Travel for Life

Friday, November 15, 2024

Unveiling Tottori: Japan's Hidden Gem Where Nature, Culture, and Adventure Collide

Japan's Least Populated Prefecture | Tottori Prefecture Travel Guide (YouTube link)

Tottori & Kinosaki ONSEN (YouTube link)

Tottori Prefecture, nestled on the Sea of Japan coast, holds the distinction of being Japan's least populated prefecture. However, what it lacks in crowds, it more than makes up for in natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and off-the-beaten-path charm.

Tottori offers a unique blend of mountains, coastline, and charming towns, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a tranquil and authentic Japanese experience.

Discovering Tranquility: Shitori Shrine (YouTube link)

Here's a glimpse into what awaits you in Tottori:

Natural Wonders:

Tottori Sand Dunes: The crown jewel of Tottori is the vast Tottori Sand Dunes, stretching for over 16 kilometers along the coast. These impressive dunes, reaching heights of up to 50 meters, are a haven for sandboarding, camel rides, and exploring the unique desert-like landscape.
Mt. Mitoku: It is located in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, is a sacred mountain revered for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. It's home to several temples and shrines, including the famous Sanbutsu-ji Temple, which houses important Buddhist artifacts.

The mountain offers stunning hiking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also enjoy hot spring baths and local cuisine, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.

Mount Daisen: A dormant volcano, Mount Daisen is a majestic peak offering stunning vistas, hiking trails, and a chance to soak in natural beauty. You can find charming villages, hidden waterfalls, and serene hot springs nestled around the mountain.
Uradome Coast: This scenic coastline boasts dramatic rock formations, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Take a boat tour to admire the unique rock formations and spot marine life.

【Tottori/鳥取】MISASA Hot Springs〔三朝温泉〕(YouTube link)

Cultural Delights:

Traditional Crafts: Tottori is a treasure trove of traditional crafts. Witness the creation of beautiful woodblock prints, delicate lacquerware, and exquisite ceramics.
Sand Museum: A unique highlight of Tottori is the annual Sand Museum (online ticket booking; time: 1 hr), showcasing intricate sculptures made entirely of sand. The artistry and detail of these sculptures are truly awe-inspiring.
Shrine and Temple Visits: Explore the numerous shrines and temples scattered throughout Tottori, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual heritage. Visit a serene sanctuary: Shitori Shrine or the renowned historical Sanbutsu-ji Temple.
Misasa Onsen: Misasa Onsen, renowned for its high radon content, is a popular health resort. Soak in the therapeutic waters, especially at the riverside rotenburo. The charming town offers scenic bridges, historic temples, and the soothing sounds of nature.

Local Flavors:

Tottori is a paradise for seafood lovers. Savor the freshest catch, including crab, sandfish, and delicious sea urchin. Don't miss the local specialty, "Tottori WagyuTottori Wagyu" beef, renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Eastern Tottori's twist on yakisoba? Look for "horu soba," a beloved local dish featuring beef entrails (horumon) served in over 30 eateries. Each shop offers its unique spin, so go on a culinary adventure and discover your favorite combination of sauce, entrails, and noodles!

Tottori may be off the beaten path, but it's precisely this aspect that makes it a gem waiting to be explored. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals, Tottori promises an unforgettable Japanese adventure.

Download the timetable pdf (link)

References

JR鳥取駅・鳥取空港～鳥取砂丘へのアクセス
空港～鳥取駅区間　連絡バス時刻表(鳥取駅まで約20分)
空港～倉吉駅・青山剛昌ふるさと館区間　連絡バス時刻表

The first bus (1便) from Kurayoshi Station to Tottori Airport requires a reservation. No reservations are needed for the other buses.

鳥取砂丘周辺 Map & Information (pdf)
鹿野そば道場
三朝温泉　木屋旅館
三朝観光 (pdf; good)
Misasa Onsen Official Site (transportation link)

Tokyo (Haneda) Airport --ANA ~1h 25m--> Tottori Airport --Limousine bus ~45 mins --> JR Kurayoshi Station --local bus ~ 20m--> Misasa Onsen
Misasa Onsen Kanko Shoko Center (8:55 AM) --1h 39m --> Tottori Airport (10:20 AM)
Kurayoshi station (9:30 AM) --airport limousine 50m--> Tottori Airport (10:20 AM)

Mount Daisen Hiking Trail
Shukubo at Wakoin Temple (Buddhist cuisine) in Tottori (total: 13 posts)
Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography
Camel ride experience (in Japanese)

Beginning January 2024, camel photo opportunities will be available only on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during school breaks including spring, summer, autumn, winter, Golden Week, and Silver Week.

Mt. Mitoku Reception Information Center (link)
Mt. Mitoku 三徳山 Hiking map (pdf)

Round trip: 1h 30m - 2h

Sakai Dune Center Panoramic Hill Bus Pack (11/01/2024 - ~)

Discount tickets can be purchased at Tottori Bus Terminal operated by Nihon Kotsu (日本交通株式会社).

Nihon Kotsu (日本交通株式会社)

Please note that bills other than 1,000 yen bills cannot be exchanged on route buses. Please prepare coins in advance.

鳥取駅～砂丘 (Timetable pdf)

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Side Trips from Takamatsu: A Cultural and Artistic Journey

Giving you the world’s best tour around Ritsurin Garden Part 1 (YouTube link)

Giving you the world’s best tour around Ritsurin Garden Part 2 (YouTube link)

Takamatsu (高松), the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan's smallest prefecture, was once the primary entry point to Shikoku Island until the Seto Ohashi Bridge opened in 1988. During the Edo Period, the Matsudaira Clan, relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun, ruled Takamatsu's former castle town and the surrounding Sanuki Province. The clan is also credited with constructing Ritsurin Koen, one of Japan's most renowned gardens.

Autumn colors at Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園)

Things to Do

Takamatsu serves as a great base for exploring the nearby islands and cultural attractions. Notable side trips from Takamatsu include:

Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園): One of Japan's most famous gardens, featuring traditional tea houses, ponds, and walking paths.
Yashima Park: A hilltop park with panoramic views of Takamatsu and the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海). Yashima Observatory offers stunning panoramic views of Takamatsu city and the nearby islands of Megijima and Ogijima. It's a delightful spot to watch ferries and boats navigating the waters below.
Shikoku Village: The village is an open-air museum located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. This charming village showcases a collection of traditional buildings and structures from across Shikoku Island, dating back to the Edo and Meiji periods.

The Insider Guide to Naoshima - Japan's Art Island Paradise (YouTube link)

Naoshima Island: A Contemporary Art Haven. For photographing rules, read this.

Benesse House Museum: This iconic museum features works by renowned artists like James Turrell and Richard Serra, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape.
Chichu Art Museum: Housed underground, this museum showcases large-scale installations by artists like Claude Monet and James Turrell. Advance ticket reservations are compulsory here.
Art House Project: Honmura, a quaint port town on Naoshima's eastern coast, hosts the Art House Project, transforming abandoned houses, a temple, and a shrine into contemporary art installations. These spaces, integrated into the traditional neighborhood, provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors. There's one art house in particular, called Minamidera, which has a visitor limit each day. I think it's the best of the permanent installations, so I highly recommend booking your slot as soon as you can. Actually, since opening hours for the art house installations are also limited, if you want to try and see all of them, it pays to get here early too.
Lee Ufan Museum: The museum is a contemporary art museum dedicated to the works of Korean artist Lee Ufan. The museum is known for its minimalist and serene atmosphere, which complements Ufan's abstract and meditative art.
Yellow Pumpkin: This iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama is a must-see for art lovers and Instagram enthusiasts.

Teshima Island: A Peaceful Retreat

Teshima Art Museum: Designed by architect Rei Naito, this museum blends seamlessly with the island's natural beauty, featuring works by artists like Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

Kotohira Shrine (金刀比羅宮): A Shinto Pilgrimage

1,368 Steps: This iconic staircase leads to the main shrine and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Kompirasan is a popular pilgrimage site despite its challenging approach. Starting in a touristy shopping arcade, visitors climb 785 steps (about 45 minutes) past auxiliary shrine buildings and museums to the main hall. There, they can enjoy views of Kotohira Town and visit the Ema Hall, which displays plates and pictures of various vessels, including a real mini submarine. For the adventurous, it's an additional 583 steps (45 minutes) through a forested path to the inner shrine (Okusha).

Kanamaruza Kabuki Theater is a historic kabuki theater located in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Built in 1890, Kanamaruza is one of the few remaining traditional kabuki theaters in Japan.
Kotohira Museum: This museum houses a collection of Japanese art, including paintings, ceramics, and textiles.
Omagari Bashi Bridge: This unique bridge is a popular spot for photography and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Marugame Castle: A well-preserved castle with beautiful gardens and a museum.

Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Takamatsu and its surrounding islands offer a diverse range of attractions to suit all tastes.

Kompirasan, formally known as Kotohiragu (金刀比羅宮, Kotohiragū)

Official interactive approach map in Japanese