Catch a Direct Flight to Tottori! Discover Yonago's Top 8 Attractions: Tottori Sand Dunes, Eshima Ohashi Bridge, and GeGeGe no Kitaro Town

Exciting news from last year – Greater Bay Area Airlines now offers direct flights from Hong Kong to Yonago City in Tottori Prefecture, Japan! If you're craving a unique Japanese adventure, Yonago City has it all. From historical landmarks and soothing hot springs to mouth-watering cuisine and captivating anime culture, this gem is perfect for a deep dive into Japan's wonders. Here are 8 must-visit spots in Yonago you won't want to miss!

Flight	Departure City	Departure/Arrival Time
HB356	Hong Kong to Miya	10:45 / 15:20 (Tuesday, Thursday) 11:45 / 16:20 (Sunday)
HB357	Miya to Hong Kong	16:20 / 19:45 (Tuesday, Thursday) 17:20 / 20:45 (Sunday)

Welcome to Yonago, a gem in the western part of Tottori Prefecture! This city beautifully blends the richness of traditional Japanese culture with stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're exploring ancient castle ruins or strolling through modern urban areas, Yonago offers a unique and captivating experience of Japan. Just a stone's throw away is Sakai Minato City, famous for its bountiful seafood. Here, you can indulge in local delights like red snow crab and fresh tuna, served straight to your table! Pair these with regional specialties, and you're in for a true taste of San'in cuisine!

(Image source: @Shutterstock)

Getting to Miya

Nestled in the heart of the San'in region, Miya City is a transportation gem, easily reachable by air, road, rail, and sea.

By Air

• Fly into Mihonoseki Airport, also known as Miya Airport, with several daily flights connecting to Tokyo. The trip takes just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a swift and convenient option.

By Road

• Hop on one of the budget-friendly express buses linking Miya City with Japan's major cities. For example, you can travel from Osaka to Miya in roughly 3 hours, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.

By Rail

• Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo, followed by a limited express train, and you'll reach Miya in about 5 hours, including a transfer in Okayama. It's a scenic and pleasant journey.

By Sea

• If you're traveling from South Korea or Russia, consider taking a ferry to Sakai Minato City, which is just a stone's throw from Miya. Ferries run weekly between Sakai Minato City and Donghae City in South Korea, as well as Vladivostok in Russia, providing an adventurous and scenic route.

Spanning an impressive 16 kilometers, the Tottori Sand Dunes are like a natural work of art! With peaks that reach up to 90 meters, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the San'in Coast, where the desert meets the sea in a magical way. Each season offers its own unique beauty, but the best times to visit are early morning and dusk. The ever-changing sand patterns and the play of light make for an incredible natural spectacle!

Forget everything you know about typical beaches because the sand at Tottori Sand Dunes is something special. It's incredibly fine and soft, making it feel like you're walking on a gentle cushion with every step. You can wander around the dunes, letting the sand give your feet a soothing massage. But that's not all—why not try something adventurous like sandboarding or even a camel ride? As the sun begins to set, the dunes light up with a golden glow, turning the landscape into a scene straight out of a fairy tale, with glimmers like scattered gold dust—it's pure romance! And when night falls, you can set up camp under a sky full of stars, soaking in the peaceful vibe of this desert oasis.

Welcome to the "Sand Museum" in Tottori, a top-tier destination for sand sculpture enthusiasts! Imagine a breathtaking 15-meter tall sand sculpture as the centerpiece. Each year, the museum introduces a fresh theme, ranging from the legends of Greek mythology to the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli. These themes are brought to life with incredible sand sculpting skills that transform imagination into reality. The experience is further elevated by carefully crafted lighting and sound effects, making it a visual spectacle like no other. Entering this world of sand art is like stepping into a time machine that whisks you away to a magical realm. Whether you visit during the day or at night, you will encounter a unique artistic allure that promises an unforgettable emotional journey!

If you're exploring Mizi, you can't miss the iconic "Mizi Castle"! This historic fortress, originally constructed during the Edo period, faced near-total destruction after the Meiji Restoration. Thankfully, the main keep, or tenshu, was reconstructed in 1996. Ascending to the top of the five-story tenshu is like traveling back to the dramatic Sengoku era, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the lush plains below. Depending on the season and time of day, you might even spot the distant mountains and the Sea of Japan on the horizon.

(Image source: Japan National Tourism Organization)

Imagine a place where the grandeur of mountains meets the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms—welcome to Couzan Mountain Park! In the spring, the park transforms into a pink paradise as thousands of cherry blossom trees bloom. As you wander along the scenic paths, the sweet scent of the flowers fills the air, and petals gently fall around you, creating a stunning contrast with the majestic mountains in the background. When the sun sets, the park takes on a new charm with romantic lights illuminating the blossoms, offering a magical experience that's perfect for photographers and cherry blossom lovers alike!

(Image source: Japan National Tourism Organization)

Prepare to be mesmerized by the Jiangdao Bridge, a marvel that enchants everyone with its incredible visual appeal! Stretching across 1.7 kilometers, this impressive rigid-frame bridge spans Zhong Lake, creating a magical illusion of ascending into the clouds when viewed from the Shimane Prefecture side. This architectural wonder, the third largest rigid-frame bridge globally, boasts a gentle slope of just 6.1%, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey without compromising its stunning beauty! As you stand on the bridge, you'll be treated to the serene views of Zhong Lake and the breathtaking mountains in the distance. Plus, don't miss the convenience store on the Shimane side, which offers a perfect spot for snapping photos of this "most insane bridge."

(Image source: Japan National Tourism Organization)

Get ready for an incredible adventure with rare migratory birds at Yonago Waterfowl Park in Tottori! Tucked away in the natural beauty of the Ramsar Wetlands, this park becomes a winter haven for over a hundred northern swans each year. It's a bird lover's paradise, home to 130 different species, including the treasured white-fronted goose and the bean goose, both of which are recognized as national natural monuments. The park's total bird population soars above ten thousand! Imagine watching flocks of birds as they forage in the early morning light and swans gracefully returning home in formation at dusk. With its rich and diverse wetland ecosystem, Yonago Waterfowl Park promises an unmatched birdwatching experience for all nature enthusiasts!

If you find yourself in Sakaiminato City, make sure to visit the Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Museum. This spot is a must-see for fans of Japanese Yokai culture and the legendary tale "GeGeGe no Kitaro." The museum is a treasure trove, preserving the invaluable manuscripts and creative journey of the master himself. You'll also get to see a plethora of original Yokai character illustrations! From "Kappa Saburo" to "Kitaro," each piece of art beautifully tells the magical stories of Shigeru Mizuki's world. The interactive exhibits are a real highlight, letting you dive into Japan's unique Yokai culture. It's like stepping into a whimsical world filled with playful spirits!

(Image Source: @Shutterstock)

Welcome to the whimsical world of Gege Kitaro's Yokai Town, nestled on Mizuki Shigeru Avenue in Sakai Minato City, Japan. Here, you can get up close and personal with your favorite characters like Gege Kitaro and the one-eyed monster, Ippan Muketsu! As you wander through the town, you'll come across over a hundred beautifully crafted bronze statues of yokai, making it feel like you've stepped right into the pages of your childhood comics! The streets are brimming with unique shops that sell exclusive merchandise and offer delicious treats at yokai-themed tea houses, completely immersing you in a fantastical world! Every corner you turn holds a delightful surprise, ensuring an unforgettable yokai adventure.

(Image Source: @Shutterstock)

Welcome to the Tottori Flower Corridor, one of Japan's most breathtaking flower parks! This place is a floral paradise, featuring a one-kilometer indoor walkway that bursts into color no matter the season. Since it opened its doors in 1999, the park has been a haven for flower lovers, thanks to its impressive giant dome greenhouse and the picturesque "Hill of Flowers". As you wander through, you'll get to see a stunning array of exotic flowers and plants from all over the globe. And when the sun sets, the park transforms into a dazzling wonderland with a mesmerizing light art show, giving you a whole new magical experience.

(Image Source: Japan National Tourism Organization)

Get ready for an exciting adventure to Yonago, where you can explore the distinctive allure of Japan's San'in region! Fly into Yonago Kitaro Airport and treat yourself to an unexpected getaway brimming with relaxing hot springs, mouth-watering food, and vibrant anime culture—all wrapped up in one fantastic experience. Start planning your Yonago trip today!