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TOTTORI
  • TOKYO
  • TOTTORI

SAND & BUILT-UP

After gazing upon the sprawling skyscrapers of Tokyo from the observation floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, have some fun with sand dune art and activities in Tottori Prefecture, home of the largest sand dunes in Japan which can be visited by tourists. There is still much of Japan that you have yet to discover!

Official Tokyo Travel Guide
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/

Local government official website
https://www.tottori-tour.jp/en/

TRAVELER

  • Traveled : October 2017 Katherine Goh
    Managing editor
    Reside in Singapore
  • Traveled : October 2017 Foo Choo Wei
    Writer
    Reside in Tokyo
    Home country: Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport

ANA802 Examine the directions from your country

  • Katherine Goh

    ANA is one of the top airlines in Asia. Given the Japanese reputation for good service, the air stewardesses on board were friendly and attended to passengers very well.

Narita International Airport

Narita Express

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Day1

TOKYO

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decksmore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
Take in sweeping views of the city of Tokyo from 202m above ground level.

To access the observatories, take the Observatory Elevator, which climbs directly to the 45th floor, at an elevation of 202 m above ground level, in 55 seconds. In the observatories, visitors can not only enjoy breathtaking views, but also meals in the cafes and restaurants there.
  • Katherine Goh

    Most people think that the Tokyo Tower is the only place to get a panoramic view of the city. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck is a good alternative for those who wish to avoid the crowds. On a day with good weather, this is a good place to see the city from a bird's eye view -- one may even get to see Mount Fuji if they are lucky. There is a cafe at the Observation Deck, which is a nice place to chill, and also shops that sell souvenirs from different prefectures of Japan. Tourists would be happy to note that there is a Tourism Office located on the ground floor where they can find all sorts of useful information for visitors.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    My first stop of Tokyo sight-seeing is Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Interestingly, this was my first time there as a tourist! Tokyo has been transformed into a showcase to promote Japan. There are many memorabilia and souvenirs one can purchase at the viewing deck. From food items to other daily products, Tokyo acts as a hub that promotes Japanese local products and culture. The souvenir shop is well stocked with products from many Japanese prefectures. There is also a tourist information counter where visitors can check with the friendly staff there on the latest tourist information.
    The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building certainly helps makes a free-and-easy trip in Japan as simple as one-two-three!

Toei Subway Oedo Line
Tocho-mae → Tsukishima
About 27 minutes

Tsukishimamore

Tsukishima
A dish that represents the Shitamachi area of Tokyo would have to be monja-yaki! Monja-yaki was originally served by small-time candy stores and street stalls in Asakusa-Shitamachi. As the name suggests, it was apparently made originally by roasting the dough in the shape of characters. This evolved to become the modern-day monja-yaki. It was originally eaten at small-time candy stores as a snack by children. Today, Tsukishima Monja Street is the best place to visit for those who want to try monja-yaki in Tokyo. They are available in a wide range of varieties. First-time diners need not worry, because the waiters can roast the monja-yaki for you, and show you how to eat it. Come and enjoy a lighthearted meal and the taste of Tokyo Shitamachi that has remained unchanged since the old days.
  • Katherine Goh

    This street has many local shops for those who wish to buy souvenirs back home. I like that this place is not touristy and I even found a shop selling roasted coffee beans.

    I have never seen monjyayaki before so this was refreshing. The food is not bad and I like the local atmosphere. If visitors wish to seek a local dining experience in Tokyo, this is the place to go to.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    Tsukishima is a place near Ginza and very close to the Tsukiji fish market. The shops here are mostly owned by small entrepreneurs.
    An exquisite café caught my attention. The café sells coffee beans from many parts of the world. From afar, one can literally be enamored by the coffee aroma. It is here in such shopping street (Shoten-gai) that you will find non mass-produced items. The products in these shopping streets are really one-of-its-kind.

    Fancy tasting something similar to Osaka okonomiyaki. You can find it here but with the name of Monja yaki.
    I chanced upon this elderly woman who has been living in this district for close to 60 years. She recollected her memory of eating the exact taste when she was little. When food was scarce after World War II, Tokyo residents made Monja yaki. They gathered whatever food remains and mixed with flour. Now, Monja yaki is considered as a classy food ---with oyster and scallops!

Toei Subway Oedo Line
Tsukishima → Shinjuku
About 25 minutes
Keio Line Special Express
Shinjuku → Chofu
About 14 minutes

  • Katherine Goh

    The Gegege no Kitaro monuments add a cheerful touch to the streets.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    This is my first visit to Chyofu area since I moved to Tokyo more than 20years ago. I was really surprised to know that the author of GeGeGe no Kitaro was a resident in this place. The monument of GeGeGe makes the place charming. There is a good old toy shop, and I am sure that visitors who love animation will be enchanted by this place. The streets there sell special kind of Kitaro goods, and most of them are handmade and can only be found in this special street.

Keio Bus 34 bound for Jindai-ji
North Exit of Keio Chofu Station → final stop of Jindai-ji
About 15 minutes
About 1 minute on foot

Jindai-ji Templemore

Jindai-ji Temple
Jindai-ji Temple is the only temple in Tokyo to house a Buddhist statue that is a national treasure as of 2017. This work is called the bronze seated Shaka Nyorai statue (Hakuho Buddha).
The neighborhood is frequented by many families on the weekend who come to enjoy the temple's natural surroundings and the famous Jindai-ji temple soba noodles.
The area is also popular among Tokyoites as a leisure stop for walks because of the nearby Jindai Botanical Garden, which opened in 1961.
  • Katherine Goh

    Jindaiji Temple is Tokyo's one of the oldest temples. For those who love culture and history, this would make a good stop. There are some shops and restaurants at the street outside the temple too.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    Jindaiji Temple has a serene structure, and made me feel mindful as if I was meditating. It was drizzling on the day I visited. However, the light rain makes a walk down the street all the more relaxing. There is a small village beside the temple with old, traditional shops and restaurants. The passing scenery made me forget that I am still in Tokyo. Here, you can appreciate how the Japanese people treasures traditions. I even tasted a plate of Japanese - KUZUMOCHI there with a cup of coffee in a very traditional café.

Keio Bus 34 from the North Exit of Chofu Station
Jindai-ji → Chofueki kitaguchi
About 15 minutes

Keio line bound for Shinjuku
Chofu → Shinjuku
About 15 minutes
About 9 minutes on foot after getting off at the station

  • Katherine Goh

    Kushiage is a type of Japanese cuisine where diners are served fried skewered food, fine-dining style. This was the first time I have encountered such a type of Japanese cuisine. The food was absolutely delicious.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    Kushiage Kei respects the privacy of its customers. Sitting at the counter, one can observe the chef skillfully prepares each dish upon ordering. Small talks between the chef and customers kindles a friendly environment. A truly slow and relaxing restaurant.

Keio Plaza Hotel

  • Katherine Goh

    Keio Hotel Tokyo is conveniently located at Shinjuku. Guests can easily walk to the numerous shops and restaurants nearby. Another plus point - there is a direct bus from the airport to the hotel.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    Located at the Central of Shinjuku and is very convenient. The hotel serves Washoku(Japanese) breakfast. All the food taste fresh and presentation is nice.

Day2

CHUGOKU(TOTTORI)

Haneda Airport

ANA (ANA Expericence JAPAN Fare) Show details

  • Katherine Goh

    The flight was delayed due to typhoon. Despite that, the plane ride was smooth and quiet. I managed to get some much-needed sleep during the flight.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    The typhoon delayed the flight for an hour but the departure was no hassle after that. There are many transportation choice to Haneda airport. Traveling to Totori is convenient and fun if taking ANA. Can request to touch down in Kitaro airport and leave from Konan airport.

Yonago Kitaro Airportmore

Yonago Kitaro Airport
The Yonago Kitaro Airport is the center of access to the San'in area and is located nearby many tourist spots, such as Mt. Daisen, the tallest peak in the Chugoku area, Kaike Onsen, known for having the most volume of hot spring water in San'in, and also the Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato, where you can encounter supernatural monsters called "yokai." In 2010, to make use of the nationwide recognition of Mizuki Shigeru's (one of Japan's premiere manga artists and native of Sakaiminato City) popular "GeGeGe no Kitaro" manga, the airport was given the nickname "Yonago Kitaro Airport". Including the main character, Kitaro, many yokai-related objects and even panes of stained glass were installed. The airport is a fully equipped "station of the skies," where visitors can explore the world of yokai, while browsing the shops with a lineup of local specialties and grabbing a bite to eat in the restaurant with a view of the runway.

14 minutes

25 minutes

  • Katherine Goh

    The Kani-toro Don was very delicious. The seafood was very fresh at a reasonable price!

  • Foo Choo Wei

    People used to say that Hokkaido crabs are the best in Japan. However in tottori, I love the crab meat there best. The set lunch is reasonably priced at only 1400yen. This is a rare gem for in big cities, especially when one thinks of Tokyo.
    *Prices are for travelers at the time of use.

Mizuki Shigeru Road and Mizuki Shigeru Museummore

Mizuki Shigeru Road and Mizuki Shigeru Museum
The Mizuki Shigeru Road is a popular tourist spot located in Sakaiminato City, the home town of the manga artist Mizuki Shigeru. Along the 800-meter road stretching from Sakaiminato Station to the Honmachi Arcade, there are many places in the city for humans to meet "yokai" (supernatural monsters), such as the 177 bronze "yokai" statues erected along the road, the "Kappa Spring," the "Yokai Shrine" where you can draw a yokai fortune slip, and a "Yokai Mailbox" where mail stamped with yokai postmarks are delivered. The Mizuki Shigeru Museum located on this road exhibits numerous works and many articles from the worldly collection of Mizuki Shigeru, who, in addition to being a manga artist, is a yokai researcher and adventurer. The illustration and signature drawn by Mizuki Shigeru himself when he visited the museum can't be missed.
  • Katherine Goh

    This is a very interesting museum, even for non-manga fans. I enjoyed the museum tour very much. I wish I had more time allocated for touring the town and all the shops and cafes that sell Kitaro merchandise and food.

    The Tottori Hanakairo-Flower Park would be a relaxing stop for those who love flora and fauna. Every season, the park features different types of flowers. It was lovely taking a slow stroll in the park.

    Japanese wagyu is world-famous and it is definitely a must to try it in Tottori. Daisen Kuruoshi serves some of the best wagyu Tottori has to offer. The wagyu was delicious and among some of the best I have ever eaten. I enjoyed the dinner very much and would recommend this place to visitors.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    I am not an animation fan. The visit to tottori Mizuki Shigeru Museum made me realize that the author of Gegege no Kitaro has an amazing background. His love of peace and using his work to educate people impressed me. I realized that many Torori parents use his manga as a tool for teaching the young.

    Tottori Flower Gallery(Hanakairo)is a Flower Zone that is surrounded by a one-kilometer circular covered walkway. The main flower attraction- Lily (Yuri) has a pleasing fragrance. The gallery, as large as 50 hectares, feels like a natural garden. It has a fairy-tale like beauty and is ideal as a romantic place to tie-the-knot.

    A wagyu restaurant that is emotionally appealing. This restaurant serves the champion beef in Japan. There are different cuts of raw beef for a Yaki-niku treat. Garlic rice, cooked with olive oil and pepper, is served at the end. That was a yummy mouthful treat.

Take the Kaike Line scheduled bus from Yonago Station to Kaike Onsen
about 20 minutes from Yonago Station

Bayside Square Kaike Hotel

  • Katherine Goh

    If you love the sea, you would love the view from this hotel. It was nice to wake up to such a beautiful view.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    A well-designed business-resort hotel that comes with an onsen and a nice seaview. For the health-conscious, the breakfast is served with different kinds of vegetables and tofu dishes.

Day3

Bayside Square Kaike Hotel

  • Katherine Goh

    The sake brewery may be small, but for people who have never been to a sake brewery, this would be an educational stop. The staff brought us around and explained to us the traditional process of making sake. The sake was really good!

    The Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum would be a fun and educational stop for families with kids. It was quite an eye-opener to see the efforts that go into growing the best and some of the biggest pears in the world. Who knew pears could taste so delicious?

  • Foo Choo Wei

    I love the Ume -syu(Plum wine)produced there. The staff showed us how the wine was produced. We were surprised that the plums they used were yellow instead of green. It was said that yellow plums only grow in tottori. They are big and juicy. The plum wine are also exported to some Japanese restaurants in Singapore. I am sure this wine will bring attention to those tourists that never been to tottori before.

    This is the only Pear Museum in the world! Tottori is famed for the brand “20th century pear” and is the largest grower of pear since last century. Here, you can find all kinds of pears from many countries and there is a pear garden in the museum backyard that shows many kind of pears You are able to taste and buy the most expensive pears at the museum. The museum head is a likeable person and I learnt a great deal and had fun in this museum.

Take the Hinomaru Bus Agei/Misasa Line
JR Kurayoshi Station to Mitokusan Sando Iriguchi
about 35 minutes

Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Templemore

Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple
Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple is a mountain temple on the premises of 900-meter high Mt. Mitoku. The rear temple, called "Nageire-do," is a designated National Treasure and is a rare structure built into a depression on a sheer vertical cliff face. It's unclear when exactly Nageire-do was built, but legend has it that the structure was thrown up ("nageire" in Japanese) from the level ground through the spiritual power of En no Ozuno, the founder of the mountain asceticism-shamanism tradition Shugendo.

While it's necessary to climb a difficult mountain path in order to see Nageire-do up close, there is an observation point located on a road at the mountain base where it can be seen. In addition, Mt. Mitoku and Misasa Onsen were designated as Japan Heritage sites on April 24, 2015 as "Places of purification of the six roots of perception and healing of the six senses - Japan's most dangerous national treasure and one of the world's finest radon hot springs."
  • Katherine Goh

    It was a very challenging climb to the top of the mountain. Although it was a very hard climb, the experience was unforgettable and the highlight of my trip. The sense of achievement I got when I reached the top was indescribable.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    The mountain climbing made me feel like going back to Samurai era! The temple built at the mouth of a cave is simply amazing. I was told that until now, no one is allowed to go into it. The mountain temple located at 900-meter high Mt. Mitoku is a hotspot in tottori. There are many young adventurous tourists there to challenge this mountain. I think it is also suitable for people who are above 50s. I even saw an old Japanese woman in her late 70s scaling the height when I climbed up the mountain

    The mountain trail at Mitokusan is narrow and steep. There is no support railing and one can only scale the height holding on to branches and rocks. Unbelievably, my pair of straw slipper gave me a great sense of security as I felt the tree roots and rocks beneath my feet. I reminded myself that once I decided to scale the height, I would not give up! A step at a time, I conquered the small challenges and difficulties on the trail.

15 minutes

Mansuirou

  • Katherine Goh

    The hotel is a wonderful respite from the urban life. I love that the hotel is located in a town with many local traditional shops. I wish I had more time to explore the whole town!

  • Foo Choo Wei

    This is the most simple but authentic Japanese onsen locality I have ever visited. The small ryokan serves a variety of dinner and breakfast delicacies. Near to the ryokan is an old street that runs next to a small stream. At the end of the street is a Japanese wine yard whose owner is a bearded elderman. His brew has even won international accolades!

Day4

Mansuirou

  • Katherine Goh

    The washi paper-making is an engaging experience. I wish I had the time to make more than one paper! The paper I made was a nice souvenir to take home with me and now doubles as a lamp in my room.

    The pink curry is a novelty - something I have never seen before. I was expecting the pink curry to be sweet but it tastes like normal Japanese curry. This is a must-try for anyone visiting Tottori.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    “Washi”— Traditional Japanese paper. It is made from natural tree fibers, most commonly from the barks of native Japanese trees such as kozo (paper mulberry).Through the tradition of paper craft, I came to know how delicate the Japanese culture is.

    It is a big surprise to me to see pink curry and a pink lady! Many foreigners like the Japanese curry and very few know that tottori is the mass consumers of curry among japan. Ms pink lady fulfills her dream of turning brown curry into a pink one. She said the pink color signifiers happiness. She is like a magician and aims to turn different kinds of food to pink colour, including the wasabi!

Uradome Coastmore

Uradome Coast
The Uradome Coast, located within San’in Kaigan Geopark, is a rias coastline extending along the coast of the town of Iwami from Kugamimisaki to Shichiyama. The rough cliffs, bluffs, caves and oddly-shaped rocks carved out by the waves and snowstorms of the Sea of Japan are a splendid contrast to the white sand beaches and pine trees surrounded by the clear sea and the cape. Here you can experience the charm of the Uradome Coast by taking an island boat tour, and enjoy marine sports such as sea kayaking and snorkeling.
  • Katherine Goh

    Squid ink ice cream? Yes, there is such a thing! Despite the addition of squid ink, the ice cream actually tastes sweet, just like vanilla. But the highlight was of course the boat cruise. Besides enjoying the beautiful scenery of Uradome Coast, we had a lot of fun feeding the seagulls that were following the boat!

  • Foo Choo Wei

    I joined a 30minutes ferry tour at uradome coast. This coastline along the Sea of Japan is famous for its sightseeing boat tours. It is also an area popular for swimming.

About 15 minutes by taxi (10km)

Tottori Sand Dunes, The Sand Museummore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Tottori Sand Dunes, The Sand Museum
The Tottori Sand Dunes are located in an area of the San'in Kaigan Geopark and are Japan's second largest sand dunes, stretching 2.4km south-to-north and 16km east-to-west. The wind ripple patterns on the sand created by winds from the Sea of Japan are very beautiful and charm the hearts of all who see them. In one corner of the Tottori Sand Dunes is the world's first Sand Museum dedicated to exhibiting sculptures made of sand. The basic concept of The Sand Museum is "World Tour on Sand," with their theme changing every year. The world's top sand sculptors create intricate works with powerful presence here.
  • Katherine Goh

    The Tottori Sand Dunes is one of the most famous attractions in Tottori and has been visited by many. However, one should not miss the sand museum too, which features intricate sand sculptures.

  • Foo Choo Wei

    When look at the picture in some of the Tourist magazine, I thought there is a desert in Japan. After this visit, know not quite a desert but a huge sand dune that looks nearly like a desert to me. The dunes stretch along the coast east of Tottori City for 16 kilometers and extend up to 2 kilometers away from the coast. The dunes are spread over an area of 30 square kilometers – not like the Sahara, but not small either.

About 15 minutes by taxi (9km)

Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airportmore

Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport
Tottori Airport was given the nickname "Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport" on March 1, 2015 to make use of the national recognition of Tottori Prefecture's symbolic tourist spot, the Tottori Sand Dunes, and of the manga artist Gosho Aoyama, who authored the manga Case Closed (Detective Conan) and is a native of Hokuei Town in Tottori. This airport functions as a "station of the skies" with many fun attractions such as Detective Conan-themed decorations in many places and riddle-solving events (Sat., Sun., and holidays only) held in the airport. This airport is fun as a tourist spot, not just for air travelers, but for all guests.

ANA (ANA Expericence JAPAN Fare) Show details

Haneda Airport

  • Katherine Goh

    Visit both Tokyo and Tottori for an experience of both the urban and rural side of Japan. Being a city girl, I particularly enjoyed my stay in Tottori. Not to mention, all the freshest food available!

  • Foo Choo Wei

    Tottori is a great place to experience and I enjoyed the local slow life. After experience the shoppings in Tokyo Tottori landscape made me refresh.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS

Tokyo is a city with lots of shopping while Tottori is more rural with many authentic local experiences. For travellers who wish to experience the best of both worlds, visiting the two cities would be a great combination.

Katherine Goh
Managing editor
Reside in Singapore
  • Hobby

    Photography

  • Number of visits to Japan

    7 times

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS

Tokyo had a completely difference face when visit as a tourists. Highly recommend slow holidays in tottori. Place, full of scenic beauty and landscape

Foo Choo Wei
Writer
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: Singapore
  • Hobby

    Experience the scenery of Four seasons , Walk around historic spots

  • Length of stay in Tokyo

    20years

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