In sightseeing Sanin / Tottori prefecture, "Kurayoshi," a town of timeless nostalgia is a must
HOMESightseeingShirakabe Dozogun, Akagawara
Shirakabe Dozogun
Shirakabe Dozogun has a lot of buildings that were established in the Edo and Meiji periods and the remnants of olden times can still be seen now. As we walk on stone bridges across the Tama river and along the quiet, quaint streets of Akagawara with its white mortar walls, we can feel time flow slowly.
Districts of Traditional & Important Preserved Buildings
Districts of Traditional & Important Preserved Buildings
| Place | Uomachi, Kenyamachi, Higashinakamachi, Shinmachi 1, Sakaimachi 1, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-2008(Kurayoshi Tourism Association) |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Akagawara
Akagawara consists of 10 buildings including unique shops and galleries, craft factories of local toys, full of events and activities as well as gift shopping.
| Place | Uomachi, Kenyamachi, Higashinakamachi, Shinmachi 1, Sakaimachi 1, Kurayoshi, Tottori |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-2008(Kurayoshi Tourism Association) |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
| Link | Akagawara WEBSITE |
Meet the Gods of Good Fortune
The wooden Gods of Good Fortune can be met hither and thither in Kurayoshi's old streets. By meeting the Gods of Good Fortune whose figures have been brought to life by three sculptors of Buddha statues living in the city, you can feel the relaxation and warmth typical of Kurayoshi City.
| Place | Uomachi, Kenyamachi, Higashinakamachi, Shinmachi 1, Sakaimachi 1 and others, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-0440 (Akinaichushingura) |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
| Link | Akinaichushingura WEBSITE |
Kurayoshi Nostalgic Street Museum
A retro street of about 600 meters runs from Nishimachi in the Shirakabe Dozogun and Akagawara area to Uomachi. In about 60 houses in the neighboring areas, special treasures and hereditary goods are exhibited. Shop owners will greet you with a smile.
| Place | Nishi machi-Uomachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-2008(Kurayoshi Tourism Association) |
| Business hours | Varies according to the shop |
| closed | Varies according to the shop |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Kurayoshi Retro-kan
A living room dating from the Showa period is represented. It is full of articles of the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras including a low dining table, china bowls and chopsticks with images of cartoon figures, and a black-and-white TV set.
| Place | Former Masuda doll shop (2686 Nishimachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori) MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-2008(Kurayoshi Tourism Association) |
| Business hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | Year-end and new year holiday |
| Fee | Free |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Jiro Taniguchi
Jiro Taniguchi was born in Tottori City in August 1947. He debuted in 1971, and in 2003, he received the Best Scenario Prize and the bookstore's excellence award at the 30th Angouleme International Comics Festival for Haruka na Machi e (French) in France. In 2011, he received France's Chevalier des Arts et Lettres, National Order of Merit.
Haruka na Machi e is a story set in Kurayoshi's 50s and 60s. When the leading character returns to his hometown, Kurayoshi, he finds himself slipping back in time to his junior high school days. This book helps readers realise the value of their family and hometown.
Midorino Promenade of Sculptures (Midori-no-Chokoku)
Sculptures of a famous sculptor, a Japanese representative awarded the "Green Sculpture Award", can be found outdoors around town.
Walk on the 1.8km walkway lined with trees and meet some of the fascinating sculptures along the way.
| Place | Meiji-machi - Miruka-cho, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-22-4419 （Cultural Heritage Division, Kurayoshi Board of Education) |
| Business hours | Feel free to walk anytime |
| Closed | Year-end and new year holiday |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Daigakuin Temple
A prestigious Soto Zen training temple established in 1605. Tadayoshi Satomi, the last lord of Tateyama Castle in Awanokuni (Chiba prefecture) and his 8 retainers, who became the subjects of "Nanso Satomi Hakkenden" (Eight Dog Chronicles), are buried here.
| Place | 422 Higashimachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-22-4541 |
| Business hours | 8:00 - 17:00 |
| closed | Open 365 days |
| Parking Area | Available |
| Link | Daigakuin Temple WEBSITE |
Dairenji Temple
This modern main hall with a reinforced concrete structure was rebuilt in 1955 and is famous as a temple associated with the warrior Yoshisuke Wakiya of the Kenmu period and Yodoya Seibei, a prosperous merchant in Osaka.
| Place | 1-2411 Shinmachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-22-3393 |
| Business hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| closed | Open 365 days |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Manshoji Temple
Kurayoshi Gasuri is a unique textile which has complex and elaborate patterns as if pictures were woven into cloth. One can see the actual manufacturing process of Kurayoshi Gasuri. In the store, works such as curtains and bags are on sale.
| Place | 1-2948 Kajimachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-22-3468 |
| Business hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| closed | Open 365 days |
| Parking Area | Available |
| Link | Manshoji WEBSITE |
Kurayoshi Furusato Souvenir Shop
Kurayoshi Gasuri is a unique textile which has complex and elaborate patterns as if pictures were woven into cloth. One can see the actual manufacturing process of Kurayoshi Gasuri. In the store, works such as curtains and bags are on sale.
| Place | 2606 Higashinakamachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-2255 |
| Business hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| closed | Wednesdays |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Toyota Family Residence
The main house, built in 1900, has a gable roof structure with Japanese pantiles and is designed in the hirairi style (a style where the entrance of the building is parallel to the ridge of the roof). It is a two-story wooden house which retains Kurayoshi's traditional form of a townhouse.
Registered national tangible cultural peoperty
Registered national tangible cultural peoperty
| Place | 2701 Nishimachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-0440 |
| Business hours | From about 8:30 - 18:00 (free to visit) |
| closed | Open 365 days |
| Parking Area | Available |
Takata Sake Brewery
The main building is a sake brewery, built in 1843, which well represents the characteristics of an ordinary house in Kurayoshi in the design of the grates and eaves, or space created with roof truss. The brewery visit is also popular.
Registered national tangible cultural peoperty
Registered national tangible cultural peoperty
| Place | 2633 Nishinakamachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-1511 |
| Business hours | 8:30 - 17:30 |
| closed | Open 365 days |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
| Link | Takata Sake Brewery WEBSITE |
Kurayoshi Store Association
This pseudo Western-style building was the former Third National Bank Kurayoshi branch in 1908. Fittings such as the ceiling decoration and stairs still remain in their original state.
Registered national tangible cultural peoperty
Registered national tangible cultural peoperty
| Place | 2540 Uomachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
| Note | Tourists are not allowed to enter inside the building |
Kurayoshi Yodoya
Built in 1760, this is the oldest ordinary building that exists in Kurayoshi. The Makita family, under the trademark of "Yodoya," were prominent merchants in Kurayoshi, and are said to have had close ties with the business tycoon Yodoya in Osaka, who is famous for the Yodoya Bridge.
Designated municipal tangible cultural asset
Designated municipal tangible cultural asset
| Place | Higashi Iwkuramachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-0165 |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
| Business Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | 29 December - 3 January |
| Inquires | Kurayoshi City Education Board Cultural Asset Division 722 Aoimachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori 682-8611 TEL 0858-22-4419 |
Kotozakura monument
A bronze statue was built to commemorate the brilliant accomplishments of the 53th Yokozuna (Sumo grand champion), Kotozakura , whose hometown is Kurayoshi.
| Place | Uomachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|
Oakland
An antique shop dealing in goods directly imported from Europe. In a Japanese-style house built in 1889, western antique goods of 100 years ago are displayed.
| Place | 2522 Uomachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-22-3221 |
| FAX | 0858-22-3222 |
| Business hours | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| closed | Wednesdays |
| Parking Area | 6 cars (free) |
Farm stand at Kishida Farm
Specialist shop selling fresh pears from the farm. Open from August to December.
| Place | 2516 Uomachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-1220 |
| Business Hours | Open from August to December. |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Gallery Nagomi
A shop with herb-dyed products and sundry goods. All items are hand made, and they feature the herb dye's pleasant texture and smooth feel.
| Place | 2577 Higashinakamachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-22-4666 |
| Business hours | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| closed | Year-end and New Year holiday (30 December - 1 January) |
| Parking Area | Available |
KRUKRA
This shop sells sundry Asian kitsch goods that the store owner obtains direct from Thailand and Vietnam.
| Place | 2516 Uomachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-27-0015 |
| Business hours | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| closed | Tuesday (or if falling on a national holiday, the next day) |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Kite Studio
Café space is available as well as demonstration and sale of Kurayoshi kites.
Kurayoshi kites, still produced in accordance with tradition, are easy to make and fly well. Original painting is possible.
"Shusse Ika" (in the hope of children's advancement) with the names of children and grandchildren and "Hanjyo Ika" (in the hope of prosperous business) with the names of the store can also be ordered.
Reservation required.
Kurayoshi kites, still produced in accordance with tradition, are easy to make and fly well. Original painting is possible.
"Shusse Ika" (in the hope of children's advancement) with the names of children and grandchildren and "Hanjyo Ika" (in the hope of prosperous business) with the names of the store can also be ordered.
Reservation required.
| Place | 2586 Higashinakamachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-3453 |
| Business hours | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| closed | Tuesday |
| Painting experience | 1200 yen (actual cost of 1 kite) |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Voyage
A specialist shop selling power stones. Original bracelets, straps and pierced jewelry items can be made to order.
| Place | 2542 Uomachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-27-2542 |
| Business hours | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| closed | Wednesdays |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
La goutte
Stones of various colors and patterns that the Earth, the origin of Life, has produced for a long time. Why not learn their meanings, which have been passed down as an oral tradition and find your favorite one? We can prepare a woven bracelet with your favorite stones in 30 minutes.
| Place | 12417-3 Shinmachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 090-8994-5540 |
| Business hours | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| closed | Tuesday |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
| Link | La goutte WEBSITE |
Retro Mix
This store is full of retro and pop sundry goods including Fire King products obtained overseas and antique goods like old Pyrex.
| Place | 2516 Uomachi, Kurayoshi, Tottori MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-27-0235 |
| Business hours | 10:30 - 18:00 |
| closed | Wednesday |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Tenugui Rappu Workshop
Over 100 tenugui towels on display. Enjoy a taste of Japan by looking at some of the furoshiki wrapping cloth products. Soft, gentle on the skin, gauze towels are also available.
| Place | 2616-2 Higashi Naka-machi, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-22-8970 |
| Business hours | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| closed | Every 2nd & 3rd Wednesday of the month |
| Parking Area | 2 parking spaces MAP |
Inashima Liquor Store
Sells a wide selection of local saké, wines, and other drinks. Kurayoshi and Central Tottori's local saké, shochu drinks, and specially labelled local beer are also sold at Akagawara No.1.
| Place | Main Store: 1-2923-1Kaji-machi, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture MAP Akagawara Store: Akagawara No. 1 Building, Shin-machi, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | Main Store: 0858-22-2965 Akagawara Store: 0858-23-6666 |
| Business hours | Main Store: 8:30 - 22:30 Akagawara Store: 9:00 - 17:00 |
| closed | Main Store: 1st January Akagawara Store: Open all year round |
| Parking Area | Main Store: 3 parking spaces MAP Akagawara Store: Use tourist parking areas |
Akarino Yakata (Paper Light Exhibit)
On the 1st Floor, a paper light collection "Sanin KAMI Akari" is on display. There are also some artwork, Japanese washi paper, and nashi pear souvenirs for sale.
There are more paper light displays on the 2nd Floor and a workshop is held there from time to time. Enjoy the soft colours of Inshu Washi Paper.
| Place | 2551 Uo-machi, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | Kurayoshi Akari Net Office: (0858) 28-5461 |
| Business hours | 9:00 - 16:00 |
| closed | Wednesday |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Imai Shouten Store
A long established seller of okaki rice crackers.
A variety of reasonably priced products collected by the owner from all over the world can also be found at this store.
| Place | 1865 Kawara-machi, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-22-2873 |
| Business hours | 8:30 - 18:00 |
| closed | Every 2nd Thursday of the month |
| Parking Area | 2 parking spaces MAP |
Rinrinya
Enjoy the popular 7 flavoured taiyaki sweets available in bite-size pieces. Souvenirs, coffee and soft serve are also available.
Feel free to ask for some local information or to just rest at the store.
| Place | 2570 Uo-machi, Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture MAP |
|---|---|
| TEL | 0858-23-1996 |
| Business hours | 8:00 - 18:00 |
| closed | Open all year round |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |
Japanese fabric shop Bon
Sells handmade goods made from kimono and beautiful Japanese cloth.
| Place | 1-893 Sakae-machi, Kurayoshi, Tottori |
|---|---|
| TEL | 090-9501-3321 |
| Business hours | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| closed | Wednesdays |
| Parking Area | Use tourist parking areas |