Tottori and Hyogo: A Stunning Journey of Mountains, Seas, Ghosts, and Truths

I once saw such a TV scene: the serene coastline of the Sea of Japan, waves gently lapping onto a tranquil sandy shore, stretching endlessly into the distance. As the camera gradually pans upward, the beach expands into what looks like a desert, with camels strolling along the dunes as human figures fade into the background...

Far away in the San’in region lies Tottori Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. Though geographically remote, this isolation has helped preserve Tottori’s natural beauty. Venturing deep into Tottori unveils a series of surprising and wondrous experiences.

 

If you haven’t been there, it’s hard to believe that Japan has a desert-like area. Located in western Honshu, Tottori’s sand dunes face the Sea of Japan. Shaped by years of sea breeze, they have formed vast dune landscapes that stretch from the coast like a desert. The wind sculpts the dunes into various forms—curves like crescent moons, ridges like mountain ranges. This expansive sandy terrain has become one of Tottori’s most iconic features.

At Tottori’s sand dunes, you can not only admire the view but also experience the thrill of “sandboarding.” Local operators offer sandboarding activities on nearly 90-degree high dunes. After strapping on a sandboard, gaze at the small islands offshore and take a thrilling slide down. You’ll get to challenge the speed while also appreciating the grandeur of the dunes. For those who prefer a gentler experience, there are also horse or camel rides for a leisurely stroll across the dunes. Visiting at dusk offers a stunning view of the sunset, sand dunes, and the Sea of Japan blending together beautifully.

 

Beyond the sand dunes, Tottori boasts another attraction that draws visitors—the prefecture is the birthplace of three renowned manga artists: Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro; Gosho Aoyama, creator of Detective Conan; and Jiro Taniguchi, creator of A Distant Neighborhood. The fame of these manga masters has added a vibrant touch to Tottori.

The hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, the father of Japanese ghost manga, is Sakaiminato in Tottori. Sakaiminato has become a place filled with “spirit.” Riding the Kitaro Train into Sakaiminato, you’re greeted by a whole street of yokai (monsters and spirits). Statues of various creatures from Mizuki’s works line both sides of the street, either sitting or standing. The most popular ones are the statues of Kitaro and Nezumi Otoko. The entire street is lined with shops selling Kitaro and yokai-themed merchandise, even offering fun foods like Kitaro coffee, Kitaro ramen, steamed buns, and bread. At the end of the yokai street is the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, which displays the author’s works and manuscripts. The most impressive part is the Yokai Room, where the creatures from Mizuki’s The Great Yokai Encyclopedia are brought to life in 3D—a terrifying yet fascinating experience you won’t forget.

 

The hometown of Gosho Aoyama, the creator of Taiwan-beloved Detective Conan, is Hokuei Town. Here, the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory is located. From Conan Street, with its manga character statues lining both sides, the yellow Beetle car parked at the entrance belonging to Professor Agasa, to the statues of Conan, Shinichi, and Ran inside the museum, all deeply resonate with manga fans. The most unique feature is that upon entering, you receive a “test paper.” By following the guided tour and answering questions, you can find the answers, and if you pass the quiz, you can even receive a small prize. The second floor features an interactive area where you can try out games like the bowtie voice changer and solve mysteries.