6 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture! A City of Sand and History Representing the San’in Region

Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture can be reached in about 3 hours by highway from Osaka and just over an hour by plane from Tokyo. Although it may seem far away, it isn’t as remote as one might think. Tottori City is home to many famous tourist spots including the Tottori Sand Dunes. In this article, we introduce six sightseeing spots in Tottori City that are related to both sand and history. These attractions offer a unique atmosphere you won’t find in other cities, providing a fresh travel experience.

1. Super Art Made of Sand at the Sand Museum

When it comes to enjoying the natural beauty of Tottori City, the Tottori Sand Dunes are well known. However, the attraction we’re featuring today is the Sand Museum, where you are overwhelmed by man-made art. Under the theme “Inspire and Amaze Visitors to Tottori,” sand sculptors from around the world gather to create grand-scale and intricate artworks near the sand dunes.

The concept is “a world trip in sand,” with gigantic figures of people, animals, and buildings created each year with a different theme. It’s amazing that the only materials used are “sand” and “water.” The sheer skill and the ephemeral quality of sand-made art provide an unforgettable experience that you must witness in person.

The bold and elaborate sculptures are so impressive that you might find yourself wondering, “Are these really made of sand? How did they do it?” Although the artworks are fragile and not to be touched, merely admiring them is enough to create a wonderful memory of Tottori City.

2. Hakuto Shrine, Dedicated to the White Rabbit of Inaba

When you think of a deity of matchmaking, you might think of Izumo Taisha and Ōkuninushi. There is a myth in which “the myriad gods gathered under Ōkuninushi in October to discuss love,” and supporting his love was the white rabbit enshrined at Hakuto Shrine in Tottori City—known as the “White Rabbit of Inaba.” This unique shrine, which seems more likely to bring about love than Izumo Taisha, is popular among tourists.

Adorable stone statues of white rabbits can be seen throughout the shrine grounds, along with sacred sites associated with the myth of the White Rabbit of Inaba. It is recommended to explore the area by looking for the rock formations resembling a crocodile’s back or the site where the white rabbit was said to have been injured, retracing the steps of the ancient myth recorded in the Kojiki.

After your visit, be sure to buy souvenirs in the city. A popular choice is the Tottori specialty confection “Hakuto,” featuring red eyes and a cute design.

3. Tottori Castle Ruins with a Panoramic View of the City

Tottori Castle was built by the local feudal lord Yamana, whose name is associated with this land. For fans of the Muromachi to Azuchi–Momoyama periods, this site will be familiar. Built as a military outpost during the turbulent Sengoku period and the site of many fierce battles, Tottori Castle is well known.

Due to lightning strikes and earthquakes, the castle lost its main keep, and today only the main gate, stone walls, and a moat with an ancient well remain, which is very unfortunate. However, the stone walls of Tottori Castle are a must-see. At the site of the Tenshū (main keep) in the Sannomaru area, you can see a reconstructed spiral stone wall that is completely spherical, an enigmatic feature whose purpose remains a mystery.

Being a hill castle, the view from the castle mound is superb. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tottori Sand Dunes and the cityscape of Tottori City. The nearby Hisamatsu Park offers a striking contrast of moats, swans, and stone walls. The cherry blossom season is especially recommended.

4. Shikano: A Castle Town Unlike Any Other

Shikano is an off-the-beaten-path castle town in Tottori City. It is known as a hidden gem. As Shiba Ryotaro once described, “There is hardly anyone on the streets. The lanes are as quiet as the bottom of a river, and here and there you see townhouses with lattice windows and white walls, remnants of samurai households. Overall, it is a settlement imbued with an ineffable elegance.” As suggested by this description, the area around Shikano is filled with the remnants of a former castle town. It is about a 30‑minute drive west from Tottori City, so if you’re in Tottori by car, make sure to visit Shikano as well.

Shikano is characterized by its abundant forests. It was originally built by the Kimeizunomoto clan during the Sengoku period, starting from 38,000 koku, and remains a picturesque castle town even after more than 400 years. The town retains traditional features such as L-shaped roads, Jizō alleys, and T-shaped intersections. Also notable are the "Ushi-tsunagi" stones used to tether cows and horses.

5. Shikano Castle Ruins

Not only is the castle town of Shikano recommended, but the ruins of Shikano Castle are also a must-see attraction. Shikano Castle Ruins are a Sengoku-period castle site that still retains traces of its former glory. Although there is no main keep, you can still view the inner and outer moats and stone walls. In spring, when about 500 cherry trees bloom, the scene is breathtakingly beautiful.

Shikano Castle was a typical mountain castle of the Sengoku period, once ruled by Kime Musashimori. The ruling family governed this area for 37 years over two generations. Their achievements are commemorated with a remaining cemetery. From the castle mound, you can even see the Japan Sea. The view is excellent, so if you visit Tottori City, be sure to stop by.

6. Kameizumo’s Tomb Site

Kameizumo, the lord of Shikano Castle, was a figure of great achievement. His tomb is located in the Kidaka-cho area to the northwest of the castle ruins, and is one of the attractions that history enthusiasts will admire. Kameizumo’s Tomb Site is also renowned for its stunning view, from which you can see all of Shikano.

◎ Summary

In addition to the attractions introduced above, Tottori Sand Dunes offer various activities such as paragliding and sandboarding—sandboarding is available only at the Tottori Sand Dunes in Japan. The exhilarating experience of sliding down a 30‑degree inclined, golden sand slope at high speed is truly addictive. After immersing yourself in the history and culture of Tottori City, you might want to work up a sweat with such sports. Enjoy the abundant sightseeing spots and playful activities in Tottori City!