Discover Amazing Unknown Places “San’in”

San’in stretches from Tottori Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture, which faces the Sea of Japan with the Chugoku Mountains in the background, possesses abundant nature and the oldest history in Japan. It will take about 2 hours from Hiroshima to this region. In this region, you can enjoy the most dangerous Japan national treasure, cartoon kingdom in Japan and the shrine where gods gather from all over Japan etc...
Without visiting “San'in” region, you cannot say you have seen the real Japan!

EAST

  • TOTTORI

    TOTTORI

    Tottori Sand Dunes

    Located in the San’in Kaigan Geopark, Tottori Sand Dunes is one of the biggest sand dunes in Japan, extending 16 km from East to West and 2.4 km from North to South.
    The rugged terrain is covered with massive dunes, with the highest and the most famous peak called “Uma-no-se”, or horse’s back, being over 40 m high. Under specific weather conditions, you can encounter various faces of the sand dunes. “Fumon”, or wind ripples, are sand patterns created by wind and are the symbolic sight of the sand dunes. You might also find “Saren” where sand grains form a curtain like pattern on the slope. These and other ever-shifting natural beauty of the sand dunes will surely capture your heart.

    Address:
    2164-661 Yuyama, Fukube-cho Tottori City
    Access:
    by bus: Hinomaru Bus / Nihon Kotsu Bus / Loop Kirinjishi Bus – “Tottori Sakyu” bus stop, 20 minutes from JR Tottori station

  • KURAYOSHI

    TOTTORI

    Kurayoshi Shirakabe Dozogun, Akagawara

    Along with the Tamagawa River, standing in neat rows, the Shirakabe Dozogun buildings were mostly built in Edo and Meiji periods around 1600s-1800s, and the area is designated as Important Preservation District for Group of Traditional Buildings. Here is one of the most popular places in Kurayoshi City for sightseeing among not only domestic visitors but also foreigners. What makes lots of visitors come here is its traditional and unique scenery. Stone bridges over Tamagawa River, plastered white walls, and akagawara red roof tiles – contrasting the colors create this scenery of a peaceful Japanese townscape. In addition to the scenery, delicious foods and traditional handicrafts attracts the visitors even more. Dango (sweet rice dumplings), taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes), shoyu (soy sauce), sake – a variety of delicious foods are waiting for you in Shirakabe Dozogun. You can also enjoy traditional crafts making such as Hakota dolls, Kurayoshi-Ika (traditional kites) and pottery, which you can experience only here. Why don’t you come Shirakabe Dozogun to stroll the amazing historical streets?

    Address:
    2568 Uo-machi, Kurayoshi City (Kurayoshi Shirakabe Dozogun, Akagawara Tourist Information Center)
    Access:
    by car: 12 minutes from Kurayoshi Station
    by bus: 12 minutes from Kurayoshi Station, operated by Nihon Kotsu and Hinomaru Jidosha

  • HOKUEI

    TOTTORI

    Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory

    A memorial hall of Mr. Gosho Aoyama , the original creator of “Detective Conan”.
    Facilities that can experience experiences of inventions and tricks appearing in works as well as goods and works exhibitions of boyhood memories.
    In the store’s collectible shop “Conan detective company”, original goods are packed.

    Address:
    1414 Yurashuku, Hokuei Town, Tohaku-Gun
    Access:
    by train:about 20-minute walk from JR Yura station.
    by car:about 1 hour 10 minutes from Chugoku Expressway · Innoshou IC, R 179 ~ Kurayoshi ~Hokuei

MIDDLE

  • YONAGO

    TOTTORI

    Mt.Daisen

    Mt.Daisen, an elevation of 1,709 metres is the highest peak in the Chugoku Region. It is known for its shape, which resembles Mt.Fuji. The mountain’s rugged cliffs appear to ascend into the clouds. Mt.Daisen has long been venerated as a home for gods, and has flourished as a site for ascetic training since ancient times. In 2018 , Daisen Temple commemorate 1300 years history ceremony since its establishment.
    With each turn of the seasons, Mt.Daisen offers fresh new sights, including lustrous greenery in the spring and vivid colors in the fall. It is an ideal site for golfing, skiing, and forest trail hiking.

    Address:
    Tottori prefecture
    Access:
    by bus:25 mins from Yonago airport to Yonago Station, 50 mins from Yonago Station to Daisen Temple.

  • SAKAIMINATO

    TOTTORI

    Mizuki Shigeru Road

    Mizuki Shigeru Road is 800m street starting from JR Sakaiminato station. Mizuki Shigeru is one of famous Japanese cartoonists and produced many pieces of work based on “Yokai”(Japanese monsters) including the famous “Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro”. Sakaiminato is his hometown, therefore wide variety of Yokai related things are shown there. The most attractive one is 177 Yokai bronze statues along the street. Anyone can see and touch them, and take photos. There are also many souvenir shops and restaurants for tourists. Mizuki Shigeru Museum is also enjoyable spot. Visitors can learn more about Yokai there.
    Mizuki Shigeru Road was just renovated in July 2018. There are several improvements for visitor’s enjoynment and safety. Especially at night, illumination contributes atmosphere of Yokai world. Hope you enjoy such an extraordinary experience!

    Address:
    Taisho Machi, Sakaiminato City
    Access:
    JR Sakaiminato Station

  • YASUGI

    SHIMANE

    Kiyomizudera Temple

    The sacred place of Kannon, the god of mercy, and the only temple for driving away evil located in the San-In area.
    The temple is said to have been constructed about 1400 years ago.
    The main residence of the chief priest, Renjou-in, and the three-storied pagoda coming into view when going up the approach is the symbols of the temple.
    Tourists are entertained by splendid views of cherry blossoms in spring, and especially colored leaves of superb crimson and cardinal red in autumn.
    Traditional vegetarian cuisine (Shojin Ryori) with no fish or meat served at the inns on the premises of the temple is well received by many tourists.

    Address:
    528, Kiyomizu-cho, Yasugi City
    Access:
    by bus: 20 minutes by Yellow Bus from JR Yasugi Station to ‘Kiyomizu’ bus stop, and 10 minutes walk to the temple.

  • MATSUE

    SHIMANE

    Matsue Castle

    Completed in 1611 and one of only 12 remaining original castles nationwide, Matsue Castle was built over a five-year period by Horio Yoshiharu, feudal lord and founder of Matsue. It was designated as a national treasure in 2015.

    The elegance of the castle’s swooping roofs and decor is often compared to the wings of a plover bird (‘chidori’), which has led to the castle’s nickname, Plover Castle (‘chidori-jo’). There is a museum inside, and the top floor offers a panoramic view of the castle grounds and the city.

    Address:
    1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City
    Access:
    about 25 minutes walk  from JR Matsue Station
    by bus: about 10 minutes from JR Matsue Station

  • IZUMO

    SHIMANE

    Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

    Famous for being one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is home to Ōkuninushi, the god of “en-musubi” (human connections and relationships).
    It is said that once a year, gods from all over the country gather here to discuss “en-musubi” and determine people’s future relationships. Because of this, many people visit the shrine to pray for good relationships.
    Inasanohama Beach is the site where the traveling gods first arrive in Izumo. The beach is only 20 minutes walk from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, and features a beautiful sunset.

    Address:
    195 Taisha-chou Kizukihigashi, Izumo City, Shimane
    Access:
    ①by train: 5 minutes walk from “Izumo Taisha Mae Station” on Ichibata Electric Railway ②by bus: Ichibata bus “Seimon Mae”bus stop

WEST

  • MASUDA

    SHIMANE

    Manpukuji Temple

    Manpukuji temple is one of the oldest temples in this region.
    The garden was constructed about 500 years ago by Sesshu Toyo, a painter-monk who brought Japanese Ink-painting to perfection. This garden expresses the doctrine of Zen Buddhism. Rocks were put in appropriate positions, making the Shumisen-stone in the midpoint. The Mt.Shumisen was thought as the center of the Buddhist Universe.The pond forms the Chinese character “心”, meaning “Heart” or “Mind”.

    When you enter the room facing to the garden, the bright view of the garden framed by dark rooms comes into your eyes. It is a very impressive view.

    Address:
    25-33, Higashimachi, Masuda City
    Access:
    Iwami Koutsuu City Bus to Ikou-ji: Get off at ‘Orito’ Bus Stop (3 minute on foot)
    about 30minutes walk from JR Masuda station

  • TSUWANO

    SHIMANE

    Taikodani Inari-jinja Shrine

    First built in 1773 by the Kameis to protect their castle from tabooed quarter, hence the name “Taikodani”; where the sound of taiko drum from the castle reaches. Foxes are believed to be the messengers of Inari, a goddess of bumper crops and prosperous business. Therefore, foxes’ favourite food, deep-fried tofu, are offered to the shrine. Thousands of red toriis make an archway to the Shrine.

    Address:
    409 Ushiroda, Tsuwano Town, Kanoashi-Gun
    Access:
    12 minutes walk from JR Tsuwano station will take you to the entrance of torii tunnel which consists from 263 stone steps. Wheelchair users and cars have access from diverted route.

  • TSUWANO >
  • MASUDA >
  • IZUMO >
  • MATSUE >
  • SAKAIMINATO >
  • YASUGI >
  • HOKUEI >
  • YONAGO >
  • TOTTORI >
  • KURAYOSHI >
  • Hagi Iwami Airport
  • Izumo Enmusubi Airport
  • Oki Geopark Airport
  • Yonago Kitaro Airport
  • Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport
TSUWANO MASUDA IZUMO MATSUE SAKAMINATO YASUGI YONAGO KURAYOSHI TOTTORI HOKUEI
  • Oki Geopark Airport
  • Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport
  • Yonago Kitaro Airport
  • Izumo Enmusubi Airport
  • Hagi Iwami Airport