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Essential Transport Passes and Bus Guide for the San'in Region
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Essential Transport Passes and Bus Guide for the San'in Region

San'in Region Transport Summary

The San'in region (Tottori and Shimane Prefectures), centered around Yonago, has well-established train and bus networks. Choosing the right transport pass based on your itinerary can significantly reduce your travel expenses.

Tottori-Matsue Pass

This is a must-have pass if you plan to travel using JR trains (Limited Express and local) from Izumoshi Station in the west, through Matsue and Yonago, to Kurayoshi and Tottori Station in the east.

1. Why use this pass?

1) Incredible Value

A one-way Limited Express ticket from Yonago to Tottori costs about 3,420 yen. However, a 3-day unlimited pass costs only 4,000 yen. It pays for itself with just one round trip.

2) Free Bus Access

In addition to trains, you can use major sightseeing buses frequently used by tourists for free.

  • Matsue: Includes the 'Matsue Lake Line Bus' which loops through major attractions.
  • Tottori: Includes the 'Loop Kirinjishi Bus' from Tottori Station to the Sand Dunes (available on weekends and holidays).

2. Important Tips for Use

1) Exchange Location Warning

The Tottori-Matsue Pass cannot be exchanged at Yonago Airport Station. You must first purchase a separate ticket to reach Yonago Station, then exchange your voucher for the actual pass at the station's ticket office.

2) Reserved Seat Tip

Some trains are 'all-reserved seating,' meaning you must book a seat in advance. With this pass, seat reservations are free. However, from the 7th reservation onwards, you must book at the station ticket counter with a staff member rather than using a machine.

Tottori-Matsue Pass Information

Matsue-Izumo En-musubi Perfect Ticket

This pass is essential for focusing on the core tourist areas of Shimane Prefecture: Matsue and Izumo. Formally known as the 'Matsue-Izumo En-musubi Perfect Ticket 2Days', it offers unlimited use of major transport for two days.

1. Price and Validity

1) Economical Pricing

The pass costs 3,000 yen for adults. Since transport costs between Matsue and Izumo can be high, this pass offers great value with a well-planned itinerary.

2) Period of Use

It is valid for two consecutive days starting from the day of first use. It is perfect for exploring Matsue on the first day and Izumo on the second.

2. Coverage Area

1) All Local Buses in Matsue and Izumo

You can freely use regular city buses within both regions. It is especially convenient for reaching Izumo Taisha or getting around Matsue Castle.

  • Matsue Lake Line: Unlimited use of the loop bus that visits major spots in Matsue city.
  • Ichibata Electric Railway: Unlimited travel on all Ichibata Railway lines, offering a scenic way to travel to Izumo.

3. When is this pass worth it?

Visiting Izumo Taisha and City Sightseeing

To reach Izumo Taisha from Matsue Station without using JR trains, you must take a bus to Matsue Shinjiko-Onsen Station and then transfer to the Ichibata Railway. The round-trip cost for this alone is 2,220 yen. If you add a round trip from Izumo Taisha to the Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse (an extra 1,020 yen) and factor in Lake Line bus fares (210 yen per ride), the pass is clearly the better deal. It is the best choice for a thorough two-day exploration of Matsue and Izumo.

In the San'in region, the Ichibata Electric Railway connecting Izumo and Matsue is essentially the only local railway tourists need to know. While the 'Wakasa Railway' exists in eastern Tottori, it is rarely used unless you have a specific plan to visit the Wakasa area.

4. How to Purchase and Precautions

1) How to Purchase

You can purchase it digitally via the JAL MaaS website. Create an account, search for 'Izumo travel' or 'Matsue Izumo Perfect Ticket,' and purchase the 2-day pass.

Purchase on JAL MaaS

2) Exclusions: Airport Buses and JR Trains

Please note that this pass cannot be used for the shuttle bus from Yonago Airport to Matsue or for JR trains. To travel between regions via JR, you will need a separate ticket or the 'Tottori-Matsue Pass.'

Matsue-Izumo Perfect Ticket Info

By showing your pass, you can also receive admission discounts at major attractions like Matsue Castle, so don't forget to use it.

Tottori Norihodai Pass (Bus Pass)

This pass is extremely useful if you are traveling centered around Yonago, Kurayoshi, and Tottori. It offers unlimited rides on local city buses and sightseeing buses across Tottori Prefecture. Formally known as the 'Tottori-han Norihodai Tegata', its unique wooden plaque design makes it a great travel souvenir.

1. Price and Validity

1) Reasonable Pricing

The pass costs 1,800 yen for adults. Since bus fares in Tottori can be high, riding the bus two or three times a day easily covers the cost.

2) Period of Use

It is valid for three consecutive days from the start of use, providing plenty of time to explore every corner of the prefecture by bus.

2. Coverage Area

1) All Local Buses in Tottori Prefecture

Covers most regular city buses in Yonago, Kurayoshi, and Tottori city.

  • Airport Bus Access: Valid only for shuttle and local buses between Yonago Airport ↔ Yonago Station and shuttle buses between Tottori Airport ↔ Tottori Station.
  • Exclusions: Please note that airport shuttle buses to other regions or intercity highway buses are excluded.

Provides convenient access to major tourist spots frequently visited in Tottori, Yonago, and Kurayoshi.

  • Tottori Sand Dunes: Use the bus from Tottori Station to the grand sand dunes.
  • Loop Kirinjishi Bus: Access the loop bus that stops at major attractions in Tottori city.
  • Other Major Spots: Connects to famous sites like Mizuki Shigeru Road (Monster Village), Misasa Onsen, and the Mt. Daisen trailheads.

3. How to Purchase and Benefits

1) Purchase Locations

Available at the Yonago Airport Information Desk, bus terminals at Yonago, Kurayoshi, and Tottori Stations, and local tourist information centers.

2) Additional Discount Benefits

Holding this pass grants admission discounts at major tourist attractions in Tottori Prefecture (such as Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park), making it even more economical.

Tottori Norihodai Pass Info

Simply show the wooden plaque pass to the driver when getting off the bus. Its popularity among travelers also stems from being a great keepsake.

Regional Sightseeing Buses

To efficiently explore major sights in Matsue and Tottori cities, using regional sightseeing loop buses is highly recommended.

1. Matsue Lake Line Bus

This bus loops through major attractions starting from Matsue Station, including Matsue Castle, the Horikawa Pleasure Boat, and the Shimane Art Museum. It features a retro red design and runs every 20–30 minutes, minimizing wait times.

  • Fare: 210 yen per ride for adults.
  • Recommended Pass: If you plan to ride more than three times a day, using a 'Lake Line 1-Day Pass (520 yen)' or the 'Matsue-Izumo Perfect Ticket' is more economical.
  • Purchase Locations: Available at the 'Omiyage Rakuichi' inside JR Matsue Station and at the Matsue Shinjiko-Onsen Station shop.
Matsue Lake Line Routes & Timetable

2. Tottori Loop Kirinjishi Bus

Starting from Tottori Station, this bus connects core attractions in Tottori City, such as the Tottori Sand Dunes, the Sand Museum, and Karo Port. It is easily recognizable by the colorful 'Kirinjishi' (a legendary creature) depicted on its exterior.

  • Operating Info: Runs mainly on weekends, public holidays (except Jan 1), substitute holidays, and during the Obon period (Aug 13–15). It does not run on weekdays, so check the calendar beforehand.
  • Fare: 400 yen per ride for adults. If you plan to ride two or more times a day, the 700 yen 1-Day Unlimited Pass is a better deal.
  • Recommended Pass: If you have the 'Tottori Norihodai Pass,' you can use this bus unlimited times at no extra cost.
  • Purchase Locations: Available at the Tottori Bus Terminal, Tottori City Tourist Information Center, or directly on the Loop Kirinjishi Bus.
Tottori Loop Kirinjishi Bus Routes & Timetable