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Complete Yonago Travel Guide: City Attractions and Nearby Must-Visit Spots
Traveling Yonago: Gateway to San'in and a City of Abundant Flavors
Yonago, located in western Tottori Prefecture, is the starting point for San'in regional travel and a place where you can simultaneously enjoy fresh seafood and beautiful nature. It features fresh aquatic products caught right from the nearby port and a well-developed Gyukotsu Ramen (Beef Bone Ramen) culture known for its deep, savory broth.
It also serves as the gateway for trips to the famous Mt. Daisen and Sakaiminato, renowned for its monster-themed village. Thanks to its terrain where the sea and mountains meet, visitors can admire diverse landscapes. It is a perfect city to experience the friendly daily life and delicious local food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Yonago City Center
Centered around the main station, Yonago city center blends historical ruins with hot springs overlooking the Sea of Japan, making it ideal for light strolls and relaxation.
1. Yonago Castle Ruins
This is the site where the remains of Yonago Castle, once called the 'Castle Above the Clouds,' are preserved. Climbing along the ramparts to the summit offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Yonago City, Mt. Daisen, and the Sea of Japan. However, since reaching the top requires a light 15-minute hike, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
The 'One Province, One Castle' Order and Yonago Castle: In 1615, when the Edo Shogunate ordered each province to keep only one castle, Yonago Castle was not targeted for demolition. Although the Tottori Domain, which ruled the area, used Tottori Castle as its main seat, Yonago Castle was granted permission to remain as a functional castle due to its military and economic importance. For the next 240 years, it was maintained by the Arao clan, senior retainers of the domain.
The True Background of its Disappearance: The decisive reason for Yonago Castle's disappearance was the 'Ordinance for Abolishing Castles' issued during the Meiji era (1873) after the end of the Edo period. At that time, the castle buildings were sold to civilians and mostly dismantled for materials or firewood. Today, only the magnificent stone walls (Ishigaki) and grounds remain, designated as a national historic site.
Difference from Matsue Castle: While nearby Matsue Castle managed to preserve its tower (Tenshu) through local efforts despite the abolition ordinance, becoming one of the '12 Existing Tenshu,' Yonago Castle lost its buildings. However, it has become a famous spot known as 'Japan's strongest castle (scenery division)' due to the overwhelming sense of openness and breathtaking views from the site.
Located within walking distance of Yonago Station, Asahimachi is an area that is more vibrant at night than during the day. It is Yonago's representative downtown area, where unique restaurants and bars line narrow alleys that retain a nostalgic charm, allowing visitors to experience local daily life up close.
Local Food Exploration: There are many restaurants serving Yonago's specialty, Gyukotsu Ramen, as well as small eateries offering fresh seafood appetizers, making it fun to hunt for 'local favorites.'
Showa Era Nostalgia: Old signs and buildings reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s (Showa Era) remain tucked in the alleys. It is a great place to photograph the nostalgic vibe of a small town instead of flashy neon signs.
Wrapping up the Day: Close to central city hotels, it is the perfect location to end a day's schedule with a casual drink. While many shops stay open late, please note that in a small city, pedestrian traffic can thin out late at night, so it's recommended to enjoy the area at a reasonable hour.
Located on the shores of the Sea of Japan, Kaike Onsen is a rare seawater hot spring village where the water gushes from beneath the ocean. It is lined with modern hotels and traditional ryokans overlooking the sea, making it an optimal place for rest.
Onsen Features: As it springs from the sea, the water is very rich in minerals. This helps the body stay warm for a long time after bathing and provides an excellent moisturizing effect that makes the skin silky smooth, earning it the name 'Beauty Onsen.'
Activities: You can enjoy the sea breeze along the coastal walking path or spend a relaxed moment at the free foot baths available to everyone.
1. Recommended Day-trip Bathing Facilities
Kaike Onsen is ideal for enjoying a short hot spring session while admiring the spectacular coastal views. You can choose to use a ryokan's large bath or a budget-friendly public bathhouse.
Ou Land: A large public bathhouse attached to a hotel, being the most popular and affordable option.
Features: Various facilities including open-air baths, saunas, and family baths at very reasonable prices.
Free Foot Baths: There are free foot baths located throughout the Kaike Onsen shopping area and the beach. If you are short on time, even a light foot soak is enough to feel the benefits of the seawater onsen.
Preparation: Towels often cost extra at public bathhouses (like Ou Land), so bringing your own can save money.
Water Quality Note: Due to the 'chloride spring' nature, cuts might sting slightly, but keep in mind that the excellent sterilization effects are good for skin troubles.
Using Yonago as a base, you can enjoy diverse side trips ranging from a monster-themed village from a manga to Japan's famous mountains and a large-scale flower park.
1. Sakaiminato
A port city reachable in about 45 minutes from Yonago Station on the 'Monster Train,' it is a charming place where you can encounter a manga world and fresh seafood simultaneously.
1) Mizuki Shigeru Road & Mizuki Shigeru Museum
The hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of the manga 'GeGeGe no Kitaro,' the entire town is decorated like a monster theme park.
Mizuki Shigeru Road: A path extending about 800m from the station is lined with over 170 detailed bronze monster statues. It is full of charming sights like monster trains and monster postboxes, making it fun to walk.
Mizuki Shigeru Museum: A place to deeply explore the author's life and works, and a pilgrimage site for manga fans where they can admire detailed monster settings and original drawings.
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
Closing Days: Open year-round
Admission: 1,000 yen (Adults), 500 yen (High/Middle School), 300 yen (Elementary)
Near Sakaiminato Port, which boasts the largest catch of red snow crab in Japan, there is a vibrant market where you can taste fresh seafood.
Fresh Seafood: You can find red snow crab, snow crab, and tuna freshly caught from the Sea of Japan at reasonable prices.
Gourmet Experience: Taste a hearty seafood bowl (Kaisendon) at a restaurant inside the market or enjoy freshly grilled seafood to feel the energy of the port city.
A magnificent mountain called the 'Mt. Fuji of San'in,' it is a symbolic Yonago attraction featuring Western Japan's largest beech forest and temples imbued with spiritual energy.
1) Daisenji Temple & Ogamiyama Shrine
A historic religious sanctuary located on the slopes of Mt. Daisen, offering a path of asceticism along quiet forest trails.
Daisenji Temple: An ancient temple with over 1,300 years of history, preserving Important Cultural Properties of Japan. It is a good place to clear your mind while feeling the temple's atmosphere.
Ogamiyama Shrine: Famous for Japan's longest stone-paved approach (Sando). The mossy stone walls and lush forest create a mystical atmosphere, offering a landscape where nature and history become one.
Ogamiyama Shrine enshrines Okuninushi (大国主), the god who ruled the land and governs bonds and prosperity in Japanese mythology. Here, he is worshiped as the 'Guardian of the Mountain' harmonizing with the sacred nature of Mt. Daisen.
For more in-depth stories about this deity, please refer to the Izumo Taisha guide to add more depth to your trip.
2) Daisen Dairy Farm Milk no Sato (Home of Milk)
A healing spot where you can see cows grazing on the vast open pastures of Mt. Daisen.
Fresh Dairy Products: You can taste dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and butter made from freshly milked milk, known for their rich flavor.
Milk Soft Serve Ice Cream: An essential stop, the rich and sweet milk flavor that fills your mouth is the most popular delicacy among travelers.
Once you reach Daisenji by bus from Yonago Station, you can easily walk to Ogamiyama Shrine from there.
However, Milk no Sato, famous for its fresh dairy, lacks public
transport connections and is in a location very difficult to visit without a rental car.
3. Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park
Japan's largest flower park, this fragrant garden welcomes visitors with colorful flowers all year round.
1) All-Weather Circular Corridor & Flower Dome
It features a unique structure designed so visitors can enjoy flowers regardless of weather or season.
1km Circular Corridor: Thanks to the 1km-long roofed circular corridor, you can comfortably walk and view the entire park without an umbrella even when it rains or snows.
Flower Dome: Inside the massive glass greenhouse dome, tropical plants and rare flowers abound, allowing you to feel the bright energy of flowers even in winter.
2) Seasonal Flower Festivals & Illuminations
Theme-based flower festivals are held throughout the four seasons, from tulips in spring to lilies in summer and cosmos in autumn.
Night Illuminations: During winter or specific periods, a Festival of Light is held where tens of thousands of lights harmonize with the flowers. The fantastical night garden offers romantic memories for families and couples.
3) Visitor Information
As operating hours and fares for Hanakairo vary by season, it is best to check the latest information on the official website before visiting. Especially check in advance for night illumination schedules according to your travel dates.
Bring Your Passport: Foreign travelers can receive a 50% discount on admission by presenting their passport, so it is economical to bring it.
Free Shuttle Bus: A free shuttle bus from Yonago Station makes it convenient for public transport users. Refer to the timetable below to plan an efficient trip.
