The southern edge of Tottori, where the prefecture climbs toward the mountains along the Okayama border, is a landscape of forested valleys, clear rivers and quiet gorges quite different from the famous coast. This is deep-country San’in: winding scenic roads, river valleys that blaze with colour in autumn, and hidden temples and shrines set among the peaks — most dramatically Sanbutsu-ji, whose tiny Nageire-do hall clings improbably to a sheer cliff face high on Mount Mitoku, reached only by a demanding pilgrim scramble. For travellers with a car and time, the mountainous south rewards with scenery, seasonal colour and a real sense of the interior.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Southern Tottori, Tottori |
| Hours | Daylight; mountain temples vary |
| Admission | Mostly free; temples small fee |
| Time needed | Half to full day |
| Best time | Autumn colour; fresh green early summer |
What to See
- Forested river gorges and mountain valleys of the south.
- Winding scenic roads through deep San’in country.
- Hidden mountain temples, including dramatic cliff-side halls.
- Blazing autumn colour and fresh early-summer green.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Misasa Onsen at the mountains' foot.
- Pair with the Kurayoshi white wall district nearby.
- Read our Tottori overview .
Getting There
- By car: essential for the scenic roads and scattered sights.
- By train + bus: limited services reach the main valleys and temples.
Tips
Come with a car and no fixed schedule, since the pleasure is the drive and the scenery rather than a single ticketed sight, and time it for autumn colour or fresh early-summer green. If you attempt the cliff-side temple climb, treat it as a genuine scramble needing proper footwear and care — it is not a casual walk — and pair the day with Misasa Onsen at the mountains' foot.
