Things To Do
in Kurayoshi
Kurayoshi is a small historic city in Tottori Prefecture known for its well-preserved white-walled storehouses and traditional udatsu townhouse architecture. The city sits near fertile plains at the foot of Mount Daisen, combining agricultural scenery with easy access to mountains and coast. Kurayoshi offers a quiet, slow-paced atmosphere with local craft shops, sake breweries and seasonal festivals that reflect rural Japan.
It’s an excellent base for day trips to Mount Daisen, the Tottori Sand Dunes and other San'in region attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kurayoshi and settle into your accommodation while absorbing the serene atmosphere of this historical town. Begin your exploration by strolling through the picturesque streets lined with traditional white-walled storehouses. Stop by the local café to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Kurayoshi coffee.
Visit the Kurayoshi Folk Museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area and admire the stunning displays of local crafts. Next, wander through the charming canals, taking in the beautiful scenery and snapping photos of the unique architecture. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant serving local specialties, such as chicken rice.
As the sun sets, take a scenic walk along the canal while witnessing the town's lights reflecting on the water. Visit a local izakaya for dinner, savoring traditional Japanese fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wrap up your day by soaking in the tranquility of Kurayoshi's nighttime ambiance.
Set off early to explore the natural beauty surrounding Kurayoshi by hiking the nearby mountains. Breathe in the fresh air as you traverse through scenic trails adorned with vibrant flora. Bring along a packed breakfast to enjoy amidst nature while admiring breathtaking views.
After your hike, visit the nearby Koyama Castle ruins, where history meets stunning vistas of the city below. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a quaint farmhouse restaurant, offering traditional countryside meals. Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring the lush landscapes or participating in a local farming activity.
Return to Kurayoshi to relax at an onsen, rejuvenating your muscles after a day in the wilderness. Savor a multi-course kaiseki meal prepared with fresh local ingredients, where each dish is a work of art. End your day gazing up at the star-filled sky, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Café coffee and sweet | $4-8 |
| 🚆Local train ride (short) | $1-4 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Well-preserved historic district with photogenic architecture
- Close access to mountains and coastal day trips
- Quiet, authentic rural-Japan atmosphere and local cuisine
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Fewer international amenities and English services than bigger cities
- Public transport options are limited outside peak times
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語のメニューはありますか？ (Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?)" - Do you have an English menu?
- "（食物アレルギー）があります (Shokumotsu arerugī ga arimasu)" - I have a food allergy (insert allergen)
Places to Visit in Kurayoshi
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic row of white-walled storehouses and udatsu parapet houses offers timeless streetscapes, ideal for golden-hour and architectural photography.
Charming local streets, traditional shopfronts, and quiet residential alleys provide candid urban-rural scenes and people photography.
Panoramic shots of the mountain and surrounding paddies—especially dramatic in spring with green rice paddies or autumn foliage.
Contrasting landscapes of dunes and Sea of Japan make for striking wide-angle and sunrise/sunset images.
Food in Kurayoshi
Kurayoshi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold with a simple dipping sauce; look for family soba shops in town and near Mount Daisen.
Must-Try!
Rice bowl topped with locally caught fish and shellfish—try it at markets or casual seafood restaurants along the coast.
Local beef prepared in simple grilled or hot-pot styles, often served with seasonal mountain vegetables from nearby farms.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets near the station or community centers selling seasonal vegetables, pickles and local sweets; try pickled radish and freshly roasted chestnuts in season.
Specialty stores selling wagashi (Japanese confections), sake, and packaged local delicacies—perfect for souvenirs and tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants and temples—look for genkan (entryway) and provided slippers.
Keep noise low on public transport and in residential areas; speaking loudly is generally avoided, especially at night.
Use polite phrases like 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) and bow slightly; staff appreciate simple Japanese phrases from visitors.
Line up calmly for trains, buses and shops; pushing ahead in queues is frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Kurayoshi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can confuse service staff; excellent service is included in the price. If you wish to show appreciation, give a small gift or write a thank-you note instead.
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used, especially in small shops, markets and rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, some restaurants and stores, but bring cash for smaller vendors and local buses; ATMs at post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores are reliable for withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in late March–April; rice-planting season makes fields vivid green. Expect pleasant hiking weather but occasional rain showers.
Warm and humid with temperatures often in the mid-20s to low 30s°C (70s–80s°F). Summer festivals occur regionally, but inland evenings are generally quiet. Bring sun protection and be prepared for occasional rain from the rainy season (tsuyu) in June–July.
Crisp, comfortable weather and colorful foliage from October to November; excellent for hiking and photography. Harvest festivals and local produce markets are active.
Cool to cold with occasional snowfall, especially nearer Mount Daisen, which can be snowy enough for winter sports. Coastal areas are milder but chilly—pack warm layers.
Kurayoshi at Night
Hiking in Kurayoshi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails offering routes for casual walkers to serious hikers, with scenic forests, viewpoints and seasonal flower displays; popular for day hikes and longer mountain treks.
Protected coastal and mountain trails in the national park with varied landscapes—ideal for combining mountain scenery with coastal views on day trips.
Gentle, waymarked rural routes around rice paddies and small hamlets near Kurayoshi—great for cycling or short hikes and photographing agricultural landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Kurayoshi by plane.
The closest regional airport serving Tottori Prefecture with flights to major domestic hubs; access to Kurayoshi by rental car, bus or local train and bus combinations (about 60–90 minutes depending on connections).
A regional airport on the Sea of Japan coast with domestic flights; reachable by car or rail and useful for combining San'in region travel, though connections to Kurayoshi may require transfers.
Major international gateway serving Osaka and the Kansai region; reachable by express train and highway buses—travel time to Kurayoshi is longer (several hours) but sometimes convenient for international arrivals.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are engaged in agriculture and small businesses, contributing to an active community life focused on local produce and seasonal work.
Like much of rural Japan, Kurayoshi has an aging demographic, with a significant proportion of older residents and active community services serving seniors.
Younger residents commute to nearby cities for work or study, and there are students attending regional schools and colleges.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely followed at school and community levels; high school baseball (Koshien regional qualifiers) draws local interest.
Hiking and mountain activities around Mount Daisen are very popular, including seasonal skiing and snow activities in winter.
Coastal and river fishing are common recreational activities, reflecting the region’s connection to the sea.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kurayoshi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; many places serve vegetable tempura, rice, pickles and tofu dishes. Learning phrases to explain dietary needs or visiting larger cafés and some temples’ shojin-ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) in the region helps.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are limited in small towns; communicate restrictions clearly (in Japanese if possible) and consider bringing staples. Rice-based dishes are common, but soy sauce contains wheat—ask staff or bring a translation card.
Carry a written allergy card in Japanese naming your allergens; fish, shellfish, soy and wheat are commonly used in local cooking.