Wakasa, town in Yazu district, Tottori prefecture, Japan
Wakasa is a small town in Tottori Prefecture located in the Yazu district, surrounded by mountains, old trees, and a clean river flowing through its center. It features traditional wooden buildings, a historic train station with a 1930s steam locomotive on display, and tree-lined streets that give the town a quiet, rural character.
The town traces its roots to the Heian period over 1,000 years ago, when it served as a lumber production center in the mountains. It later developed around the Wakasa Shrine, whose recorded history spans more than 350 years and continues to anchor the community's cultural life today.
Wakasa is known for the Kirin Dance, a traditional performance that has been part of local life for more than 350 years. The dancers wear red socks and straw sandals while carrying portable shrines through the town during the biennial festival held in May.
The town is easily reached by train from Tottori station or by car, and walking is the best way to explore its compact streets and quiet neighborhoods. A three-day tourist bus pass is available and covers most local transit, making it simple to visit surrounding areas at your own pace.
Not far from town stands Fudoin Iwayado Temple, built in 806 and constructed into a natural cave on stilts with access via a rope ladder. The temple offers a peaceful view of surrounding nature from inside and represents a rare example of religious architecture blended directly into the landscape.
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