Tottori Castle Audio Guide
Tottori Castle is a major mountain-castle site in the San’in region
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Overview
Overview
Tottori Castle is a major mountain-castle site in the San’in region. Construction began under the Yamana clan in the 16th century, taking advantage of natural defenses on Mt. Kyusho. It is also known for the “siege by starvation” associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaigns. Today you can see stone walls and the reconstructed Nakanogomon gate on the lush slopes, with beautiful seasonal scenery in spring blossoms and autumn foliage.
Access
Access
From JR Tottori Station, it’s about a 20-minute walk. For a more relaxed approach, the 100-yen loop bus “Kururi” (Green Course) stops near the Jinpukaku / Prefectural Museum area, about a 5-minute walk from the site. By car, it’s around 15 minutes from Tottori IC. Note that there is no dedicated castle parking, so use nearby public parking areas.
Parking
Parking
There’s no on-site parking, but convenient options include the free parking lot north of the Tottori Prefectural Office (about 69 spaces) and the prefectural office parking (about 257 spaces, also usable on weekends). Katahara Municipal Parking is also handy, with a free initial period and then paid time. Weekends can be busy—arriving earlier helps.
Highlights
Highlights
Start with the restored Gibo-shi Bridge and the Nakanogomon gate—crossing the moat and passing through stone walls gives a crisp “entering the fortress” feeling. On the way up, look for the rare curved stonework of Tenkyumaru. In spring and autumn, the whole area becomes a picturesque blend of nature and ruins. If time allows, the nearby Jinpukaku (a Neo-Renaissance-style Western building) makes a great side stop.
