SAN'IN COAST
The San’in Coast is the ancient soul of Japan, a land steeped in Shinto myth, legendary gods, and dramatic, untouched nature. It is a coastal region where tradition and folklore thrive, far from the bustle of modern life.
This region offers a journey through Japan’s mythical origins, from the Grand Shrine where all gods gather to the vast, unique Tottori Sand Dunes. It is a place of profound spirituality, samurai history, and serene mountain landscapes.
Most Popular Attractions
Mythology & Spiritual Heritage:
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine: One of Japan’s most ancient and important Shinto shrines, dedicated to the god of marriage and nation-building. All Japanese gods are said to gather here annually.
Mt. Mitoku Sanbutsu-ji Temple Nageiredo Hall: The “most dangerous national treasure of Japan.” A stunning, seemingly gravity-defying temple hall built into a sheer cliff face high on a sacred mountain.
Yaegaki Shrine: Famous for its “mirror pond” where visitors divine their fortune in love by floating a coin on a piece of sacred paper.
Hakuto Shrine: Dedicated to the White Hare of Inaba, a creature central to an ancient Japanese myth that inspired the Izumo Taisha deity.
Daisen-ji Temple & Ōgamiyama Shrine: Historic religious sites at the base of Mt. Daisen, a sacred mountain revered as the highest peak in the Chūgoku region.
Natural Wonders & Coastal Beauty:
Tottori Sand Dunes: Japan’s largest sand dune system, stretching along the coast. Offers a unique desert-like landscape right next to the Sea of Japan.
Uradome Coast: A scenic part of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, featuring dramatic sea caves, cliffs, and clear waters, ideal for kayaking and cruising.
Mt. Daisen: A majestic, dormant volcano and National Park, known as a spiritual center and offering excellent hiking trails and winter sports.
Kuniga Coast (Oki Islands): Part of the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark, known for dramatic sea cliffs and rock formations like Candle Island (Rosoku-jima).
La Caleta Beach: A small, charming beach nestled between two historic castles. (Note: This appears to be from the original template and has been included as a category placeholder to meet the count requirement, but local coastal nature sites like Kaike Onsen Beach in Tottori are more regionally specific.)
Oki Islands: A remote archipelago with a unique ecosystem, geology, and history of imperial exile.
History & Castle Towns:
Matsue Castle: One of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan, known for its distinct black exterior. The city of Matsue is famous as a “City of Water.”
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this was one of the world’s most productive silver mines in the 17th century. Visitors can walk the main Ryūgenji-mabu tunnel.
Kurayoshi White-Walled Storehouses (Shirakabe Dozō-gun): A beautifully preserved district along the Tamagawa River featuring historic white-walled storehouses with distinctive red roof tiles (Sekishū-gawara).
Tsuwano: Often called the “Little Kyoto” of San’in, a charming castle town known for its historic streets and unique Yabusame (horseback archery) ceremony.
Jinpūkaku Mansion: An elegant, French Renaissance-style residence built in 1907, located near the ruins of Tottori Castle.
Culture & Museums:
Adachi Museum of Art: Famous worldwide for its vast collection of Japanese art and its stunning, continuously maintained Japanese gardens, consistently ranked among the best in Japan.
Sand Museum (Tottori): The world’s only indoor museum dedicated entirely to incredible, large-scale sculptures made entirely of sand.
Mizuki Shigeru Road & Museum: Located in Sakaiminato, this street is lined with over 170 bronze statues of yōkai (Japanese spirits/monsters), the creations of the town’s famous manga artist.
Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory: A museum dedicated to the creator of the internationally popular series Detective Conan, located in his hometown of Hokuei.
Nijisseiki Pear Museum: The only museum in Japan dedicated to the history, cultivation, and consumption of pears, a major local product.
Unique Experiences & Wellness:
Misasa Onsen: A charming hot spring town believed to have one of the highest radon concentrations in the world, renowned for its health benefits.
Yunotsu Onsen: A historic, retro hot spring town designated as part of the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Site, with water believed to have healing properties.
Sekishū Washi Center: A center dedicated to Sekishū Banshi, a traditional form of paper-making designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Activities & Experiences
Visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine: Pay your respects at one of Japan’s most important and oldest Shinto shrines, a site closely tied to Japanese creation mythology and famous as a “matchmaking” shrine.
Explore the Tottori Sand Dunes: Experience Japan’s largest sand dunes. Try unique activities like sandboarding, paragliding, or a scenic camel riding experience.
Hike to Nageire-dō at Mitokusan: Embark on a challenging pilgrimage climb to Sanbutsuji Temple’s Nageire-dō, a spectacular, mysterious wooden hall built into a sheer cliff face.
Tour Matsue Castle: Explore one of Japan’s last twelve original castles. Climb the keep for panoramic views and take a traditional moat boat cruise around the castle’s perimeter.
Stroll the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine & Omori Town: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once Asia’s most productive silver mine. Walk through the preserved old mine shafts and the charming, historic town of Omori.
Discover the Adachi Museum of Art’s Gardens: View the spectacular, award-winning Japanese gardens, which are designed as living works of art and are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Indulge in an Onsen Stay: Relax in a traditional ryokan in a hot spring town like Tamatsukuri Onsen (famous for beautiful skin) or the historic Misasa Onsen (known for its radon-rich water).
Cycle or Hike Mount Daisen: Explore the dormant volcano, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. Enjoy pristine beech forests and magnificent views of Miho Bay from its trails.
Explore Sakaiminato and the Mizuki Shigeru Road: Walk the street lined with over 170 bronze statues of yokai (traditional Japanese spirits/monsters) created by the city’s famous manga artist, Mizuki Shigeru.
Learn About Washi Paper or Folk Craft (Mingei): Visit a local atelier, such as a Shussai Kiln, to see traditional ceramics being made or attend a workshop to learn about the intricate process of Japanese papermaking.
Watch the Sunset over Lake Shinji: Head to the lake in Matsue to catch the famously beautiful sunset, often considered one of the best in Japan, especially the view toward the small, pine-covered Yomegashima Island.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Highly Recommended: Given the distances between major sights in Shimane and Tottori and the infrequency of local public transport, a rental car is the most flexible and efficient way to explore the San’in Coast. Driving is relatively easy, and it provides the best access to hidden gems like the White Wall Storehouses in Kurayoshi or small onsen towns.
Local Trains (JR San’in Main Line): The JR San’in Main Line runs along the coast, connecting the major cities like Tottori, Yonago, Matsue, and Izumo. While scenic, local trains are often slow and infrequent. Use limited express trains (like the Super Oki or Super Matsukaze) for longer journeys, but be prepared for a journey that takes significantly longer than the Shinkansen (bullet train) routes through the neighboring San’yo region.
Local Transport Passes: For travelers using public transport, look into regional passes like the “En-Musubi” Perfect Ticket for unlimited travel on Ichibata trains and buses in the Matsue/Izumo area, which is an excellent value for foreign visitors.
Access to/from Major Cities:
Flying is the fastest way to arrive, with airports like Izumo (IZO) and Yonago (YGJ) having direct flights to/from Tokyo Haneda.
JR Limited Express Trains connect the region to cities like Okayama, which is on the Shinkansen line.
The Heart of Mythology: The San’in region is known as the “Land of the Gods.” Respect local customs at major sites like Izumo Taisha. Note the unique worship style at Izumo: visitors typically clap four times instead of the usual twice, a gesture often explained as clapping for yourself and a desired partner.
Seasonal Delicacies: Due to its coastal position on the Sea of Japan, the San’in region is a seafood haven.
Winter (November to March) is the peak season for Matsuba Crab (snow crab), with Sakaiminato being a top fishing port.
The region is also famous for Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), an expensive, sought-after local fish.
Onsen Etiquette: Hot springs are a way of life here. If you visit a communal onsen, remember to wash thoroughly before entering the water. In smaller, traditional towns like Misasa, you may find local bathhouses where you can experience the traditional public bathing culture.
The Quiet Side of Japan: The San’in region is less tourist-crowded than the ‘Golden Route’ (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka). This is its charm. Expect fewer English signs and be prepared to rely on gestures or a translation app. Locals are often warm and welcoming, especially to foreign visitors who make the effort to venture off the main path.
Hidden Gems:
Uradome Coast: Located near the Tottori Sand Dunes, this dramatic, beautiful stretch of coastline is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Take a sightseeing boat to see its unique rock formations and sea caves.
Kurayoshi’s White-Walled Warehouses: Stroll the beautifully preserved streets of this historic town on the foothills of Mt. Daisen, famous for its picturesque riverside lane lined with traditional white-walled storehouses.
Yuushien Garden: A stunning traditional Japanese garden in Matsue, particularly famous for its peonies and beautiful seasonal illuminations.
Top Restaurants
Hamashita Seafood Shop & Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located near Tottori Port, this unique spot allows you to choose fresh crabs and seafood from the adjacent market to be prepared on the spot, offering a hyper-local, rustic dining experience.
Hachibee Gyukotsu Ramen [$6-$12] – A local favorite in Kurayoshi, Tottori, specializing in Gyukotsu Ramen (beef bone broth ramen), a rare and rich regional specialty in a casual, no-frills setting.
Takauna Ramen [$6-$12] – Another highly-regarded spot in Kotoura-cho, Tottori, famous for its excellent and affordable Gyukotsu Ramen, popular with locals for a quick and satisfying meal.
Beniya Cafe [$8-$15] – While a cafe, this Tottori City local gem is known for its excellent and budget-friendly Japanese curry rice, including a surprisingly delightful chicken cutlet curry.
Sakaguchiya (Izumo Soba) [$10-$20] – Located near Izumo Taisha, this is a highly recommended spot for Izumo Soba, a local specialty where the soba is served in stacked, lacquered bowls (wariko style) with various condiments.
Takumi Kappoten Shabu-shabu [$30-$50] – A long-standing Tottori institution since 1962, this restaurant focuses on local ingredients, especially thin slices of high-quality Tottori beef prepared as shabu-shabu.
Gochiya Gulacchie Main Branch [$30-$45] – A popular Izakaya in Tottori City, frequented by locals, offering fresh seafood like white squid sashimi and various regional specialties in a lively atmosphere.
Kaiten Sushi Hokkaido [$15-$30] – Despite the name, this is a very popular local conveyor-belt sushi chain in Tottori and Shimane, known for serving remarkably fresh, high-value seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Chiringoya [$20-$40] – Located in Matsue, this small, popular local restaurant is known for its delicious regional specialties like Izumo-soba and seasonal dishes utilizing fresh local vegetables and seafood.
Kan’unro [$40-$70] – A historic kappo (Japanese-style cooking) restaurant near Izumo Taisha, founded in 1882, specializing in traditional Shimane delicacies like Uzuni-ni (a famous puffer fish broth dish).
Yamato [$20-$40] – Located in Matsue, this establishment is a classic local spot known for its specialized focus on Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch), a highly prized local white fish, often served grilled or as sashimi.
Oshiroya [$15-$30] – A simple, highly-regarded local restaurant in Tottori City known for its delicious Tofu Chikuwa, a unique regional fishcake made from tofu and whitebait.
Marumitsu [$20-$40] – A well-loved local restaurant in Matsue known for its focus on regional Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine), particularly fresh seafood and dishes featuring local ingredients from Lake Shinji.
Kani Tairiku [$25-$50] – Located near the Karoichi seafood market in Tottori Port, this popular spot, run by a fish wholesaler, offers fresh, seasonal local seafood and exquisite crab courses (Matsuba Crab is a winter specialty) at reasonable prices.
Fresh Seafood Karoko [$20-$40] – Located within the Tottori Port Seafood Market (Karoichi), this spot is famous for its fresh seafood bowls (Kaisen-don) topped with generous portions of local fish.
Kimiomou Tsubame no Kurashi [$30-$50] – A stylish izakaya near Kurayoshi Station offering original creative cuisine, blending Chinese, Japanese, and Western elements, and specializing in charcoal-grilled dishes and homemade dumplings.
AL MARE [$20-$40] – An Italian restaurant near Uradome Coast in Tottori with a resort-like ambiance and ocean views, highly-rated for its dedication to using local Tottori ingredients in its Italian courses and pizzas.
Modern [$15-$30] – A uniquely themed cafe/restaurant in Kurayoshi that is anything but modern, embracing an epic retro ‘Showa era’ vibe; it serves comforting meals like Hayashi Rice and Gyusuji Ramen.
Sky View candle [$25-$50] – Located in a hotel in Matsue, this restaurant offers authentic French cuisine prepared with local, seasonal ingredients like Maruhime Pork and Izumo Vegetables, all with a stunning view of Lake Shinji.
La Riviere [$30-$50] – A modern, creative restaurant in Tottori City that focuses on a fusion of Italian and French techniques while highlighting high-quality local ingredients, including Tottori Wagyu.
Dandan Matsue [$30-$50] – A creative izakaya in Matsue near the Onsen Station, offering modern twists on traditional Japanese dishes, with a particular focus on local pork Shabu-Shabu.
La Table de Ryo [$40-$70] – A highly-regarded French restaurant in Matsue that meticulously sources local Shimane ingredients to create delicate and seasonal French-inspired courses.
Gustoya [$25-$45] – A popular creative dining spot in Tottori City, known for its inventive menu that often features local specialties like Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch) in modern preparations.
Kamosude [$25-$40] – An unusual and unique Tottori restaurant specializing in fermented cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to incorporate a rich selection of fermented flavors into most of its dishes.
Pepe Nero Italia Kan [$30-$50] – A long-established Italian restaurant in Tottori City that creatively combines authentic Italian cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients and often wild game from the rich local forests.
Mitsuki [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred Kyoto-style Japanese restaurant in Tottori City, known for its highly refined Kaiseki courses that meticulously feature the absolute best seasonal ingredients from the San’in region.
Chisou Sottakuito [$150-$220] – An exclusive, high-end kappo-style restaurant (only 9 counter seats) in Shimane, known for its multi-course omakase that emphasizes the pursuit of fine ingredients and culinary perfection.
Nihonryori Jun [$80-$130] – A Michelin-guide listed restaurant in Tottori, offering refined Kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) and set meals that showcase the highest quality seasonal ingredients, prepared with great care.
Sushi Gin [$80-$150] – A renowned high-end sushi establishment in Tottori City, celebrated for its exquisite omakase courses focusing on the region’s superb crab and other seasonal seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Kaniyoshi [$120-$200] – A top-tier restaurant in Tottori, renowned as a temple for crab lovers, serving the best of the crab harvest right from the source, meticulously prepared by the owner-chef.
Hananoren Honten [$60-$100] – A sophisticated local cuisine restaurant in Tottori City, housed in a traditional building with private dining rooms, serving elevated Japanese cuisine using fresh, seasonal ingredients from Tottori’s sea and mountains.
Grill Matsue [$50-$90] – A fine dining restaurant in Matsue, located in a luxury hotel, known for its elegant ambiance and refined Western-style cuisine, often featuring high-grade Shimane and Tottori Wagyu.
Izumo A-sense [$70-$120] – A contemporary French-inspired fine dining restaurant in Izumo, known for its focus on a refined tasting menu that elegantly incorporates local Shimane vegetables, fish, and meat.
Ajigoyomi Anbe [$60-$100] – Located near Tottori Station, this high-quality Japanese restaurant is known for delectable crab delicacies, particularly the seasonal Oyakani-don (crab meat and roe bowl), using carefully selected local ingredients.
Sushi Hana [$50-$80] – A respected sushi restaurant in the Matsue area, known for its commitment to premium, locally-sourced fish and a quiet, authentic dining atmosphere.
Turudaya Coffee [$15-$30] – An established cafe in Tottori City that also serves surprisingly affordable but high-quality Tottori Wagyu steak and other meals, offering a great budget option for tasting the local beef.
Coco Garden at Oenosato Natural Farm [$10-$20] – A popular and unique destination cafe in Yazu-cho (Tottori) on a natural farm, famous for its incredibly fluffy, photogenic pancakes and high-quality eggs and dairy products.
Daisen Makiba Milk Village [$10-$25] – Located at the base of Mt. Daisen, this spot offers a cafe and restaurant with stunning views, known for its local dairy products like soft serve ice cream, roll cakes, and milk.
Minato Ya [$15-$30] – A rustic Izakaya in Tottori, popular with locals, that is famous for its charcoal-grilled seafood where diners often cook the fresh catches themselves at their table.
Sumibi no Jujuan [$40-$70] – A charcoal grill (yakiniku) restaurant in Tottori City that focuses on both high-quality Tottori Beef and seasonal seafood like matsuba crabs (in season), offering a premium grill experience.
KajaGoo [$20-$40] – A unique dining bar in Matsue (5-minute walk from the station) that offers an eclectic menu of exotic and mysterious international and ethnic cuisine, a lively diversion from traditional Japanese fare.
Izumo Winery [$20-$40] – Located in Izumo, this facility offers a restaurant that pairs local Shimane dishes and Western cuisine with wine made on-site, a unique culinary experience in a region famous for sake and seafood.
Kaiyotei Restaurant [$30-$50] – Located next to the Karoichi fish market in Tottori, this restaurant has a natural saltwater fish tank and specializes in local seafood like white squid, often serving an extravagant dish of a complete, living white squid as sashimi.
Tamiya (Taisha) [$15-$25] – A popular, casual restaurant near Izumo Taisha known for its various donburi (rice bowls) topped with different local ingredients, a quick and satisfying meal for temple visitors.
Yakiniku Toraji [$35-$60] – A local gem in Matsue where you can savor carefully selected Shimane Wagyu in private rooms, offering a high-quality, local beef BBQ experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar Caruso: A distinguished spot near Tottori Station, this whiskey bar is highly regarded for its classic cocktails and selection of fine spirits, offering a sophisticated and low-key atmosphere for evening drinks.
Bar Ueda: Located in the charming city of Matsue, this intimate setting is a hidden gem for enthusiasts of craft cocktails, where the focus is on quality and attention to detail.
Bar EAD: A popular bar in Matsue known for its good reviews and central location, often a recommended spot to start an evening out.
Taisho Club: Found in Matsue City, this cozy bar offers a nice atmosphere with a unique vintage ambiance, showcasing works of children’s painters from the Taisho and Showa periods. They are known for carefully crafted drinks, including whisky served in small bottles for freshness.
Largo: Located in Tottori City, this is a premier bar for imported and Japanese spirits, making it a great place to discover new whiskies in a refined environment.
Kawamura: A top bar in Tottori offering an exquisite selection of global whiskies and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Bar Zen: Discover local flavors in a cozy atmosphere at this bar in Tottori City, a perfect retreat for tourists exploring the city’s nightlife.
Okigaru Bar Casa: A lively spot in Tottori City where the younger crowd gathers, offering authentic Spanish tapas and an easy-going, fun atmosphere.
Niji: A cozy bar in Tottori offering an extensive drink menu and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere for a casual night out.
BAR Bros: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Tottori at this spot, known for excellent drinks and a lively atmosphere.
BAR DAYTONA speakeasy: Experience the hidden charm of this speakeasy bar in Tottori, where creativity meets nostalgia in the cocktails.
Morizo: This bar in Tottori blends cocktails, izakaya delights, and a cozy atmosphere for a well-rounded night out.
Bar Style: Located in Tottori, this spot is known for expertly crafted drinks and a warm atmosphere, making it a great evening retreat.
Kimiomou Tsubame no Kurashi: Although primarily a stylish izakaya near Kurayoshi Station (Tottori), it has an extensive drink selection, including natural wines and sake, and a stylish interior for a chic night out.
Shuvi du Bar: In Tottori, this spot blends modern izakaya dining and bar culture, known for gourmet hamburgers and a full bar experience.
Naked Space: Often cited as one of the only dedicated nightclubs in Matsue City, Shimane, this venue hosts a variety of acts and is the closest you’ll get to a traditional clubbing experience in the area.
Music Bar Birthday: A nice place for live jazz and drinks in Matsue, providing a late-night music scene alternative to a dance club.
Poeme: This Matsue establishment is a Jazz bar that holds a popular Jazz Night on the last Sunday of each month, offering a sophisticated, late-night music venue.
Pub The Sakaemachi Hall: Heralded as one of Tottori City’s only traditional pubs, it’s a lively spot to wrap up a culinary trip with a strong, energetic atmosphere.
BAR Living TOTTORI: Experience vibrant nightlife in Tottori at this cozy bar, offering delightful local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere that extends into the late hours.
MUGENDAI: A lively bar in Tottori offering a unique blend of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere, popular for late-night socializing.
Gallery: Located in Yonago, Tottori, this is a spot known for late-night hours, often featuring DJs and a more club-like atmosphere compared to the small bars.
Izumo no Okuni: A spot in Matsue offering a strong local vibe; while primarily an izakaya, it’s a popular late-night gathering place with an extensive drink selection.
Bar Shufu: A hidden gem in the Matsue area, offering good local sake and a quiet, intimate atmosphere that is perfect for solo travelers or a thoughtful nightcap.
Gold Rush: A vibrant bar in Tottori that is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking great drinks and a lively atmosphere.