Travel Experiences in San'in

Nature

Immerse yourself in the serenity of nature in San'in

Although some sites, like Mount Daisen, the mythical home of Japan's ancient fire god, are created by elemental forces, other natural sites in San'in were developed by human hands. Visit the Tottori Hanakairo-Flower Park to witness a dizzying array of flora, or spend an afternoon marveling at the expert attention to detail in the 300-year-old Hori family's curated gardens in Shimane.

Tottori Hanakairo-Flower Park

Tottori

In a prefecture known for its natural beauty, Tottori Hanakairo-Flower Park stands out with its vibrant and diverse fauna that you can enjoy year-round. The park boasts multiple themed areas open year-round, backdropped by the stunning image of Mount Daisen. The park itself is encircled by an elevated and covered observation walkway providing a view of the various outdoor flower beds. The centerpiece Flower Dome has a wide array of tropical plant life visible regardless of the season. Surrounding the dome in all directions are unique areas that have something for any flower fan. The north side shows off the beauty of European style gardening with the Dutch tulips in the Flower Valley and the Rose Garden to its east. The south side houses a unique display of rare medicinal herbs and the hanging baskets of the Mist Garden. Rotating displays throughout the seasons ensure Tottori Hanakairo-Flower Park always has something new to see. Enjoy the Moonlight Flower Garden during early summer and summer vacation, and the Flower Illumination in winter.

View more
Hori Garden

Shimane

Enjoy the beauty of the traditional Japanese architecture of this luxurious noble residence, surrounded by an elaborately curated garden masterpiece, built more than 200 years ago.
The elegance of this property was created over several years with the intention of highlighting both the beauty of the dwellings and the beauty of nature.
Moss-covered stone lanterns line the foot paths among the vibrant maple trees, and a wooden bridge spans over the pond, showing marvelous reflections of the lush landscape.
Flaunting their brilliant colors of yellow, orange and red, these Japanese maple leaves give a splendorous contrast to the surrounding green mountains, reminding us of the deepening of autumn.

View more
Mt. Daisen Eco Tours

Tottori

Mt. Daisen is known locally as the sacred mountain where the Japanese god of fire resides. A variety of eco-tours are offered at this ancient volcano to explore this mystical summit. For those interested in the religion and history of the area, why not take a tour from the Daisen Tourism Organization? You can stop at temples that have remained there for hundreds of years along the way. For those interested in the natural beauty of the mountain, you can also enjoy guided hikes and visits through the ethereal environment where tranquility, peace, and energy live in harmony and your wishes are fulfilled. Given its revered natural beauty, the entire mountain of Daisen is known as a spiritual spot and provides stunning views over the beech forests and Sea of Japan from the summit.

View more

Culture

Discover unique arts and craft traditions in San'in

From pottery to quilting, San'in has a rich art tradition. See the pottery production process first-hand at the Shussai-gama pottery. Discover thousands of pieces by renowned photographer Shoji Ueda at the Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography. And learn the art of quilting at the Izumo Quilt Museum of Art, the only dedicated quilting museum in Japan.

Shussai-gama (Shussai Kiln)

Shimane

With the goal of bringing the art of pottery to a wider audience, five Japanese potters founded Shussai-gama pottery in 1947. In a time where pottery was viewed more for consuming food than as a form of art, Shussai-gama stood out and grew in popularity with its goods influenced by the Mingei folk art movement. Now the studio is run by the children and grandchildren of the original founders, but the unique artistic style remains the same. Enjoy observing the traditional methods of using wood fired kilns, hand spinning bowls and plates, and using traditional dyes firsthand. Take home some of the vibrant blue pottery from the crafters themselves. While the pottery is beautiful and colorful it remains practical and can be used in any home as decoration or tableware. Shussai-gama provides an opportunity to see up close where one of Japan's most beloved forms of artistic pottery is made.

View more
Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography

Tottori

The Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography exhibits the works of Shoji Ueda, a photographer from Tottori Prefecture. Shoji Ueda is one of the most remarkable Japanese photographers in the world. His photographs are widely known in France—the birthplace of photography—as "Ueda-cho (Ueda style)." This describes his way of arranging his subjects as if they were objects, using the sky, horizon, and sand dunes of the San-in region as a background.
The building was designed by architect Shin Takamatsu and features four towers, three ponds, and large curved walls. The building overlooks Mt. Daisen, and on a clear day, the reflection of the mountain on the three ponds is a beautiful sight.

View more
The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art

Shimane

Izumo Museum of Quilt Art is the first and only museum dedicated to quilts in Japan. The museum was created by Mutsuko Yawatagaki, one of the most famous quilters in the country whose work has been put on display in museums internationally. It holds an ever-changing display of her works. The exhibits feature Yawatagaki's beautifully realized quilts made from antique Kimono fabric in color themes that match the season at the time with white and cooler colors for the winter and reds or brighter colors for the summer months. The quilts are displayed, not by themselves, but as part of larger installations using the environment around the old-style Japanese house the museum was established in. Each installation is set up alongside matching Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging, displays to complete the aesthetic of the season. Being operated by Mutsuko Yawatagaki directly, this museum is a pure expression of her quilting art.

View more

Activity

Try something new in San'in

Did you know there were dunes in Japan? The Tottori Sand Dunes are a well-known Japanese natural phenomenon, and here visitors can join in a uniquely desert-based activity: sandboarding. Away from the dunes, the villa of HÏSOM in Shimane gives you a chance to stay in a rural idyll surrounded by nature. While below the waves, the abundant marine life of the Oki Islands is a huge draw for scuba divers.

Sandboarding at Tottori Sand Dunes

Tottori

The Tottori Sand Dunes offer a unique experience to visitors to the area. The rolling dunes on the coast of the Sea of Japan are similar to those that are normally found in desert areas. This makes them an excellent place to try a rare sport in the form of sandboarding. This activity is available year-round with Tottori home to some of the best sandboarding around. While those who have snowboarded in the past may find themselves at home on the dunes, there are English lessons available complete with full gear rental for anyone from total beginner to pro. Afterwards, take a break from riding the sand and explore the beautiful beaches themselves. See the rare desert plant life and even meet and ride camels in the dunes nearby.

View more
HÏSOM

Tottori

Experience life surrounded by natural beauty in the rural Japanese villa of HÏSOM. Inspired by the Nordic way of living and embracing the natural environment, HÏSOM provides a taste of life in rustic Japan without sacrificing modern amenities. Stay in traditional Japanese homes that have been outfitted with all of the comforts of modern life. Spend time in the rural local area and walk around in the beautiful nature of Shimane. With multiple homes, each with multiple bedrooms, visitors can come in groups or more quiet solo getaways. With sprawling back yards to enjoy the fresh morning air or afternoon barbeques, anyone can experience the local nature and produce to the fullest. For those less inclined to cooking, catering using local and seasonal foods is also available with early reservations. Explore the area around the homes including the beautiful beaches and mountains of one of the most scenic areas in all of Japan.

View more
Scuba Diving at Oki Islands

Shimane

The Oki Islands are located off the coast of Shimane Prefecture in the Sea of Japan and consist of about 180 islands in total, four of which are inhabited. The sea's relatively shallow waters make for an exciting diving experience for beginners and veterans alike. The usually cold waters around the island are met by the warm Tsushima Current making the plant and fish life around the Oki Islands diverse and unique. The rocky sea bottom is covered with Japanese seaweed and home to a diverse array of fish which swim together to make for an unforgettable dive. Scuba diving schools can be found on the four major islands of the Oki with diving lessons in English and Japanese. Dogo, the largest of the four islands, has some of the most accessible diving spots while the smaller islands of Nishinoshima and Nakanoshima have some of the most interesting sea life in the area. It's hard to go wrong with so many diving spots so easily accessible around these beautiful islands.

View more