5 Local Experiences Not Found in Guidebooks: Tottori Edition

Uradome Coast is a ria coast stretching approximately 15 kilometers, located in Iwami Town at the northeastern tip of Tottori Prefecture. Towering cliffs, sea caves, and striking rock formations shaped by the Sea of Japan’s waves stand in vivid contrast to the calm, crystal-clear waters and serene beaches framed by white sand and green pines.

On top of being designated as one of Japan’s top 100 scenic views, a Place of Scenic Beauty, and a Natural Monument of Japan, the area is also highly valued academically. In 2010, the San'in Kaigan Geopark, which includes Uradome Coast, received UNESCO Global Geopark certification.

The pristine waters that Iwami Town proudly calls "Iwami Blue" offer visibility extending to depths of 25 meters.

For the ultimate way to appreciate this stunning seascape, we recommend taking a cruise. At Uradome Coast, you can board sightseeing vessels that tour both the magnificent landscapes sculpted by the Sea of Japan's powerful waves and the pristine white islands floating in the clear waters. The highlight is getting up close to some of these impressive rock formations! Boats depart hourly from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The official website is in English, so even non-Japanese speakers can easily purchase tickets.

Why not embark on a cruise to witness the breathtaking scenery created by these crystal-clear waters and unique rock formations?

Uradome Coast also offers a more adventurous experience that combines sea kayaking and snorkeling! Professional guides provide comprehensive instruction before departure, ensuring that even beginners can participate with confidence. If you make a request during booking, you can even get instruction in English.

Starting from the Nagisa Exchange Center, you'll paddle sea kayaks to explore caves and reach secluded beaches. Then you can dive directly from your kayak into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. The course is designed to reach caves within 10 minutes of departing the harbor, so you don’t need a lot of stamina to get through it. (Cave access may be limited depending on sea conditions.)

Thanks to the exceptional water clarity, you're likely to encounter a lot of marine life during your underwater exploration. Why not experience the stunning beauty of Uradome's brilliant blue waters from both above and below the surface? Come create your own unforgettable adventure here!

Located in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, the Tottori Sand Dunes are the largest in Japan and have been designated a National Natural Monument. As a classic sightseeing destination in the prefecture, there are plenty of exciting activities to try here like camel rides, sandboarding, and paragliding.

The Sand Museum, which uses sand from the Tottori Sand Dunes as its medium, began as an outdoor exhibition in 2006 and opened in 2012 as the world's first indoor facility dedicated exclusively to sand sculptures.

Under the direction of executive producer Katsuhiko Chaen, international sand sculptors are invited to the museum each year to create works of sand art. With the concept of "traveling around the world through sand," the museum changes its theme annually and showcases sand sculptures of world-class quality.

After each exhibition period ends, the artworks are broken down back into sand which is recycled for future use. This temporary nature allows visitors to experience the poignant beauty of these sand sculptures - magnificent precisely because they cannot last forever.

The Wakasa Railway is a charming 19.2-kilometer railway line connecting Yazu Town and Wakasa Town in eastern Tottori Prefecture. Originally the Wakasa Line, which was scheduled for closure by Japanese National Railways, it was saved by the local community and reopened in 1987 as a third-sector railway. In 2008, the station buildings and railway bridges along the route were designated as National Tangible Cultural Properties, bringing recognition to this area where history and railway culture remain vibrantly alive.

The British-style green train "Wakasa," which departs from Koge Station, features warm wooden interiors and windows that frame stunning views of Japan's pastoral countryside.

Hayabusa Station has become a pilgrimage site for motorcycle enthusiasts because it shares its name with the famous "Hayabusa" superbike. Visitors can admire the picturesque wooden station building that looks like something from a painting. During our August visit, the gentle ringing of wind chimes created a refreshing summer atmosphere.

The vibrant royal red "Yazu" train also features an eye-catching design that complements the rural landscape beautifully. Both trains feature comfortable interiors, ideal for relaxing while enjoying the scenery through the windows.

The terminal station, Wakasa Station, welcomes visitors with its charming brick entrance that exudes retro appeal. Every detail within the station, from timetables to signage, faithfully recreates the atmosphere of traditional Japan. In the paid exhibition area, you can examine valuable cultural artifacts up close, including a turntable built in 1930, a historic water tower, and authentic steam locomotives.

Also don’t forget to check out the station's cafe "retro," which serves delightfully colorful melon sodas, hamburgers made with locally sourced pork, and much more.

A journey on the Wakasa Railway offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Japanese tradition, nostalgia, and the heartwarming appeal of rural life.

Kurayoshi Kasuri is a traditional textile from the Kurayoshi region with over 200 years of history dating back to the Edo period. It is also known as "egasuri" (picture kasuri) because it uses weft threads to create picturesque patterns. Kurayoshi City offers a program where you can explore its atmospheric, white-walled storehouse district while wearing beautiful kimono featuring auspicious patterns such as camellia, hemp leaf, and tortoiseshell designs.

The white-walled storehouses that line the Tamagawa River consist primarily of Edo and Meiji period buildings, and the area has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The combination of red tiles and white plaster walls creates a uniquely beautiful landscape.

This experience includes any rental of hair ornaments, footwear, and even drawstring bags. Professional stylists provide authentic kimono dressing and hair arrangement for a polished look (but tabi socks must be brought or purchased separately). Men's hakama are also available, making this perfect for families and couples.

English assistance is provided upon request when booking, ensuring international visitors can participate comfortably.

Walking through the historic streets in elegant kimono transforms the entire townscape into a photogenic backdrop. After enjoying some shopping, take a magical evening stroll along Benten Sando, a pathway illuminated by traditional lanterns. Capturing these enchanting moments in photographs will make your travel memories shine with even greater brilliance.

Accessible in about 2.5 hours by JR limited express from Osaka or approximately 1.5 hours by air from Tokyo, Tottori offers countless hidden treasures that can only be discovered through firsthand experience. Immerse yourself in Tottori's magnificent natural beauty and enjoy extraordinary moments that go far beyond conventional tourism.