Hidden Gems of Tottori - Top 5 Must-Visit Photo Spots

Tottori Photo Spot | Tottori Sand Dunes

Many visitors come to Tottori specifically to take photos at the Tottori Sand Dunes. Located within the San'in Kaigan Geopark, this scenic spot is Japan's largest coastal sand dune, stretching 2.4 km north to south and 16 km east to west. Visitors can marvel at geological wonders like wind ripples, sand curtains, and oases across the vast coastal dunes. Hike to the "Horse's Back" at the central dune, 47 meters high, and enjoy the breathtaking view where the Sea of Japan meets the dunes, offering a desert-like scenery perfect for photos! In addition to sightseeing, the Tottori Sand Dunes are also perfect for experiencing paragliding, as the smooth sand surface offers no obstacles. Activities like sandboarding and camel rides are also popular.

The Tottori Sand Dunes, one of Japan's top 100 geological wonders, offers activities like sandboarding, paragliding, and camel riding.

INFO: Tottori Sand Dunes Address: 2164-661 Yuyama, Fukubecho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture Access: Take a bus from JR Tottori Station and get off at "Tottori Sand Dunes" stop Website: www.sakyu-vc.com/en

The Old Hinokami Giant Ginkgo Tree is a popular autumn photo spot, turning golden yellow every November.

INFO: Old Hinokami Giant Ginkgo Tree Address: 1097-1 San'ei, Nichinan Town, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture Access: About 1 hour by car from Yonago City Website: www.nichinan-trip.jp/natural/hinokami_ichou

Ride a small train to explore Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park, where you can see autumn colors in red and gold. (Photo source: ©Tottori Prefecture) The winter illuminations at Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park feature over a million LED lights, making it a perfect spot for romantic night photography. (Photo source: ©Tottori Prefecture)

INFO: Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park Address: 110 Tsuruda, Nanbu Town, Saihaku District, Tottori Prefecture Access: Free shuttle bus from JR Yonago Station Website: www.tottorihanakairou.or.jp

Tottori Photo Spot | Tottori Castle Ruins & Kyusho Park

Designated as one of Japan's "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots," the Tottori Castle Ruins and Kyusho Park are popular locations for cherry blossom viewing. During the spring cherry blossom season, over 400 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Satozakura varieties, bloom in full glory. Even amateur photographers can easily capture beautiful shots! In addition to the castle ruins, the park includes attractions like Jinpukaku, Kyusho Park, and the Tottori Prefectural Museum. Please note that Jinpukaku is currently closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen in the latter half of 2028.

Tottori Castle Ruins & Kyusho Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the area. (Photo source: ©Tottori Prefecture)

INFO: Tottori Castle Ruins & Kyusho Park Address: Higashimachi, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture Phone: 0857-26-3595 Access: Take the 100-yen loop bus from JR Tottori Station and get off at "Jinpukaku & Prefectural Museum" stop, then walk for about 3 minutes

Tottori Photo Spot | Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji Nageire-do Hall

Mitokusan is one of Japan's three sacred mountains for ascetic training. The Sanbutsu-ji Nageire-do Hall on Mitokusan is said to have been magically thrown onto a steep cliff by the temple's founder. This architectural marvel, supported solely by wooden pillars, has been designated a national treasure of Japan. To see it up close, visitors must hike a steep trail for about an hour, with sections requiring climbing chains and tree roots. Please note that access is restricted during adverse weather or when snow accumulates in the winter, so hikers should assess their abilities before attempting the climb.

Sanbutsu-ji Nageire-do Hall on Mitokusan is considered the most dangerous national treasure in Japan.

INFO: Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji Nageire-do Hall Address: 1010 Mitoku, Misasa Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture Phone: 0858-43-2666 Access: About 20 minutes by car from Kurayoshi City Website: www.mitokusan.jp