Kotoura, town in Tōhaku district, Tottori prefecture, Japan
Kotoura is a small coastal town in Tottori Prefecture located along the Sea of Japan, featuring quiet streets and simple buildings. The town includes several notable sites such as the Daisen Waterfall, ancient Buddhist temple ruins from the Asuka period, traditional houses like the Kawamoto residence, the thousand-year-old Kyoboku tree, and multiple shrines with zelkova wood carvings.
Kotoura was formed in 2004 when two smaller towns merged, but the region has long roots with archaeological finds from the Yayoi period showing people lived here thousands of years ago. During the Heian period the area was known for rich pastures, and temple ruins from the Asuka period reveal the spiritual importance this place held across centuries.
The name Kotoura comes from the coastal area called Koto-no-ura, with characters hinting at a musical instrument and a cove. Visitors notice how closely the community ties to the sea through fishing, local breweries making sake and soy sauce, and fresh fish featuring prominently in daily meals and festivals.
Kotoura is easily reached by the San'in Line train connecting it to larger cities in the region, and a main highway also runs nearby for access by car. Visitors can travel locally by bus or car and find traditional Japanese inns and simple guesthouses for stays, particularly near the Tōgō Onsen hot spring area.
Rough stones called goroita line the coast at Nariishi no Hama and create a gentle karakoro sound when waves roll in, with locals believing a wish written on a stone brings good fortune if cast into the sea. This quiet coastal spot remains unknown to many visitors yet reflects local beliefs tied to the area's distinctive stone formations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
