Tottori Castle was originally built in 1532 and served as the regional center of power during Japan's era of warring states. Later it served as the seat of the Ikeda Clan who ruled the powerful Tottori fiefdom during the Edo Period. Unfortunately, the castle fell victim to the modernization policies of the Meiji Period government and was subsequently destroyed.
Today the Tottori Castle Ruins are all that remain on the side of Mount Kyusho at the northeastern end of the city center, with only the castle's stone walls and a single wooden gate still standing. Visitors may climb up the castle courtyards to an observation point that offers a commanding view over Tottori City. There are also hundreds of cherry trees planted along the stone walls which make the ruins one of the city's more popular cherry blossom viewing spots around early to mid April.
After the end of the feudal age in 1907, the former lord constructed a European-style building at the base of the castle ruins. Named Jinpukaku (closed for renovations from 2023 to 2028 or early 2029), the white wooden building features open verandas, brick fireplaces and a beautiful wooden spiral staircase that has become a key feature of its architecture.
The building was the first in Tottori to have electric lights and served as a symbol of modernization. Over the years it was also used as a guest house for the visiting crown prince, as a public hall, reception hall and a prefectural museum. Today it houses a small museum about the Ikeda Clan and serves as a public event space, while the Tottori Prefectural Museum moved to a larger complex nearby.
Getting there and around
Take the green line of the 100 Yen Kururi Bus from Tottori Station and get off at bus stop number 12 from where it is a few steps to the castle ruins. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes and costs 100 yen. Buses depart every 20 minutes. Alternatively, the ruins are a 30 minute walk from the station.
Hours and Fees
Castle Ruins
Hours
Closed
Admission
Jinpukaku
Closed
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Tottori
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Kansuitei KozeniyaClose to Myoyo-ji Temple, Kansuitei Kozeniya is situated in Tottori and has a hot spring bath and garden. It is set 48 km from Daijoji Temple and offers luggage storage space. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. All units at the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. There is a private bathroom with bath in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the ryokan, every unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. An Asian breakfast is available each morning at the ryokan. Tottori Sand Dunes is 7.4 km from Kansuitei Kozeniya, while Ajiro-k? is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tottori Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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Ryokan MarumoSituated in Tottori with Shamine Tottori nearby, Ryokan Marumo features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. This 2-star ryokan offers full-day security and luggage storage space. The ryokan has a public bath and a housekeeping service. The ryokan provides some units with garden views, and units have a shared bathroom. Guests can also relax in the garden. Daijoji Temple is 48 km from the ryokan, while Tottori Sand Dunes is 7.2 km from the property. Tottori Airport is 8 km away.View on Booking.com
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Green Rich Hotel Tottori Ekimae (Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana)Located within 48 km of Daijoji Temple and 6.9 km of Tottori Sand Dunes, Green Rich Hotel Tottori Ekimae (Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana) offers rooms in Tottori. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Ajiro-k? is 15 km from Green Rich Hotel Tottori Ekimae (Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana), while Arayu is 36 km away. Tottori Airport is 8 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Drop Inn TottoriDrop Inn Tottori is situated in the centre of Tottori city, only a 5-minute walk from Tottori Station and a 3-minute walk from Tottori Station Bus Terminal. Tottori Airport is a 15-minute drive, while the Tottori Sand Dune is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The accommodation boasts dormitory rooms that come equipped with single beds and storage space, a safety box and TV. Guests will also find power sockets and USB sockets, as well as small shelves and clothes hangers for their convenience. All rooms are locked automatically, and guests can enter their rooms with card keys. Every floor features 2 toilets, 2 shower rooms and a powder room. Laundry machines can be found on the 2nd and 4th floors. Free bath amenities such as makeup removers, cotton pads, hair dryers and hair straighteners are provided. The on-site cafe serves meals and beverages including alcoholic drinks.View on Booking.com
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Super Hotel Tottori EkimaeSet within 48 km of Daijoji Temple and 7.4 km of Tottori Sand Dunes, Super Hotel Tottori Ekimae offers rooms in Tottori. Featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, each room includes a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Super Hotel Tottori Ekimae all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Ajiro-k? is 16 km from Super Hotel Tottori Ekimae, while Arayu is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Tottori Airport, 9 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Y Pub & Hostel TottoriY Pub & Hostel Tottori has a shared lounge, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Tottori. The property is around 48 km from Daijoji Temple, 6.7 km from Tottori Sand Dunes and 15 km from Ajiro-k?. Free WiFi and a shared kitchen are offered. The rooms have a shared bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, while selected rooms also boast a kitchen equipped with a fridge. Arayu is 36 km from the hostel, while Shamine Tottori is 400 metres from the property. Tottori Airport is 8 km away.View on Booking.com
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Tottori Onsen Hotel Monarque TottoriTottori Onsen Hotel Monarque Tottori is situated in Tottori, within 48 km of Daijoji Temple and 7.3 km of Tottori Sand Dunes. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the hotel, rooms are fitted with a desk. The rooms in Tottori Onsen Hotel Monarque Tottori are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Spa and wellness facilities including a sauna, a hot spring bath and a spa centre are at guests' disposal during their stay at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical advice on the area at the reception. Ajiro-k? is 15 km from Tottori Onsen Hotel Monarque Tottori, while Arayu is 36 km from the property. Tottori Airport is 9 km away.View on Booking.com
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Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Tottori Eki KitaguchiSet within 48 km of Daijoji Temple and 6.8 km of Tottori Sand Dunes, Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Tottori Eki Kitaguchi offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Tottori. The property is situated 15 km from Ajiro-k?, 36 km from Arayu and 300 metres from Shamine Tottori. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Tottori Eki Kitaguchi can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The accommodation offers 3-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. The nearest airport is Tottori Airport, 8 km from Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Tottori Eki Kitaguchi.View on Booking.com
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Guest House Hamada-enOffering a garden and mountain view, Guest House Hamada-en is situated in Tottori, 41 km from Daijoji Temple and 3.9 km from Tottori Sand Dunes. This 2-star guest house offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. The guest house features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. The guest house offers a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a shared bathroom with a hair dryer, free toiletries and bidet. At the guest house, each unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Ajiro-k? is 8.2 km from the guest house, while Arayu is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tottori Airport, 10 km from Guest House Hamada-en.View on Booking.com
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APA Hotel Tottori Ekimae MinamiOffering a Japanese restaurant, APA Hotel Tottori Ekimae Minami is a 2-minute walk from JR Tottori Train Station. Rooms have an LCD TV and free wired internet. All of the air-conditioned rooms at Tottori Ekimae APA Hotel include an en suite bathroom and offer video-on-demand movies for purchase. A Yukata robe, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea are provided. Some rooms come with free Wi-Fi. Tottori Airport and Tottori Sakyu Sand Dunes are both a 20-minute drive away. Uradome Kaigan Beach is 20 km away. Luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. A coin launderette is located on site. Ginyuba Restaurant serves Japanese and Western buffet breakfasts at an additional charge. Japanese-style dinner is also available.View on Booking.com
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