Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monuments of Tottori

Discover Oshikakei Gorge, a national scenic beauty nestled in Tottori Prefecture. Explore ancient waterfalls, mystical pools, and rare ecological phenomena along this 4km gorge near the famous Misasa Onsen and Nageiredo Temple.

The Haji Momoi Temple Ruins in Yazu Town, Tottori Prefecture, are the remains of Jijūji Temple, an ancient Buddhist complex built during the Hakuho period in the late 7th century. Designated as a National Historic Site, this archaeological treasure features a Hōkiji-style temple layout, 16 pagoda foundation stones preserved in their original positions, and inscribed roof tiles bearing the name of Inaba Province — offering a rare glimpse into provincial Buddhist culture during one of Japan's most transformative eras.

At Hahaki Shrine in Kurayoshi, a primeval grove of 400-year-old chinquapin trees rises 20 meters above the path. A National Natural Monument designated in 1934.

Discover the Hōki Kokubunji Temple Ruins, a nationally designated historic site in Kurayoshi, Tottori. This 8th-century provincial temple, ordered by Emperor Shōmu, offers a serene journey into Japan's Nara-period Buddhist heritage, surrounded by ancient government ruins and lush parkland.

On a ridge south of Matsugami village in Tottori, this shrine grove protects a rare natural stand of sakaki, the evergreen tree central to Shinto ritual offerings.

Spreading across the hills of western Tottori Prefecture, the Mukibanda Site is one of Japan's largest Yayoi-period settlement sites, flourishing some 2,000 years ago. With reconstructed pit dwellings, distinctive four-corner-protruding burial mounds, and sweeping views over the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen, this 152-hectare National Historic Site lets visitors step directly into an ancient San'in 'kuni.'

Discover Yonago Castle Ruins, a National Historic Site crowning Mount Minato in Tottori Prefecture. Once celebrated as the finest castle in the San'in region with its rare twin keeps, the site today offers majestic stone walls and a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Lake Nakaumi, Mount Daisen, and the Sea of Japan.

Crowning Mount Tsurunoo (452m) in Wakasa, Tottori Prefecture, Wakasa Oniga-jo is a National Historic Site of Japan and one of the three great castles of former Inaba Province. Its layered ruins preserve the medieval earthworks of the Yabe clan, the early-modern stone walls built by the Kinoshita and Yamazaki lords, and the rare physical traces of the 1617 'one castle per province' demolition decree.