potential language barrier for travelers and expatriates.
- Harsh winter weather can be challenging for some.
Best Activities in Yonago
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore beautiful gardens and view a renowned collection of contemporary Japanese paintings.
Hike or mountain bike through this picturesque area with scenic trails and stunning views.
Relax on the sandy shores and enjoy water sports like swimming and paddleboarding.
Visit this historical site and take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque grounds.
Experience a traditional Japanese inn and indulge in nature-based activities such as forest bathing and hot spring baths.
Places to Visit in Yonago
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscape
Features a beautiful beach and a stunning view of the sunset
Scenic spot with picturesque gardens and a Ferris wheel offering aerial views
Food in Yonago
Yonago Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature dish of Yonago, Sakana Meshi features locally caught fish served on a bed of perfectly seasoned rice. The freshness of the seafood combined with the simplicity of the dish makes it a must-try for visitors. Head to the seaside restaurants or izakayas to savor this delightful delicacy.
Must-Try!
Renowned for its sweet and succulent meat, Matsuba Crab is a seasonal treasure in Yonago. Indulge in this exquisite delicacy at specialty seafood restaurants and traditional ryokans around the city. The winter season is the best time to savor the full flavor of this delectable crab.
Yonago's take on ramen is a flavorful experience not to be missed. The local ramen features a rich and hearty broth topped with locally sourced vegetables and tender slices of pork. Various ramen shops across the city offer this comforting dish, each with its unique twist.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub of local flavors, the Yonago Morning Market offers an array of fresh seafood, produce, and a myriad of street food stalls. Discover delectable treats like grilled seafood skewers, savory pancakes, and sweet delicacies amidst the lively market atmosphere.
Embrace the vibrant street food culture at Furusato Yataimura, where you can sample a diverse range of local specialties in a lively outdoor setting. From takoyaki to yakitori, this food village is an excellent spot to taste a wide variety of authentic Yonago street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Yonago, Japan, it is customary to bow slightly when greeting someone as a sign of respect.
It is considered polite to remove shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments in Yonago.
Japanese culture values personal space, so maintaining an appropriate distance and being mindful of others' space is important in Yonago.
Safety
Tipping in Yonago
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Yonago, Japan. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
In Yonago, Japan, cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. While some establishments may accept credit cards, it is always advisable to carry sufficient cash for transactions, especially in smaller or less touristy areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Yonago is in spring, from March to May, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is mild and pleasant.
Yonago experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often reaching over 30°C. Summer is a good time for beach activities and water sports as Yonago is located near the coast.
Autumn, from September to November, is also a great time to visit Yonago, as the weather is cooler and the fall foliage is beautiful, especially in the surrounding mountains.
Yonago has mild winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0°C. Winter is a good time to visit for those who enjoy winter sports, as there are skiing and snowboarding opportunities in nearby areas.
Yonago at Night
Hiking in Yonago
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Daisen Mountain is a prominent peak in the Daisen-Oki National Park, offering various hiking trails that lead to stunning views and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
A scenic walking path in Sakaiminato that features over 100 bronze statues of characters from the famous manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, perfect for a leisurely hike with cultural appreciation.
Located close to Yonago City, Kagikake Park offers beautiful landscapes and well-marked hiking paths that are suitable for all experience levels, including family-friendly trails.
A smaller mountain that is easily accessible from Yonago, Mount Benten provides a short hike with rewarding views of the surrounding area and Lake Nakaumi.
A group of islands offering various hiking opportunities, from coastal trails to mountainous paths, ideal for adventurous hikers looking for more remote and scenic locations.
Aiports
How to reach Yonago by plane.
An international airport located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometers from Yonago.
An international airport located in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, about 150 kilometers from Yonago.
An international airport located in Mihara, Hiroshima Prefecture, roughly 180 kilometers from Yonago.
An international airport situated on an artificial island in Osakako, Osaka Prefecture, approximately 220 kilometers from Yonago.
Also known as Itami Airport, it's located in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture and about 220 kilometers from Yonago.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group, comprising the vast majority of the population in Yonago.
A notable minority group, with historical ties and a presence in the region.
Another minority group, with a significant number of residents engaged in business and education.
Includes residents from various Southeast Asian countries, though smaller in number.
Includes individuals from Western countries, though they make up a small percentage of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Yonago, with local high schools having competitive teams and the presence of amateur and semi-professional leagues.
Soccer has a strong following in Yonago, with local clubs and youth teams promoting the sport at various levels.
Basketball is widely played in schools and universities in Yonago, with numerous community leagues and events organized throughout the year.
Tennis is popular in Yonago, with many public courts available for use and local tournaments frequently held.
Various forms of martial arts, particularly judo and karate, are practiced by many residents, with dojos available for training.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yonago.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Yonago are adapting to offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Look for establishments that specialize in Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) and modern cafes for a variety of plant-based options.
While gluten-free awareness is growing, it's advisable for visitors with gluten restrictions to communicate their dietary needs clearly at restaurants. Look for eateries offering rice-based dishes and inquire about gluten-free soy sauce, as some places are accommodating to gluten-free preferences.