And here we are again, Tottori! My journey to Japan in May/June this year was a heartwarming family reunion combined with adventures and exploration. Japan was one of the last countries that completely lifted the COVID-19 measures. I was so happy that I did not have to do any tests or complicated procedures to enter the country. I was able to meet my granny as it was quite difficult during the pandemic and meeting my cousin’s daughter for the first time filled me with joy and excitement. This time, I managed to arrange a day trip that allowed me to visit both the Tottori Sand Dunes and the Sand Museum. My mom and I made a journey to Chizu with the intention of visiting the Ishitani Residence, a traditional Japanese home, featuring architectural elements that reflect the aesthetics of the Edo period. All in all, I had a wonderful week with my family in rural Tottori before I headed to busy Tokyo. My time in the peaceful countryside was a nice break before the city’s hustle and bustle.

THINGS TO DO IN TOTTORI

Sightseeing & Attractions

• Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport
• Tottori Sand Dunes
• Mizuki Shigeru Road (GeGeGe No Kitaro and Yokai Road)
• Tottori Castle Ruins
• Jinpukaku Hall (Filming Location of Rurouni Kenshin)
• Hakuto Shrine & Beach
• Ube Shrine
• Kawahara Castle
• Koyama Ike (Lake)
• Fuanoka Bamboo Forest Park
• Mt. Daisen
• Mt. Mitoku
• Koi-Yamagata Station (Love Themed Train Station)

Museums

• Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory (Detective Conan Museum)
• GeGeGe No Kitaro | Mizuki Shigeru Museum (@ Mizuki Shigeru Road)
• The Sand Museum
• Watanabe Art Musem
• Tottori Perfectural Museum
• Yonago City Museum of Art
• Kurayoshi Figure Museum
• Japanese Pear Museum

Personal Favourite Restaruants & Cafés

• Oenosato Natural Farm, Cocogarden (they have the best pancakes!)
• Oenokian (try the pink curry!)
• Kirin café (Taiyaki made of puff pastry)
• Wakabayashi (Japanese Food / Fish)
• Ichiba-Shokudo Karo (Japanese Food / Fish)
• Mitaki-en, Aesthetic Restaurant in the Woods (still on my bucket list)

Day Trips

• Yura Hokuei| Detective Conan Town
• Wakasa | Retro Town
• Chizu | Ishitani Residence
• Kurayoshi | Figure Museum, Nijisseiki Pear Museum