Accessible in two and a half hours by express train from Osaka, Tottori Prefecture is part of Union of Kansai Governments.The travel time is about the same as the time it takes to queue for a popular Expo pavilion. Not only does it offer stunning, ever-changing views of the Sea of Japan and mountains, Tottori is a treasure trove of hot springs and delicacies. Tantalize your 5 senses by exploring the real pavilion of Tottori where natural wonders await you.

Tottori Sand Dunes are not just about sand. Don’t miss the Sand Museum as well as a myriad of adventure activities.

Tottori is divided into three regions: east, central, and west. Each region has its own unique environment, history, and food culture.

To the east are Tottori Sand Dunes, an adventure mecca where you can ride a camel, go paragliding, or try out a Segway. The whole coast is designated as the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark.

Sanbutsuji Temple, built into the cliff of the 900m-high Mt. Mitoku. The path to Nageiredo Hall is challenging, akin to rock climbing, so be prepared!

Central Tottori is currently a hot spot. Art enthusiasts have been flocking to the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art in Kurayoshi since its opening in March.

Slip back in time by strolling through the traditional Shirakabe Storehouses and Misasa Hot Springs, which are gaining popularity for their “retro and picturesque” appeal. Finally, the view of the breathtaking cliffs of Sanbutsuji Temple at Mt. Mitoku, a national treasure, is a thrilling climb that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Loved by the locals, Mt. Daisen is often called “the Mt. Fuji of Hoki District”

Heading further west, the atmosphere changes dramatically, once again as the sweeping grandeur of Mt. Daisen rises into view. At 1709m, it is the highest peak in the Chugoku Region and cloaked in one of Japan’s largest virgin beech forests.

A popular activity here is the “Beech Forest Walk” where visitors can learn about the environment and experience the nature and spirituality of Mt. Daisen. In Sakaiminato, visitors are greeted by yokai (monsters) along the Mizuki Shigeru Road.

Local cuisine also varies by area and season: rock oysters, white squid, mackerel shrimp, tofu chikuwa, beef bone ramen, Tottori Wagyu beef and more!

Can’t possibly see or eat everything in one trip? No worries. This pavilion will continue even after the Expo ends, so feel free to visit again each season.

Exhibited within the Kansai Pavilion, the “Endless Tottori Sand Dunes” is pictured above. Enclosed by mirrors and filled with sand from the dunes of Tottori, this area allows visitors to take part in the Tottori Treasure Hunt, using a magnifying glass device to discover scenic attractions, gourmet delights, arts and crafts.

Also found here is an exhibition of the manga cartoon art of Shigeru Mizuki, Jiro Taniguchi and Gosho Aoyama.

Reporting and text: Shigeru Nekota