Tottori Prefecture: Scenic Travel and Local Flavors Around Mt. Daisen and the Hino River

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Mount Daisen, one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, and the Hino River, are a defining presence in this area. The mountainous region fronts the Sea of Japan, with mountains, rivers, and village life that stretch across the landscape, boasting rich natural resources and historic scenery.

The view changes by the season, a huge part of its appeal, and visitors can enjoy mountaineering, onsen (hot springs), and walks on the beaches, along with the local festivities. The pure water has fostered the local sake industry, and also the food culture.

This article moves along the JR San'in Main Line and National Route 9, visiting Sakaiminato, Yonago, Hiezu, Houki, Kotoura, and Kurayoshi. Let's start the eastward tour, take in the view along the Sea of Japan, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Sakaiminato: Manga and Port Town Specialties

Sakaiminato is one of the prominent fishing ports in Japan, and also the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, the author of GeGeGe no Kitaro. Mizuki championed the yokai culture (supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore), which has driven the development of the city, where visitors can enjoy the fresh seafood straight from the Sea of Japan. The imaginary world and the ordinary world coexist alongside each other at Sakaiminato, creating a unique port town atmosphere.

The Mizuki Shigeru Museum displays the works of its namesake, including GeGeGe no Kitaro. Visitors can enjoy his manga, yokai drawings, and quotes, along with videos and three-dimensional artworks. Mizuki's rare original drawings are displayed almost throughout the year.

The admission tickets, printed with Mizuki's famous words, are all designed differently. His remarks are displayed at Chapter 6: The Words of Shigeru Mizuki, so it might be fun to compare them with your tickets during your visit.

Yokai Cave at Chapter 4 is a three-dimensional exhibition, displaying yokai that appear to step out of the drawings as if they have come alive. The dim lighting adds a mysterious air to the room, so be sure to feel this ambiance for yourself.

Mizuki Shigeru Museum
Address: 684-0025 Tottori Prefecture, Sakaiminato, Hon-machi 5
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (Reception closes at 16:30)
Official Website: https://mizuki-sakaiminato-net.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Mizuki Shigeru Road, a shopping street in front of the museum, is decorated with bronze yokai statues. There are 178 adorable sculptures total, making the road a popular photo spot. They are lit up at night, showing a different wondrous appeal from the daytime.

There are souvenir shops selling Kitaro-related items, cafes, long-established restaurants and stores along the street. The stores also host a stamp rally, which makes the stroll more fun. Those who are lucky might be able to see an ad-wrapped train of Kitaro in front of the station.

Sakaiminato Seafood Center is the place to shop for seafood caught in the Sea of Japan. They offer seasonal products, such as the red snow crab and matsuba crab in winter. The products are displayed without any frills, reflecting the lively atmosphere of the port town.

After leaving the imaginary world of the yokai walking on Mizuki Shigeru Road, visitors can experience the daily life at the market. The unique coexistence of the two worlds is the greatest appeal of Sakaiminato.

Visitors can fully enjoy premium fresh seafood at the market, and also at nearby restaurants where local chefs showcase their culinary skills. Those who are fond of marine products should not miss it.

There are also small shops selling processed products, which are great for souvenirs, in the seafood center.

Sakaiminato Seafood Center
Address: 684-0034 Tottori Prefecture, Sakaiminato, Showa-machi 9-5
Hours: 8:00 - 16:00
Official Website: https://sanmaki-direct.jp/index.html

Yonago: The Coexistence of Onsen, History, and Nature

Picture courtesy of Yonago City Culture and Tourism Bureau, Tourism Division

Yonago is the center of western Tottori, boasting a number of commercial facilities and accommodations. It is an ideal place to visit during your trip, or to use as a base for a sightseeing tour. The city fronts the Sea of Japan, and visitors can also enjoy the view of Mount Daisen, allowing you to experience both the land and the sea up-close.

Picture courtesy of Kasuitei

Kaike Onsen is a major coastal hot spring resort in the San'in Region. It is known as one of the closest onsen to the sea, right next to the Sea of Japan. Guests can listen to the sound of waves, or feel the sea breeze, while relaxing and enjoying a bath.

The resort is dotted with restaurants and foot baths, so visitors can refresh themselves, and also mingle with the local residents while experiencing their daily lives.

Kaike Onsen
Address: 683-0001 Tottori Prefecture, Yonago
Official Website: https://www.kaike-onsen.com/english/index.php

©︎Yuichi Oka

The Yonago Castle Ruins is both a historic site and a lookout point. It is located on a hill in the city, offering a panoramic view, where the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen can be seen on clear, sunny days.

Orange Road and Diamond Daisen are the two phenomena that should not be missed. The former appears during mid to late May, and from late July to early August. It is a straight line, created by the sunset on the surface of the lake. The latter appears around February 20th and October 22nd. When the weather allows, the sun can be seen rising from the top of Mount Daisen. Visitors to Yonago during those periods should look forward to the spectacles, created by the season and time.

Yonago Castle Ruins
Address: 683-0824 Tottori Prefecture, Yonago, Kume-cho
Hours: Open 24 hours
Official Website: https://yonagocastle.com/

Hiezu: A Detour to Local Daily Life and Shopping

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Hiezu, located in the outskirts of Yonago, is an ideal place to shop while watching the daily lives of the local residents. There is a large shopping mall, along with a market where people gather, so visitors can take a break during their drive, or do a little shopping.

Shinsen Market, located next to Aeon Mall Hiezu, handles fresh seasonal seafood from the Sea of Japan and dried food products. There are also restaurants serving seafood bowls, tempura, and beef-bone ramen, giving you a taste of the region.

Shinsen Market
Address: 689-3553 Tottori Prefecture, Nishihouki, Hiezuson, Hiezu 1026-1
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00
Closed: Wednesdays and January 1st.
Shop Websites:
Hiezu Marché tulipana/Tempura Masao/Yamayoshi-tei/Ramen Daizan/Kimura Fish Shop

Picture courtesy of Hiezu Village General Affairs Department

Visitors can enjoy a unique scenery at Hiezu in springtime, with fields of tulips and cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the snow-capped Mt. Daisen in the background. It is a beautiful, yet fleeting symbol of spring in the San'in Region.

Houki: Hot Springs and Art Amid the Foothills

Picture courtesy of Pixta

The elevated inland area offers a different kind of view from the seaside, and majestic sight of Mount Daisen, also known as Houki Fuji, will be closer. The inland is known for its spring water, along with fine cuisine and stunning scenery.

Mercure Tottori Daisen Resort & Spa is the perfect resort to fully enjoy this area, sandwiched between the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen. A shuttle bus runs from Yonago Station to the hotel, located in the mountainous region. There is also a bus service for those heading to Daisen Bakuroza, to enjoy mountaineering or skiing.

The lounge on the 12th floor offers snacks, coffee, and tea, along with an expansive view you can enjoy in solitude. Mount Daisen can also be seen from some of the guestrooms, so this hotel is perfect for those who want to appreciate the scenery.

A pour-over coffee experience, a comfortable workspace, and a promenade through the woods await guests. The hotel offers an all-inclusive package, with most of the services encompassed in the accommodation fee, so you don't have to worry about additional charges and just enjoy a luxurious stay at the hotel.

Picture courtesy of Mercure Tottori Daisen Resort & Spa

The meals are made from local ingredients, with a San'in touch of simplicity and warmth. Served in a buffet style for breakfast and dinner, the dishes include Japanese, Western, and creative cuisine.

The hotel utilizes the thermal heat of Mount Daisen, so guests can enjoy a expansive public bath and open-air tub baths. They can also use the sauna, or relax and have a drink in the sofa area afterwards.

Mercure Tottori Daisen Resort & Spa
Address: 689-4108 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Houki-cho, Maruyama, Aza-Nakaso 1647-13
Official Webite: https://mercure-tottoridaisen-resortandspa.jp/en/

Picture courtesy of Daisen Resort Sawada Base

Those who want to engage in outdoor activities should visit Daisen Resort Sawada Base, a nearby glamping facility. They offer a comfortable setting, fit for spending time with family, or a group of friends in nature.

Daisen Resort Sawada Base
Address: 689-4214 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Houki-cho, Iwadate
Official Website: https://sawadabase.com/

Picture courtesy of Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography

The Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography displays the works of the Shoji Ueda, known for the beauty of his unique compositions. The simple and modern building is designed in a minimalist style to blend with its surroundings, while the exhibition rooms bring out the best of Ueda's works. The stunning view of Mount Daisen from the second floor window is framed just like a photograph, and turns the outside nature into a work of art. Art and nature co-exists at this facility.

Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography
Address: 689-4107 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Houki-cho, Sumura 353-3
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Official Website: https://www.houki-town.jp/ueda/english/

*Pictured is the farm before renovation. Picture courtesy of Daisen Makiba Milk-no-Sato

Daisen Makiba Milk-no-Sato is a tourist facility managed by the Daisen Dairy Agricultural Cooperative. It is located at Daisen Ranch, so visitors may even be able to catch the cows grazing. They can taste a special soft-served ice cream made from White Rose Milk, while looking down on Yumigahama Peninsula, or looking up at Mount Daisen. There is a restaurant serving dishes made with their own milk and dairy products, along with a gift shop where you can buy Daisen Dairy products, and confection perfect for souvenirs. There will also be a takeout counter after the re-opening in late April (*), so it'd be fun to go on a picnic in the grass on sunny days.

*: The facility is closed until late April 2026 due to renovations. Please check their official website for the latest information about the re-opening.

Daisen Makiba Milk-no-Sato
Address: 689-4101 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Houki-cho, Kobayashi 2-11
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Official Website: https://dainyu.or.jp/home-of-milk/

Kotoura: Peaceful Nature Scenery Along the Coastline

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Kotoura is home to many port towns and historic townscapes with a calm, nostalgic air. A wide variety of idyllic scenery appears by the ocean, making this a captivating place to enjoy nature.

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Nariishi Beach is an unusual place, comprised of oval-shaped stones, which make a clacking sound when washed by the waves, giving the beach its name. The sound and the scenery help to create a calming atmosphere. As the word "yoku naru" or "resonate clearly" in Japanese is a play on words that will "bring good fortune," visitors will write down their wishes on stones and toss them into the ocean.

Nariishi Beach
Address: 689-2501 Tottori Prefecture, Tohaku, Kotoura-cho, Akasaki 1929-11
Official Website: https://www-kotoura--kankou-com.translate.goog/spot/nariishi_beach?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Picture courtesy of Ikkoganaru Campfield

Ikkoganaru Campfield, located inside a national park, was renovated in 2020. Campers can enjoy outdoor activities, and visit Daisen Falls, one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, as the campgrounds serve as the starting point for hiking. You can enjoy different scenery in each season from spring to autumn, making this spot perfect for those who want to spend their time leisurely in a quiet environment.

The official website is available in English, making the site easy to navigate for visitors from abroad.

Ikkoganaru Campfield
Address: 689-2336 Tottori Prefecture, Tohaku, Kotoura-cho, Noikura 688-130
Official Website: https://tottori-camppark.jp/ikkoganaru/e/

Kurayoshi: Historic Townscape and Shopping Opportunities

The historic district in Kurayoshi, boasting a number of classical buildings, exudes a retro atmosphere. With white walls and red roof tiles, the district is truly picturesque no matter how it is captured. It is a popular spot to take photographs, while enjoying a walk through the streets.

The Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art, which opened in March 2025, is the new hub for arts and culture in the prefecture. It is furnished with a cafe, museum shop, and an observation deck, all of which visitors can enter for free, along with various exhibitions. It is more than just a museum, where anyone can casually experience art.

Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art
Address: 682-0816 Tottori Prefecture, Kurayoshi, Dakyoji-cho 2-3-12
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Official Website: https://tottori-moa.jp/

Picture courtesy of Kurayoshi City Tourism Division

The Shirakabe Warehouses, located in the central area, are the symbol of the city. They were built between the Edo and Meiji periods along the waterway with white walls and red roof tiles. Visitors will feel as if they have wandered into another world, where time runs slowly, as they walk by these warehouses.

There are about 18 shops and cafes nearby, all converted from old warehouses. Visitors can take a look at Japanese-style accessories and traditional crafts, while enjoying Japanese desserts and snacks. Akagawara Ichigokan was built as a soy sauce brewery in the Taisho Period. The roof, with thick intersecting beams and five-tiered structure, is worth a look.

Local specialties and souvenirs are sold on the first floor. Traditional crafts are displayed on the second floor, along with a rest area.

Akagawara Ichigo-kan
Address: 682-0861 Tottori Prefecture, Kurayoshi, Shin-machi 1-2441
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Official Website: https://akagawara.jp/list/ichigokan/

It might be fun to drop by temples such as Dairenji Temple and Daigakuin Temple, while taking a walk. They have a serene and tranquil atmosphere, and visitors will be feeling the weight of history.

Enjoy Sights, Food, and History Around Mount Daisen and the Hino River

The eastward route from western Tottori goes through the foothills of Mount Daisen and the Hino River Basin. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful Sea of Japan coastline, the magnificent view of Mount Daisen, rich local flavors, and historic townscapes, along the way. Most sightseeing spots are located near train stations or along main roads, so it will be easy to navigate and plan a flexible itinerary.

Either a rental car or public transportation can be used to comfortably tour the area, so do make a visit, and enjoy the distinctive appeals of the land.