While a well-preserved castle is impressive, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about wandering around the ruins of a once-great fortress. Tottori Castle was built in 1532, on the side of Mt. Kyusho in Tottori City. It was the site of one of the most famous sieges in Japanese history in 1581, which dragged on for a full 200 days and only came to an end because the defenders were facing starvation.
Nowadays, the only structures of the castle still standing are one wall and one gate, however the imposing stacked-stone bases give an impression of how large it once was. Visitors can walk up onto these bases and through what once were castle courtyards. At the top, you’ll find an observation area with lovely views over the city.
The castle and surrounding park are also a popular cherry blossom viewing site, with thousands of trees planted around the grounds. Nearby is a small museum dedicated to the Ikeda clan who resided in this castle in the Edo period, loaded in the Jinpukaku building — a European-style house at the base of the ruins which once served as an imperial residence.

The ruins of Tottori Castle have a nostalgic charm though little remains standing, and nowadays they’re a fantastic place to enjoy cherry blossoms.              

Tottori Castle Ruins Food Experiences & Restaurants | byFood

Tottori Castle Ruins

With only around 570,000 people, the entire population of Tottori Prefecture would hardly fill one ward of Tokyo! But what it lacks in terms of population, it makes up for in authenticity; this prefecture has preserved both its folk traditions and rugged natural sites admirably.

The capital, Tottori City, is famous for its massive sand dunes which cover more than 30 square kilometers of the coastline. There, you can choose to take on the dunes on foot, by camel, or by sand-boarding down them. 

Elsewhere in the prefecture you’ll discover some unique and wild festivals which date back many centuries. One of the most interesting is the Misasa Onsen Hanayu Matsuri, during which a giant tug of war takes place using hand-woven ropes which weigh about two tons!

If you’re not too worn out from battling against strong-armed locals, you can then head down to the mountains in the south. Here you’ll find Mt. Mitoku — with a temple built into a cave and looking out over a sheer drop — and Mt. Daisen, a mini Fuji surrounded by lush green scrubland.

While some might overlook Tottori in favor of its more famous neighbors, those who take the time to explore here will discover plenty to remember for a long time.

It may be Japan’s least-populated prefecture, but the rugged charms of Tottori’s giant dunes, mountain temples, and fascinating festivals bring in more than its fair share of avid adventurers.

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Japan’s least-populated prefecture might not have many residents, but it offers plenty in terms of unique culture and nature.

These imposing ruins were once the seat of regional power, and are now part of a lovely public park with hundreds of sakura trees and nice views.

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Surrounded by hot springs, just in front of Tottori Station, is this unique traditional Japanese restaurant with two Michelin stars under their belt. The chef-owner, Yuki Mitsui, is extremely skilled in his area of expertise — he trained in Tokyo for about 13 years. During his training, not only did he pick up the culinary techniques of Tokyo-style cuisine but also of Kyoto cuisine.

When he opened Mitsuki, he put his knowledge to practice. This restaurant is the perfect place for a taste of Kyoto in the heart of Tottori. Countless people from near and far travel here for a taste of his delicate creations. Seasonal ingredients are sourced from all over Japan — Hamasaka Fishing Port in Hyogo and Toyosu Market in Tokyo are two of their hotspots. They are also sourced locally, like ayu from Chiyokawa and Japanese wagyu from Tottori. Look out for premium seasonal dishes like local wild boar and shabu shabu using high-grade meat in winter.

Enjoy the products of Tottori served in Kyoto-style at this 2 Michelin star traditional Japanese restaurant. Make a reservation on byFood.

Mitsuki | Traditional Japanese Restaurant in Tottori | byFood

Mitsuki

Many restaurateurs in Japan boast close links with seafood brokers, but how many can claim to be a successful broker themselves? The owner of Kaniyoshi certainly can, as he has spent many years supplying the best crabs from Hamasaka Port to restaurants all around the country. Diners at his own restaurant, situated in Tottori, enjoy the best pick of his haul.

From November to March, they serve snow crab. This matsubanagi crab is Tottori’s signature dish, and Kaniyoshi is probably the best place in town to try it. It takes a deft hand to bake the crab to perfection without drying out the insides, so crab as juicy as this is a real rare treat.

Expect a wide range of parts and dishes on the menu, including crab porridge, roasted crab legs and torso, fried claws, crab sashimi, and around a dozen others.

As if being a Michelin-starred chef and successful seafood broker weren’t enough, the owner is also an ex-sumo wrestler, so you can check out some sumo paraphernalia, including autographs from famous champions, while you wait for the start of your meal.

Kaniyoshi’s owner has spent years supplying the best crabs from Hamasaka Port to restaurants across Japan, and offers guests the top picks of his haul.

Kaniyoshi | Seafood Restaurant in Tottori | byFood

Kaniyoshi

Tottori is known as the city of the sand dunes, but it’s also home to reputable restaurants like this one. Jun is conveniently located just five minutes’ walk from JR Tottori Station and offers a fulfilling kaiseki course meal that leaves every guest satisfied. There are only a couple of seats at the counter and a handful of tatami mat private rooms — this is to ensure that every guest is given full attention during their time.

Every single detail of Jun is Tottori-sourced. There’s no question where the ingredients are from — all of them are sourced from local markets and of the freshest and best quality. Even the range of sake comes from local brands. 

Leave it in the hands of the master chef who has had years of experience training in Osaka. He took the techniques he learned and tweaked them to suit the Tottori-style. What more can you expect from the master chef of one of the most famous restaurants in Tottori Prefecture?

This Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant strives to present the best of Tottori in every aspect of their craft. Reserve now!            

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