Tottori

Tottori is a regional capital in western Tottori Prefecture on Honshu that extends from the Sendai River valley to the Sea of Japan coastline. The settlement sits between mountains and sea, connecting urban neighborhoods with coastal landscapes across an area exceeding 760 square kilometers.

The Ikeda clan built Tottori Castle in 1545 and made it their power center for governing the entire domain. The family retained control throughout the Edo period, shaping the development of the settlement from this position.

The Shan-shan festival brings hundreds of dancers to the streets moving large paper umbrellas to traditional music. Performers wear elaborate costumes and execute their movements with precise coordination.

The airport connects daily with Tokyo, while express trains and buses offer links to Osaka and other major western cities. The coastline sits about 15 kilometers from the center and can be reached by public transport.

The sand dunes along the coast form the largest sand formation in the country and reach heights around 50 meters (164 feet) across more than 30 square kilometers. Visitors can try camel riding here and walk on the steep slopes of the dunes.

Location: Tottori Prefecture

Inception: October 1, 1889

Reference: 312011

Shares border with: Chizu, Yazu, Wakasa, Misasa, Yurihama, Iwami, Shin'onsen, Tsuyama, Kagamino

Website: https://city.tottori.lg.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.49439,134.22161

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:17