Tottori Prefecture

Tottori Prefecture, located in the San’in region of western Japan’s Chūgoku area, is the least populous prefecture in the country, with about 530,000 residents. Its capital is Tottori City, and the land area is approximately 3,507 square kilometers. The terrain combines mountains and coastline: to the north it faces the Sea of Japan, while the center is dominated by Mount Daisen (1,729 m), the tallest peak in the Chūgoku region. The prefecture is generally divided into three parts: the eastern Inaba, the central Tōhaku, and the western Saihaku.

The climate is typical of the Sea of Japan side, with four distinct seasons. Winters bring heavy snowfall, and the entire prefecture is designated as a heavy-snow area, especially the Daisen region, one of San’in’s famous snow belts. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, while summer can occasionally see hot days due to the föhn effect, though evenings remain relatively cool.

The most famous landmark of Tottori is the Tottori Sand Dunes, the largest in Japan and designated a National Natural Monument, symbolizing the prefecture’s identity. The Hakuto Coast in the east is linked to the ancient White Rabbit of Inaba myth, combining scenic beauty with folklore. The central region’s Kurayoshi preserves Edo- to Meiji-era streets with its white-walled storehouses, while nearby hot springs such as Misasa, Tōgō, and Hawai Onsen are popular healing retreats. In the west, Yonago and Sakaiminato serve as hubs of daily life and transport; Sakaiminato, thanks to manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, has become famous as the “City of GeGeGe no Kitarō,” featuring yokai-themed attractions.

Nature lovers can explore the Uradome Coast in Iwami, known for its rugged cliffs, caves, and crystal-clear waters, often called the “Matsushima of San’in.” Mount Daisen offers year-round recreation—lush greenery in spring, cool hiking in summer, brilliant foliage in autumn, and powder snow skiing in winter. Chizu Town’s vast artificial forests showcase centuries of forestry heritage and are recognized as an Important Cultural Landscape.

Historically, the Nageire-dō Hall of Sanbutsu-ji Temple is a National Treasure, dramatically perched on a cliffside. Traditional districts such as Utsubuki Tamagawa in Kurayoshi and Shōji in Daisen preserve the old-town atmosphere of San’in. The Tottori Castle ruins and the Western-style Jinpūkaku reflect the legacy of the Inaba Domain and the aesthetic of early modern architecture.

Tottori cuisine is equally renowned. In winter, Matsuba-gani (snow crab) is the star delicacy—plump, sweet, and prized nationwide. In summer and autumn, large, rich-tasting rock oysters are harvested. Other specialties include Tottori wagyu beef, the famed 20th Century Pears, and Sakyū Nagaimo yams. Sakaiminato is also one of Japan’s major fishing ports, supplying tuna, mackerel, and fresh seafood across the country.

Festivals add vibrancy to local life. In Tottori City, the Shan-shan Festival fills the streets with dancers holding colorful flower umbrellas. Yonago’s Daisen Natsu-yama Opening Festival combines traditional rituals with mountain climbing to honor Mount Daisen’s spiritual significance. Meanwhile, Sakaiminato hosts events celebrating Mizuki Shigeru’s yokai culture, offering visitors a unique blend of folklore and festivity.