Tottori Prefecture is one of Japan's most underrated destinations. It's easy to reach from Osaka, about two and a half hours away by train. It offers a wide range of attractions, from nature and culture, both old and new, to spots tied to famous manga like Detective Conan and GeGeGe no Kitaro. Another advantage of visiting an off-the-beaten-path prefecture like this is that it's far less crowded, which anyone coming from Osaka will notice right away and which makes it feel much more relaxed. The train ride there also winds through beautiful valleys.
If you have some extra time in Osaka and want to explore beyond the big city, here are three easy day trips from Osaka to Tottori.
Day Trip from Osaka to Conan Town
If you're a Conan fan, keep reading. Tottori Prefecture is home to the creator of Detective Conan, and his hometown has been transformed into a Conan-themed destination. There's a museum that covers the series in depth, with information on its creator, Gosho Aoyama, how Conan is made, manga-related items, a recreation of the author's workspace, and plenty of rare collectibles. There are also several fun activities to try during your visit, plus souvenirs that any collector will love. The museum is called the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory.
Beyond the museum, the train station, walkways, bus stops, souvenir and collectible shops, cafes, restaurants, and more are all designed around the Conan theme.
Getting to Conan Town, or more precisely Yura Station, isn't difficult. Take the Limited Express Super Hakuto from Osaka Station to Kurayoshi Station (about 3 hours, ¥5,060), then transfer to a local train for about 10 minutes to reach Yura Station. Local trains run infrequently, so it's worth checking the schedule carefully for both directions. JR passes such as the Sanin Okayama Pass can be used for this trip.
Day Trip from Osaka to the Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes are among the largest sand dunes in Japan. They rise as high as 50 meters and have existed for thousands of years, making them one of Tottori's landmarks. Visitors can try unique activities here, such as camel rides or paragliding.
A well-made screening room shows a video about the sand dunes.
Nearby, there's also a sand museum featuring large, elaborate sand sculptures on various themes. The theme changes every year, and it's open from mid-April to early January.
Getting to the Tottori Sand Dunes is easy. Take the Limited Express Super Hakuto from Osaka Station to Tottori Station (about two and a half hours, ¥3,960). Several JR Pass options can be used, such as the Kansai Wide Area Pass or the Sanin Okayama Pass.
From Tottori Station, take a bus from in front of the station for about 20 minutes to reach the sand dunes. The Kansai Wide Area Pass or the Sanin Okayama Pass can be used for this as well.
Day Trip from Osaka to the Old Town of Kurayoshi
Besides its natural scenery, Tottori also has old town districts that flourished during the Edo period, such as the historic quarter of Kurayoshi. It's truly full of old-world charm, with buildings well preserved and retaining their original character. There are also long-standing shops, some over 100 years old, where you can sample local food and shop as you go, stopping to take photos and rest along the way. It's a wonderfully relaxing walk.
If you get hungry from walking, there's a well-known restaurant here worth visiting. It's a Western-style restaurant set inside a renovated old bank building, using local ingredients in its cooking. It's best to arrive early to avoid a long wait, since each dish has a limited number of servings per meal. If you arrive late, you may have to queue or find some dishes sold out.
After lunch, head over to the Pear Museum, less than a kilometer away. It's a short, pleasant walk through the Japanese countryside town to get there. This is said to be the only pear museum in Japan, as pears are one of Tottori's signature products, grown in such large quantities that a museum was dedicated to them. Inside, you'll find everything about pears, from the trees, blossoms, and fruit to cultivation, harvesting, and packaging, all presented in an engaging way. The exhibits are interactive and hands-on, with several zones that kids are sure to love.
Getting to Kurayoshi is easy. Take the Limited Express Super Hakuto from Osaka Station to Kurayoshi Station (about 3 hours, ¥5,060), then transfer to a local bus for about 15-20 minutes to reach the area. You can ask at the information center at the station for directions; the bus passes by the Pear Museum on the way.