Japan is so charming that one visit is never enough, and many people keep going back again and again. Each city in each region has its own character, attractions, and food worth stopping for at least once. But if you're tired of big cities packed with tourists and want a change of pace that brings you closer to real Japan, try visiting Tottori Prefecture. It is not well known among foreign tourists, so you can experience a local way of life that is hard to find in more popular cities. Still, it's full of a certain charm, and we promise that once you visit, it will leave a lasting impression.
Tottori Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region. Facing the Sea of Japan, it has coastal highlights such as the Tottori Sand Dunes, which are part of the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. The prefecture also has beautiful, unspoiled nature, along with plenty of fun activities such as camel rides across the dunes, sandboarding, paragliding, kayaking, and much more. It is also the birthplace of two famous manga artists, the creators of Detective Conan and GeGeGe no Kitaro, and you can visit towns themed on their works. All in all, it is as rewarding a destination as any other prefecture.
Now let's get to the travel details. Tottori Prefecture stretches long along the Sea of Japan and is only a little over 2 hours by train from major popular cities like Osaka or Okayama. There are two main train stations that serve as key travel hubs: Tottori Station and Yonago Station, which are about 1 hour apart from each other.
Traveling from Osaka → Tottori
[Option 1: Train] Limited Express “Super Hakuto” (direct/few transfers)
- Main route: Osaka / Shin-Osaka → Tottori (some trains continue to Kurayoshi)
- Travel time: usually about 2 hr 30-40 min (depending on the train)
- Fare “total actual cost” (adult / reserved seat / one way):
- Total: 7,520 yen
- Breakdown:
• Fare: 3,960 yen
• Limited Express reserved seat surcharge: 3,560 yen
- Green Car (if desired): 10,320 yen (3,960 + 6,360)
- How to book/buy tickets:
- Book online (JR-WEST e5489 / JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION)
- Or buy at a JR counter/ticket machine at major stations
[Rail Passes You Can Use]
- JR WEST Kansai WIDE Area Pass (valid for 5 days)
- Price: Adults 12,000 yen / Children 6,000 yen
- Covers the area to Tottori and can be used on the Super Hakuto within the pass's coverage zone
- JR WEST Kansai-San’in Area Pass (valid for 7 days)
- Price: Adults 18,000 yen / Children 9,000 yen
- Great if you plan to visit several cities across “Kansai + San’in” (such as Tottori-Kurayoshi-Yonago-Matsue, etc.)
- Note:
- The “San’in-Okayama Area Pass / Sanin Okayama Pass” has been discontinued
- We recommend referring to the “Kansai WIDE Area Pass” or “Kansai-San’in Area Pass” instead
[Option 2: Long-distance bus] Namba OCAT → Tottori Station Bus Terminal
- Travel time: about 3 hours (depending on the schedule/traffic conditions)
- Regular bus fare: 4,200 yen one way (calculated separately for outbound and return)
Special 1,000 yen promotion (foreign tourists only) — latest update:
- Valid only for the “outbound” leg, Osaka (Namba OCAT) → Tottori
- Promo period: May 7, 2025 - March 31, 2026
- “Promo suspended” periods: Aug 1-31 and Dec 1 - Jan 15
=> As of Jan 2, 2026, it is still within the suspended period (the 1,000 yen fare cannot be purchased yet)
- Ticket purchase point at OCAT: counter open 05:00-20:20
- Documents required: passport showing tourist status (see the official conditions)
- Official links:
- Tottori City page (schedule/conditions): https://www.city.tottori.lg.jp/www/contents/1686202857203/index.html
- Nihon Kotsu flyer (PDF): https://www.city.tottori.lg.jp/www/contents/1686202857203/simple/1000flyer.pdf
Traveling from Okayama → Tottori
[Recommended option: Train] Limited Express “Super Inaba” (direct/few transfers)
- Main route: Okayama → Tottori
- Travel time: usually about 1 hr 50-55 min
- Fare “total actual cost” (adult / reserved seat / one way):
- Total: 5,400 yen
- Breakdown:
• Fare: 2,840 yen
• Limited Express reserved seat surcharge: 2,560 yen
- Note:
- Some websites may show routes that require multiple transfers (using “local trains” or “slower routes”)
- If you want it simple and fast, search for “Super Inaba” specifically when booking
Let's wrap up with a photo of the JR Limited Express Super Hakuto train.
