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

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-24 — Turn your back on Tokyo, where fashion can be momentarily set aside; stray far from Kyoto, where tradition doesn’t have to be so pronounced. Step into Tottori, where you’ll unexpectedly encounter ghosts and truths by the Sea of Japan. Visit Hyogo, where a series of open-air hot springs warms the hearts of travelers. This is a journey filled with...

By TRAVELER Luxe Traveler’s Journal

Turn your back on Tokyo, where fashion can be momentarily set aside; stray far from Kyoto, where tradition doesn’t have to be so pronounced. Step into Tottori, where you’ll unexpectedly encounter ghosts and truths by the Sea of Japan. Visit Hyogo, where a series of open-air hot springs warms the hearts of travelers. This is a rustic and tranquil Japanese-style mini-trip.

Hyogo’s Kinosaki Onsen is a famous hot spring resort featuring seven open-air baths. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler’s Journal)

I once saw such a TV scene: the serene coastline of the Sea of Japan, with waves gently lapping onto a quiet sandy shore that stretches endlessly; the camera angle gradually rises, and the beach, vast as far as the eye can see, turns into a desert. Along the ridges of the desert, camels stroll by, and human figures gradually fade away...

Hyogo’s Mitsui Outlet Mall is both fun to explore and full of European charm. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler’s Journal)

Located far in the San’in region, Tottori Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan. Though geographically remote, this isolation has helped preserve Tottori’s beauty. Delve into Tottori, and a series of surprising and astonishing experiences begins.

A shared view of sand dunes and the sea

If you haven’t been there in person, it might be hard to believe that Japan actually has a desert-like area. Located in western Honshu, Tottori’s sand dunes face the Sea of Japan. Shaped by the sea breeze over many years, they form an expansive dune landscape that extends from the coast like a desert. The wind gives the dunes various forms—curves like crescent moons, ridges like mountain ranges—and this vast expanse of sand has become the most iconic image of Tottori.

Walking on Tottori’s sand dunes brings a sense of wonder. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler’s Journal)

Visiting Tottori’s sand dunes allows not only visual appreciation but also the chance to personally experience the thrill of “sandboarding.” Local operators offer sandboarding activities on nearly 90-degree steep slopes. After strapping on a sandboard, gaze at the small islands offshore and take a thrilling slide down—the speed challenge is exhilarating, and you also get to appreciate the majestic beauty of the dunes. For those not daring enough to try the slide, there are also horseback or camel riding tours for a leisurely walk across the dunes. Visiting at dusk offers the beautiful sight of the sunset, dunes, and the Sea of Japan blending together.

Tottori: The Hometown of Anime

Besides the sand dunes, Tottori also boasts another “famous attraction” that attracts visitors. Tottori 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 three manga masters has added vibrant colors to Tottori.

Sandboarding on Tottori’s sand dunes is the best way to experience their grandeur. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler’s Journal)

The hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, the father of Japanese ghost manga, is Sakaiminato City in Tottori. Sakaiminato has become a place “filled with spiritual energy.” Riding the Kitaro Train into Sakaiminato, you’ll immediately see a whole street dedicated to yokai (monsters and spirits). The street is lined with various creatures from Mizuki’s works, standing or sitting along both sides. The most popular attractions are the statues of Kitaro and Nezumi Otoko. The entire street sells all kinds of Kitaro and yokai merchandise, even offering Kitaro coffee, Kitaro ramen, steamed buns, and bread infused with his charm. The younger generation’s favorite spot is Kitaro Harborland, where Mizuki’s works and characters are displayed, instantly drawing fans in.

The hometown of Gosho Aoyama, the creator of the wildly popular Detective Conan in Taiwan, is located in Higashiyama Town. Here, the Gosho Aoyama Anime Museum has been established. 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, everything resonates strongly with manga fans. The most unique part of the museum is that upon entering, you receive a “test paper.” By following the guided tour and explanations to answer the questions, you can find the answers, and if you pass the quiz, you even get a small prize. The second floor features an interactive zone where you can experience games like using a bowtie voice changer or challenging mystery-solving puzzles.

The monster park on Sakaiminato’s Yokai Street—Kitaro and friends are all lined up to welcome you. (Image provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler’s Journal)

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