Kurayoshi, Historic merchant city in Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Kurayoshi is a city in Tottori Prefecture located in central Honshu, with mountains to the south and agricultural plains stretching toward the Sea of Japan to the north. The landscape includes rivers and a mix of developed urban areas alongside farming communities.
The city began as the provincial capital of Hoki and later transformed into a commercial hub when castles were built during the medieval period. These fortifications and its location on trade routes shaped its importance for centuries.
The Utsubuki-Tamagawa district preserves merchant buildings from the Edo period, where traditional white-walled warehouses made of clay plaster and wood line the streets. Walking through these lanes, you can feel the presence of the old trading community that once thrived here.
The city is accessible by Limited Express train from major cities or by highway buses from surrounding regions. Once there, you can explore the downtown streets on foot, especially the old merchant district with its preserved buildings.
The plain surrounding the city is known for growing Nijisseiki pears, a special variety with its own history and regional importance. A museum documents how these pears are cultivated and the role they play in the local economy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
