Off beat corners of Japan: Visiting Tottori

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Although visitors usually sworm to Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo (rightly so), it is the places that fly under the radar that really surprise me. Due to my recent visit to Tottori City, I can’t help but wonder what else is left to discover in Japan (most likely a lot). The Tottori prefecture is the smallest of prefectures located on the Sea of Japan in the Chugoku region. Mostly known most for it’s stunning Sand Dunes, Tottori has many things to do and better yet, amazing things to eat.

Thanks to my tour with Odyssey Japan with ANA experience, we had the perfect 2 day itinerary from the moment we stepped off the airplane. From impeccable seafood to creative interactive cooking classes and beautiful scenery I hope to return and revisit the experiences I had. If you are heading to Tottori for your own off beat adventure, here are some things you should make sure to put on your list!

Explore the Sand Dunes

Apparently it rains often in Tottori so if your trip is like mine – no fear! The Sand Dunes are still stunning and the wild ocean is the perfect back drop. There are many activities near the dunes (including riding camels) if you visit during warmer weather. Although I have seen the coast of Japan before, this scenery was much different along the Sea of Japan.

Tottori Sand Museum

We arrived before this museum was open, but lucky for us we got a sneak peak of the artists working. The Tottori Sand Museum is the only open-air museum containing works made of sand in all of Japan. The museum invites the greatest sand artists from around the globe to work on the theme for the year (always an area in the world), last year being the United States. It is truly unbelievable how they create such detailed sculptures with sand from their own backyard. Scandinavia is 2018’s theme -make sure to go if you can!

Visit and take a Culinary Class at Karoichi Seafood Market

After a few minutes of shopping around the fish market (hello crab flavored everything), we began the class. As someone who has NEVER filleted a fish, I was in for an experience. I was horrible at it, and a little squeamish but our teacher was phenomenal! You will learn to clean, gut and slice your fresh fish in time for lunch. Although my presentation needed a lot of work, it was possibly the best Sashimi I’ve had in Japan. I mean compliments to the chef right…. 😉

Eat Shabu Shabu at Takumi Kappeton

If there is one place you go to eat – make it this one. The original restaurant owner and Tottori native, (Shoya Yoshida) is said to have brought shabu shabu to Japan from a trip to China. That’s right – this place is the REAL DEAL.

Sake Tasting with Tanimoto Liquor Shop

Learn about and taste Goriki – a Sakamai Brand only grown in Tottori. The owner of the shop is incredibly knowledgeable and explains all you need to know about the sake brewing process.

Jinpūkaku

If you love French Renaissance-style buildings and unique history – this is for you. Jinpukaku was built for the Crowned Prince Yoshihito (became Emperor Taisho) during his visit to Tottori. The city almost spent their WHOLE annual budget for his ONE stay here. Why stay in a hotel when you can have a mansion adjacent to an old castle built especially for you, right?

Bento Box Cooking Class at Oenosato Natural Farm

Oenosato Natural Farm is known for it’s organic farming techniques as well as their free range eggs (used in their famous pancakes at their cafe on site). Although we unfortunately did not try the well known pancakes, the rest of the facilities were very impressive. We were taught about the thought that goes into each Bento Box (nutritionally and visually). With the help of our teacher, we created bento boxes made all with locally grown ingredients from their farm.

Enjoy the scenic garden at Kannon-in Temple

Having the opportunity to eat our bento boxes while being served Japanese sweets with Green Tea at the Kannon-on Temple was a highlight for me. The garden of this temple earned the title “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” in the 1930s. Rightly so, because you could look out all day with your matcha and dango.

Take in the massive collection at the Watanabe Art Museum

Opened in 1978, this museum showcases the collection of late Tottori doctor Hajime Watanabe. Watanabe had collected 30,000 Japanese antiques throughout his entire life. Now, the museum is home to his diverse collection consisting of calligraphy, paintings, Samurai weapons and armor. You can even try on a Samarui helmet which of course, I did.

Hakuto Shrine (White Rabbit Shrine)

This shrine is the setting of the White Rabbit myth, and has a beautiful view of the Hakuto Beach shoreline as you climb up to it. The old Japanese myth tells the story of a White Rabbit who comes ashore and was saved by a god there. Because of this, the rabbit helped him find love and he was married. Being the place that holds one of Japan’s oldest love stories, the Hakuto Shrine is known as the Shrine of Marriage and those hoping to find love visit here.

I can’t recommend visiting Tottori, Japan enough if you are looking for an authentic Japanese experience. Away from the crowds, and into a unique corner of Japan.

Have you ever been to Tottori? Anything I should do if I return?