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.
 

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

Tottori Photo Spot | Old Hinokami Giant Ginkgo Tree

One of the most popular autumn photo spots in Tottori, especially on social media, is the Old Hinokami Giant Ginkgo Tree in Nichinan Town. This centuries-old ginkgo tree stands at around 18 meters tall and is located on the grounds of the now-abandoned Hinokami Elementary School. In early November, its lush, rounded crown turns golden, and the ground beneath is covered in fallen leaves like a golden carpet, creating a scene that looks almost otherworldly. Visitors should note that parking is not allowed at the site during ginkgo season. Instead, visitors must take a shuttle bus from Michi-no-Eki Nichinan Hinogawa no Sato.

 

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

Tottori Photo Spot | Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park
 

Covering 50 hectares, Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park is one of Japan's largest flower-themed parks. At the center is the Flower Dome, a transparent hemispherical structure 69 meters tall, housing rare flowers and plants from subtropical regions. Visitors can walk along the 1-kilometer covered path to reach the Flower Dome and other attractions, enjoying the flowers without being affected by the weather. At the park's iconic photo spot, the Flower Hill, you can capture stunning photos of flower fields with Mt. Daisen in the background. If you visit during the winter Christmas season, there will be a spectacular light show with millions of lights, making it a great spot for photos year-round!

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.

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.

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