Tottori & Shimane: Home of Manga and Gourmet Food
Traveling through the San'in region via Yonago Airport usually involves exploring Matsue and Izumo to the west and Kurayoshi and Tottori to the east. Compared to Japan's major metropolises, the biggest advantage here is enjoying high-end hot springs and kaiseki cuisine at a relatively low cost.
1. Essential Stops for Anime Fans
1) Detective Conan and Monster Village Tour
The area near Kurayoshi, the hometown of the 'Detective Conan' creator, and Mizuki Shigeru Road, famous for 'GeGeGe no Kitaro,' are must-visit sites for fans. Entire towns are decorated with character statues and themed shops, providing plenty to see.
2. Harmony of Food and Relaxation
2) Tottori Crab: A Seafood Paradise
For travelers who want delicious crab without the high cost of traveling to Hokkaido, Tottori is the best choice. As one of Japan's top snow crab producers, it offers fresh and abundant crab dishes at reasonable prices.
3) Great Value Hot Spring Resorts
Accommodations in this area often include traditional kaiseki dinners at lower prices than other famous tourist spots. It is the perfect environment to experience true relaxation with a hot spring bath in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
In terms of administrative districts, Yonago, Kurayoshi, and Tottori City belong to Tottori Prefecture, while Matsue and Izumo are in Shimane Prefecture. However, since travelers usually explore these areas together starting from Yonago, Tottori and Shimane are collectively called the 'San'in Region.' A trip to Yonago is an opportunity to experience the charms of both prefectures at once.
How to Get Around from Yonago Airport
After arriving at Yonago Airport, you can reach the city by train, bus, or taxi. Choose the most convenient method based on your destination and arrival time.
1. JR Sakai Line (Train)
This is the most popular method for travelers. You can catch the train at Yonago Airport Station, located about a 5–8 minute walk from the airport.
1) Important Tips
Yonago Airport Station is an unmanned station without staff. You must purchase a paper ticket from the automated machine before boarding. Since there is only one track, trains for both directions arrive at the same platform, so be sure to check the direction and time carefully.
Yonago Airport Station Timetable (To Yonago) Yonago Airport Station Timetable (To Sakaiminato)Important Note: Even if you have reserved a rail pass, you must purchase a separate paper ticket to board the train if you haven't exchanged it for the physical pass yet. Boarding without a ticket is against regulations.
2. Airport Shuttle & Local Bus
If the train schedule doesn't fit, buses are recommended. The shuttle bus to Yonago Station costs 640 yen, and the local bus is 600 yen. Using the bus is very convenient as you can reach Matsue Station or Kaike Onsen directly without transferring.
Checking the Bus Timetable
Buses to Kaike Onsen are usually scheduled to depart about 1 hour after the flight's scheduled arrival. It is best to check the timetable for 1 hour after your arrival, allowing enough time for immigration and baggage claim.
To Yonago - Shuttle Bus To Yonago - Local Bus To Matsue StationAirport buses and local buses in Tottori Prefecture can be paid for easily using major Japanese IC cards like ICOCA.
3. Using a Taxi
If you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group, a taxi is an alternative. However, fares are expensive, so check the estimated costs beforehand.
- To Yonago Station: Approximately 5,500 yen.
- To Matsue Station: Approximately 8,500 yen.
Exclusive TourCast Tips!
Yonago Travel: Perfect Itinerary by Train
Yonago Station is the central hub for traveling in this region. It is convenient to plan your trip by dividing it into the west (Matsue and Izumo) and the east (Kurayoshi and Tottori). Using the train allows you to reach major areas quickly.
1. Train Travel Times
1) Western Region (Matsue & Izumo)
It takes about 52 minutes by limited express train from Yonago Station to Izumoshi Station, the furthest point west. Matsue Station is very close, taking only 26 minutes.
2) Eastern Region (Kurayoshi & Tottori)
It takes about 66 minutes by limited express train to Tottori Station in the east. Kurayoshi Station, home to the Conan Town, is reachable in just 31 minutes.
2. Recommended Itineraries & Accommodation
1) 4-Day Yonago Hub Course
If you stay in Yonago without moving hotels, the best way is to take day trips to the west one day and the east the next. Use your remaining time to explore local restaurants in Yonago city.
2) West Focus Course
If you want more time in Matsue and Izumo, it is better to book a hotel near Matsue Station. This reduces travel time for a deeper travel experience. You can use the Matsue-Izumo En-musubi Perfect Ticket (2-day pass) for easy access to city buses and major attractions.
3) East Focus Course
Yonago, Kurayoshi, and Tottori are all part of Tottori Prefecture. If you focus on this area, staying in Kurayoshi (between Yonago and Tottori) is recommended. You can also use the Tottori Norihodai Pass for unlimited local bus travel for 3 days.
4) Perfect Relaxation at Hot Springs
On your last day, we recommend staying at a hot spring hotel or ryokan in the Kaike Onsen area of Yonago. It is the best way to relieve travel fatigue with a warm bath and a delicious meal.
3. Essential Prep for Savings
Moving between cities from Yonago can result in high train fares. Using the Tottori-Matsue Pass allows unlimited train rides for a set period, significantly saving on transportation costs.