Yonago Travel Guide

1. Yonago Waterbird Park: Yonago Waterbird Park is a significant wetland conservation area in Japan, renowned for its winter migratory bird populations, including white storks, swans, geese, and over 200 other bird species. The park features several bird-watching huts and boardwalks, allowing visitors to observe wildlife closely without disturbing the ecosystem. It’s also a prime spot for photography enthusiasts, with the wetlands appearing especially dreamy at sunrise or sunset under the glow of sunlight.

2. Kaike Onsen: Kaike Onsen is one of the most iconic hot spring destinations in the San’in region, known for its chloride-rich waters that offer excellent skin-moisturizing benefits. Many hot spring inns face the Sea of Japan directly, allowing guests to soak in the baths while enjoying stunning sea views, providing complete relaxation for body and mind. The onsen street is lined with traditional ryokan inns offering fresh seafood dishes, such as snow crab and oysters, making the hot spring experience even more delightful.

3. Mount Daisen: Known as the “Hōki Fuji,” Mount Daisen is one of Japan’s top 100 famous mountains, offering distinct scenery across all four seasons. Summer is ideal for hiking and trekking, while winter transforms it into a skiing destination. At the mountain’s base, the historic Daisen-ji Temple, with over a thousand years of history, adds a profound spiritual ambiance to this sacred peak.

4. Adachi Museum of Art: Consistently ranked as having “Japan’s most beautiful garden,” the Adachi Museum of Art features exquisite dry landscape gardens, pond gardens, and borrowed scenery techniques. The museum houses an extensive collection of modern Japanese paintings, including works by masters like Yokoyama Taikan and Takeuchi Seiho, blending art and nature seamlessly. From intricate sand patterns and lush pine trees to the distant backdrop of Mount Daisen, every element embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

5. Sakaiminato City (Home of GeGeGe no Kitaro): Sakaiminato is the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of the classic manga *GeGeGe no Kitaro*, and the city is steeped in yokai (demon) culture. Strolling along “Mizuki Shigeru Road” from JR Sakaiminato Station, visitors can see over 100 yokai bronze statues, including characters like Kitaro and Medama-Oyaji (Eyeball Father). The Yokai Shrine, yokai-themed shops, and even yokai-inspired foods (like eyeball pudding) make this a pilgrimage site for anime fans. The nearby Sakaiminato Fish Market offers fresh crab, tuna, and other seafood.

6. Yumihama Peninsula: The Yumihama Peninsula is one of Yonago’s most striking coastal landscapes, with approximately 10 kilometers of sand dunes and the azure Sea of Japan creating a breathtaking view. The fine sandy beaches and clear waters make it a popular summer spot for locals to cool off. Well-maintained cycling paths allow visitors to rent bikes and ride leisurely along the coastline, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.

7. Nakaumi Lake: Nakaumi Lake, a vast brackish lake, is one of Japan’s rare saline-freshwater lakes, fostering a rich ecosystem famous for its abundant clams. Lakeside restaurants serve clam miso soup, steamed clams, and other delicacies that leave a lasting impression. Visitors can take sightseeing boat tours or stay at lakeside onsen ryokan for a night, enjoying the dual relaxation of hot springs and lake views.

8. Yonago Castle Ruins: Also known as “Kume Castle,” Yonago Castle was built in the late 16th century and served as a key military stronghold in the San’in region. Though only stone walls and the keep’s platform remain, climbing to the site still conveys its former grandeur. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Yonago city and the Sea of Japan. During cherry blossom season, the surrounding blooms complement the historic ruins beautifully. The annual “Yonago Castle Cherry Blossom Festival” with nighttime illuminations attracts many photographers.

9. Yodoe Umbrella Pine Park: Yodoe Umbrella Pine Park is famous for its Tanabata Festival, held every summer (July to August), when the park is adorned with vibrant Tanabata decorations like tanzaku strips and paper cranes, creating a festive atmosphere. The park’s centerpiece, the “Umbrella Pine,” a uniquely shaped tree resembling an open umbrella, is a local natural monument and a popular photo backdrop. Beyond Tanabata, the park offers playground facilities and expansive lawns, ideal for family outings. In spring, cherry blossoms and canola flowers bloom simultaneously, creating a stunning pink-and-yellow floral sea.

10. Tottori Flower Corridor: Located near Yonago, the Tottori Flower Corridor is Western Japan’s largest flower park, featuring greenhouses and outdoor fields with diverse blooms year-round. It’s especially popular for its spring tulips and autumn cosmos.

1. Snow Crab (Zuwai-gani): Known as the "King of Tottori Crabs," this winter delicacy features long, slender legs and delicate, sweet meat. Recommended preparations include sashimi or kelp hot pot to highlight its natural sweetness. Many Kaike Onsen ryokan offer whole snow crab dishes, paired with luxurious ocean-view hot springs. (Recommended restaurants: Sakaiminato Seafood Market "Kani Shokudo," Kaike Onsen ryokan)

2. Red Snow Crab (Beni-zuwai-gani): A Sakaiminato specialty with a red shell, this crab is prized for its rich, creamy crab paste, surpassing even snow crab in flavor intensity. A must-try is "Koura-yaki": crab paste and miso grilled in the shell, offering a savory, salty taste perfect with sake. (Recommended restaurant: Sakaiminato Fish Market "Kaiyotei")

3. Daisen Black Wagyu: Raised at the foot of Mount Daisen, this premium wagyu boasts fine, marbled texture. Try the "ribeye sirloin" at yakiniku restaurants in Yonago city or enjoy sukiyaki at onsen ryokan, where the meat melts in your mouth when dipped in raw egg. (Recommended restaurant: "Daisen Gyuzo")

4. Nakaumi Lake Clams: Golden clams nurtured in the brackish waters of Nakaumi Lake are used in miso soup, simmered in large quantities for a rich, savory broth with liver-health benefits. Local restaurant "Shijimi-tei" also offers sake-steamed clams, enhancing their natural sweetness. (Recommended restaurant: Nakaumi lakeside "Shijimi-tei")

5. Karo Port Seafood Donburi: Featuring fresh seafood from Sakaiminato piled atop vinegared rice, this dish must include Tottori’s famous "white squid sashimi" and red snow crab meat. At "Uoshin" near Yonago Station, you can customize your bowl with 3-5 seafood choices, offering great value. (Recommended restaurant: Yonago Station "Seafood Donburi Specialty Uoshin")

6. 20th Century Pear Desserts: Tottori leads Japan in pear production, with juicy, tender fruit. At "Nashi no Sato," fresh pears are turned into ice cream, and pear-filled mochi daifuku offers a refreshing, non-sticky treat with chewy mochi wrapping whole pear pieces. (Recommended shop: Yonago "Nashi no Sato" souvenir store)

7. Daisen Dairy Products: Caramel pudding made from fresh pasture milk features a crisp caramel top contrasting with creamy pudding. Summer-limited yogurt ice cream strikes a perfect sweet-tart balance, especially when paired with blueberry sauce. (Recommended shop: Daisen "Pasture Shop")

8. GeGeGe no Kitaro Yokai Food: At Sakaiminato’s "Yokai Teahouse," the signature "Eyeball Pudding" uses chocolate to perfectly mimic Medama-Oyaji from Shigeru Mizuki’s manga. "Yokai Dango" comes with soy sauce, matcha, and red bean coatings for a playful treat. (Recommended shop: Sakaiminato "Yokai Teahouse")

9. Yonago Soy Sauce Ramen: This dish features a chicken bone broth with rich soy sauce and thick, curly noodles. The long-standing "Ginjiro" offers free noodle refills, best paired with a soft-boiled egg and chashu pork. (Recommended restaurant: "Ramen Specialty Ginjiro")

10. Hōki Local Cuisine: Mountain vegetable hoto noodles are simmered in miso broth with winter greens. "Dune Spicy Leeks," a pickled wild garlic from Tottori’s sand dunes, offer a crisp, refreshing side. (Recommended restaurant: Yonago "Hōki no Sato Local Cuisine")

1. Pine Needle Crab Canned Food (Zuwai Crab Canned)

Pine needle crab, a winter specialty of Tottori Prefecture, is a representative delicacy. If you can't taste fresh crab meat locally, we recommend buying canned crab meat or crab miso (kanimiso) for convenient home cooking in hot pot or mixed rice.

• Recommend: Sakaiminato Seafood Market, Yonago Station Souvenir Shop

2. Twentieth Century Pear Jelly (Twentieth Century Pear Jelly)

Tottori Prefecture is the top pear-producing region in Japan. Juicy and sweet Twentieth Century pears are perfect for making jelly, jam, or pear daifuku, making them excellent souvenirs.

• Recommend: Yonago "Pear Village," Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park Gift Shop

3. Ooyama Dairy Products (Ooyama Milk Pudding, Yogurt)

Caramel pudding, yogurt, and cheesecake made from fresh Ooyama Ranch milk are rich in dairy flavor and conveniently packaged for carrying.

• Recommend: Ooyama "Ranch Store," Yonago Airport

4. Sakaiminato Yokai Products (Gegege no Kitaro Merchandise)

Sakaiminato is the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, the author of "Gegege no Kitaro." Must-buy items include Eyeball Dad pudding, yokai steamed buns, or Gegege no Kitaro stationery, full of fun!

• Recommend:  Sakaiminato "Yokai Warehouse," Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Museum Shop

5. Tottori Sand Dune Pickled Rakkyo (Sakyu Rakkyo)

Tottori Sand Dunes' specialty pickled rakkyo has a crisp texture with a hint of spiciness, perfect for pairing with rice or as a side dish for drinks, a local classic pickled item.

• Recommend : Yonago Supermarket, Tottori Sand Dunes Area Shops

6. Hoki Washi Crafts

Traditional Hoki Washi paper crafts like postcards, bookmarks, or lanterns made in Tottori have delicate textures and exude a Japanese style.

• Recommend : Yonago Craft Museum, Tottori Washi Village

7. Beni Zuwai Crab Miso (Beni Zuwai Gani Miso)

Beni Zuwai crab's crab butter is rich, and the crab miso made from it can be used to mix noodles, make soup, or spread on bread, full of fresh flavor!

• Recommend: Sakaiminato Fish Market, Yonago Seafood Souvenir Shop

8. Ooyama Plateau Beer (Ooyama Beer)

Locally brewed craft beer made with natural water from Ooyama, with a refreshing taste, especially great for pairing with seafood or barbecue.

• Recommend: Ooyama Brewery, Yonago Liquor Store

9. Inshu Washi Masking Tape (Inshu Washi Masking Tape)

Inshu Washi paper-made traditional Japanese-style masking tape with exquisite patterns is a must-have for stationery enthusiasts!

• Recommend: Yonago Stationery Store, Tottori Washi Craft Museum

10. Yonago Ramen Seasoning Pack (Yonago Ramen)

Yonago's special soy sauce chicken bone ramen made into instant packs, allowing you to easily replicate the authentic flavor at home.

• Recommend: Yonago Station Shop, Ramen Specialty Store

春季（3月-5月）

气温5-20℃，3月较冷（5-12℃），5月转暖（15-23℃）。天气渐暖，4月上旬樱花盛开，空气清新，偶有春雨（月降雨量120-180mm）。

• 推荐：米子城遗址或弓滨半岛赏樱，建议穿着薄毛衣配防风外套，携带折叠伞参加春季庆典

夏季（6月-8月）

气温18-32℃，8月最热（可达35℃）。6月梅雨季潮湿多雨（月降雨200-300mm），7-8月阳光强烈，日本海风带来凉爽。

• 推荐：游览皆生温泉海滩或米子水鸟公园，夜晚品尝境港海鲜。穿着轻便夏装，备好防晒用品和雨具。参加夏季烟火大会，感受海滨祭典氛围

秋季（9月-11月）

气温8-28℃，9月偏暖（20-28℃），11月转凉（8-16℃）。秋高气爽，降雨减少（月降雨100-200mm），10月下旬至11月上旬红叶最美。

• 推荐：去大山或足立美术馆赏枫，建议长袖配薄外套，11月需加围巾。参加秋季丰收祭，品尝时令松茸和梨子甜点

冬季（12月-2月）

气温0-8℃，1月最冷（-2-5℃）。寒冷多雪（月降雪30-50cm），日本海沿岸常有暴风雪，温泉区雾气缭绕。

• 推荐：前往大山滑雪场或皆生温泉泡汤，需穿厚羽绒服、雪地靴和毛线帽。品尝冬季限定松叶蟹和热清酒，体验雪中温泉的浪漫情调