Tottori Prefecture

Hidden Gems of Tottori

Beyond its famous sand dunes, Tottori Prefecture preserves significant archaeological and natural sites. This selection includes the 7th-century Kamiyodo Haiji temple ruins, the rare octagonal Kajiyama Kofun burial mound, and the hilltop remains of Yonago Castle. Natural highlights feature the Arakane copper mine ruins and secluded cascades like Ametaki Falls, one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. These locations offer insight into the region's ancient Buddhist history, Edo-period fortifications, and rugged landscape.

Hidden Gems of Tottori — Map

Reggaeman / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Ruin of Yonago Castle

Yonago Castle was an Edo period Japanese castle located in the city of Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, in the San'in region of Japan.

Maculosae tegmine lyncis / CC0

B

Kamiyodo Haiji

Kamiyodo temple ruins is an archeological site with the ruins of a Hakuhō period Buddhist temple located in the Yodoe neighborhood of the…

Saigen Jiro / CC0

C

国分寺古墳

A keyhole-shaped burial mound in Kurayoshi City. Excavated artifacts from this site are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

Yuniko / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

岡益石堂

An ancient stone structure in Tottori City. Its exact origin, builder, and purpose remain unknown, making it a unique archaeological enigma.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

E

梶山古墳

A National Historic Site featuring a rare, modified octagonal burial mound, notable for its unique geometric design.

Yuniko / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

荒金鉱山廃坑

The remains of a former copper mine, also known as the Iwami Mine, located in Iwami Town.

G

雨滝

One of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, this 40-meter cascade is the largest in Tottori Prefecture and is surrounded by a primeval forest.

H

布滝

A scenic waterfall named for its appearance, which resembles a white cloth draped over the rock face.

I

斎尾廃寺跡

A National Historic Site containing the foundations of a Nara-period Buddhist temple, providing evidence of early religious architecture in the San'in region.

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