A mysterious area full of natural beauty

The Kirin Town area spans the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture and the northwest part of Hyogo Prefecture. Each town and city that makes up this space is linked by a magical legend: that of the Kirin, a mythical creature commemorated with the traditional Kirin Lion Dance.

Kirinnomanchi’s seven towns each have their own unique character, from camels and sand dunes to bright blue indigo crafts. The area consists of Tottori City and the towns of Iwami, Wakasa, Yatsu, Chitsu, Shinanosen and Kami. Below you will find a brief introduction to the unique charm of each place.

Dune Adventure in Tottori City

Tottori City is famous for having the largest natural sand dunes in Japan. Covering an area of ​​30 square kilometers, Tottori Sand Dunes Designated as a national natural monument. These dunes are a living history lesson, shaped by strong winds over a hundred thousand years and containing layers of volcanic ash. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, sand boarding and even paragliding.

For a more leisurely option, head to the observation deck at the Sakyu Center for panoramic views of the coastline. Located on the edge of the dunes, the Tottori Sand Museum also showcases intricate sand sculptures based on global cultures, celebrating the beauty of sand art.

Wakasa’s street scenes and retro toys

Wakasa is famous for its historical streetscape. Kura-Dori (also known as “Warehouse Street”) stretches for 300 meters and features white-walled commercial warehouses dating back to 1885. A stroll along Warehouse Street offers a glimpse into the town’s commercial history, full of retro charm. Nearby Kariya Avenue features old wooden buildings and historic shops. In the winter, the sidewalks here are covered with snow and the scenery is especially beautiful.

Head to the Showa Toy Museum on Wakasa’s main street, now a traditional candy store (stand up), get a taste of the past with nostalgic tin toys and candies.

Qi Zu’s bright indigo crafts

In the wooded area of ​​Chizu, you’ll find Chizu Blue, an indigo dye studio run by local women who use traditional techniques to make handkerchiefs and other handkerchiefs. The studio takes inspiration from the surrounding forests, growing and fermenting its own indigo.

use Zabori and Itajime Artisans use technology to create intricate patterns and then dye the fabric a deep blue. “Japanese blue” has a long history, dating back thousands of years – samurai once wore indigo-dyed armor, a color known as “Japanese blue.” realor “winning color,” believed to bring victory. This association with good luck continues to this day, with winning colors often used to represent luck and success in competitive sports.

Charming accommodation in Yatsu

Scenic small town Nowonce a famous transfer station daimyo Princes traveling to and from the capital are provided with two particularly special accommodation experiences: Gaoyue Temple and Dajianggu accommodation.

Guests who choose to stay at the Koh Pagoda Temple can enjoy an unforgettable spiritual experience with the monks. The temple allows visitors to engage in Buddhist activities such as copying sutras and mindfulness meditation in an intimate setting—limited to one group of participants per day.

A former school, Ooe Valley Stay is a peaceful getaway surrounded by mountains focused on immersing yourself in the natural world. All rooms are free of distracting devices such as televisions, which encourages guests to connect with nature through activities such as bouldering and campfires.

Stunning scenery and seaside walks in Iwami City

Uradome Beach and Ishimi It is a must-visit place in Sanin Kaigan Geopark. It is famous for its dramatic seawalls, caves and jagged rocks formed by ocean erosion, which contrast with its calm, clear waters and white sand beaches. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, these beaches offer adventure and tranquility.

Built around 811, Miyu Shrine is a culturally important site near Iwai Onsen, one of the oldest hot spring resorts in San’in. The shrine is considered the patron saint of hot springs, attracting visitors seeking health and relaxation.

Delightful selection of hot springs in Shenquan

Shinronsen is famous for its hot springs, including Hamasaka Onsen, Nanagama Onsen and Yumura Onsen. Hamasaka Onsen is set amidst natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, rivers and sea. Nanagama Hot Spring was discovered in a rice field in 1955 and has an open-air bath in the Yurakukan. Yumura Onsen is known as one of the hottest hot springs in Japan. Its hot spring named Arayu gushes out from the ground with a temperature as high as 98 degrees Celsius.

In Tangcun, locals boil eggs and vegetables in hot spring water, a custom known locally as Yugaki. Visitors can also enjoy hot spring prepared foods such as eggs, wild vegetables and tea.

Highlands and Gardens in Xiangmei

Nature lovers and budding adventurers will love the Babei Highlands located in the town of Xiangmei, just north of the Bagong Bus. In spring and summer, visitors can camp, hike, fish or try paragliding and tree climbing, while autumn transforms the highlands into a riot of colour. Come winter, Babei’s ski resort boasts its famous 4 kilometers of trails and offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and traditional snow domes.

this Tajima Plateau Botanical GardenIn addition, it offers stunning natural landscapes with approximately 2,000 different species of plants and flowers. There is an ancient laurel tree here that is said to be over 1,000 years old, as well as the famous Katsura no Spring (Millennium Water), a natural spring that produces 5,000 tons of crystal clear water every day.

Learn more about Kirin Town

If this piques your interest, check out our complete Kirin no Machi Handbook , a comprehensive travel guide for a more in-depth look at the area.