Recommended 7 sightseeing spots in Kurayoshi City! Stroll through white-walled storehouses and enchanting abandoned rail lines

Kurayoshi City, often referred to as the gateway to central Tottori Prefecture. This town has many areas with earthen-walled storehouses, offering numerous sightseeing spots where you can feel the history and culture of a castle town. Among the many tourist attractions in Kurayoshi, we have carefully selected 7 spots that are highly popular among both locals and tourists! These are places you can enjoy whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, so use this as a guide and take a tour around Kurayoshi.

1. The Enchanting Rails and Bamboo Grove of the “Former National Railway Kurayoshi Line Abandoned Track”

The Kurayoshi Line, which was discontinued in 1985 (Showa 60), was a local route of the former Japanese National Railways (JNR) connecting 9 stations over approximately 20 kilometers from Kurayoshi Station to Yamamori Station.

Along the line, remnants of rails, station buildings, and platforms still remain. Among them, the view of the rails of the abandoned line running through the bamboo grove near Taikyuji Station is particularly enchanting and popular!

At the Railway Memorial Museum located on the former site of Utsubuki Station, an actual steam locomotive from that era is on display. Inside the museum, you can also see materials related to the Kurayoshi Line and the switchers that were used for freight shunting.

2. Stroll Through the Retro Castle Town “White-Walled Storehouse Group and Red Tiles”

The “White-Walled Storehouse Group” is a collection of buildings remaining along the Tamagawa River. Built during the Edo and Meiji periods, they still convey the atmosphere of the prosperous castle town of that era. This area is also famous as a filming location for Korean dramas! The townscape, characterized by white plaster walls, red-tiled roofs, and stone bridges over the river, makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled as you stroll around.

The Red Tile District consists of renovated old storehouses, such as sake breweries and soy sauce shops, now used as local product shops, cafés, and galleries. The retro White-Walled Storehouse and Red Tile area has about 60 shops displaying nostalgic goods. Items showcased in the windows include many that are now difficult to obtain. There’s even a candy shop with many nostalgic treats. Older visitors can enjoy the sense of nostalgia, while younger visitors can appreciate the history and retro culture.

3. Enjoy Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Leaves, and Forest Bathing! Kurayoshi’s Symbol “Utsubuki Park”

Utsubuki Park is located at the foot of Mt. Utsubuki in Nakanomachi, Kurayoshi City. Mt. Utsubuki is a symbol of Kurayoshi, and its 204-meter peak is covered with trees such as Castanopsis. In the Muromachi period, Utsubuki Castle once stood here, and it was also a hub of economic activity.

Utsubuki Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in the San’in region and is selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. In spring, the park is filled with blooming cherry blossoms and azaleas, attracting many tourists. Beyond cherry blossoms, the autumn foliage is also beautiful. It is also selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Urban Parks and Top 100 Forest Bathing Forests. Inside the park are a museum, an area to interact with adorable small animals, a baseball field, and tennis courts as part of a comprehensive sports facility. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kurayoshi cityscape, making it a highly recommended spot.

4. A Theme Park Where You Can Learn the History and Culture of Pears! “Nashikko-kan”

When it comes to Tottori Prefecture, it is the number one producer of Nijisseiki (20th Century) pears in Japan! Nashikko-kan (Tottori 20th Century Pear Memorial Hall) is Japan’s only theme park dedicated to pears. It not only displays information about the history and industry related to pears, but also offers hands-on experiences such as simulated pear cultivation and making original nameplates and brooches, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The permanent exhibition introduces the origins of pears through interactive displays, and at the center of the hall, there is a giant 20-meter 20th Century Pear tree on display.

You can also watch a short movie about the fight against “black spot disease,” which became a problem when pear cultivation was first introduced in Tottori, and learn about the connection between pears and culture in the art gallery. The exhibits make it easy to understand and learn about many aspects of pears. After learning, you can take a break at the fruit parlor or buy Tottori’s local specialties as souvenirs at the shop.

5. Time Travel Back to Those Days! “Kurayoshi Retro Machikado Museum”

The Kurayoshi Retro Machikado Museum is a tourist spot in Kurayoshi City where the streets themselves, stretching from Nishimachi through Uomachi and lined with retro-style shops, form a living museum. As you stroll through the town, you will notice signs and buildings that still retain the nostalgic charm of the Showa era, giving you a warm sense of nostalgia. The faint sound of a phonograph can be heard, allowing you to experience the Showa period with all your senses.

Among the shops filled with various nostalgic items, one especially recommended spot is the Western-style restaurant Akane-ya. Here, you can enjoy old-fashioned Western dishes, such as the classic omurice. The signature omurice with tomato sauce has a gentle, comforting flavor that feels nostalgic even if it’s your first time tasting it. The facility is barrier-free, making it accessible for those with strollers or wheelchairs.

6. A Shrine in Kurayoshi City With the Legend of the Feathered Robe “Kamo Shrine”

One of the representative shrines in Kurayoshi City is Kamo Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Kamowakeikazuchi-no-Kami, the deity who governs nature, and is said to provide blessings for warding off misfortune. A local legend called the Utsubuki Celestial Maiden Legend has been passed down, and it is said that a celestial maiden once bathed in the well located at Kamo Shrine.

During the New Year, the shrine is crowded with worshippers, and in spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival draws many visitors. Stop by to pray and receive its spiritual energy while sightseeing. Also, if you visit the shrine office, you can draw an omikuji (fortune slip). Be sure to try your luck after your visit!

7. Divining Your Fate With a Modern Version of the Nine Luminaries Astrology Board “Manshouji Temple”

Manshouji Temple in Kajimachi is a historic temple built in 1699, about 320 years ago. Unlike typical temples, Manshouji has a unique feature: a Nine Luminaries Astrology Board, an ancient form of divination adapted to modern times.

This astrology board is a massive 8-meter-diameter disc installed outdoors, creating a mysterious and unique atmosphere. To use it for fortune-telling, you first offer your prayers and check the “shukuseicho” (star chart) to find your own star. Once you know your star, you purchase a talisman, which already includes information about your personality and warnings. The board itself is used primarily for compatibility readings. To do this, stand on your star’s position on the board, spin the disc, and determine the relationship or compatibility with the other person.

For detailed explanations of the compatibility reading, the talisman includes a QR code that you can scan for guidance. Because it’s easy to try, this temple is particularly popular among women.

◎ Summary of Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Kurayoshi City

Kurayoshi City in Tottori Prefecture is famous for its White-Walled Storehouse Group and Red-Tiled Castle Town, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Japan. A stroll along the abandoned Kurayoshi Line, where old rails and platforms remain, is also highly recommended. Cultural and historical attractions such as the Railway Memorial Museum, Nashikko-kan, and Kamo Shrine add to the city’s charm. Why not take a short detour from the Tottori Sand Dunes to visit Kurayoshi City?

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Recommended 7 sightseeing spots in Kurayoshi City! Stroll through white-walled storehouses and enchanting abandoned rail lines