Iwami Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and beautiful city of Iwami in Tottori prefecture, Japan. Learn about places to visit, outdoor adventures, local food, where to stay, and much more.


Introduction to Iwami

Nestled in the Tottori prefecture of Chugoku, Japan, Iwami is a hidden gem that boasts rich culture, stunning landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. A city with a rich cultural heritage, Iwami is home to numerous temples, museums, and historical sites. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or mouth-watering cuisine, Iwami has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Iwami

The list of places to visit in Iwami is endless. Here are a few must-visit spots:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kurayoshi Museum: This museum provides a glimpse into the history and culture of Iwami. You’ll find everything from old manuscripts to pottery and traditional art.

  • Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall: Dedicated to Mizuki Shigeru, one of the most popular manga artists in Japan, this museum is a must-visit place in Iwami. The museum showcases the artist’s work, including familiar characters like GeGeGe no Kitaro and many others.

  • Inaba House: Inaba House is a traditional-style house dating back to the Edo period. It has been restored to its former glory and is open to the public. The spacious garden is adorned with cherry trees, and it’s a great place to take a leisurely walk.

Natural Attractions of Iwami: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most significant old silver mines, Iwami Ginzan is a must-visit place for history buffs. Walk down the tunnels and take a glimpse at how the silver mining industry operated in Japan.

  • Mt Daisen: Located just outside Iwami, Mt Daisen is a popular hiking spot with stunning views of the surrounding area. There are numerous hiking trails, ranging from gentle walks to more challenging hikes for the adventurous.

  • Tottori Sand Dunes: Known as the “Sahara of Japan,” Tottori Sand Dunes is the largest sand dune system in the country. Visitors can enjoy camel rides and sandboarding here.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Iwami

Iwami has some magnificent hiking and biking routes that cater to all levels of expertise. You can choose to take a leisurely bike ride around the city’s temples or opt for a more challenging hike up Mt. Daisen. Some of our favorite routes include:

  • Mt. Oyama Hiking Trail: This popular hiking trail leads to the peak of Mt. Oyama, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

  • Iwami Ginzan Cycling Road: This 17km cycling route passes through Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, old Samurai district, and numerous other attractions before ending at the sea.

Best Things to Do in Iwami: Activities and Tours

  • Sake Tasting: Tottori prefecture is known for its sake, and Iwami is no exception. Take a brewery tour, learn about sake production, and taste some of the finest sake in Japan.

  • GeGeGe no Kitaro Tour: Fans of the famous manga series GeGeGe no Kitaro will love this tour that takes you to the places in Iwami that inspired the series.

Week-Long Itinerary for Iwami

Day 1: Visit Inaba House and nearby temples in the city.

Day 2: Spend the day hiking Mt. Oyama.

Day 3: Take a brewery tour and enjoy some sake tasting in the afternoon.

Day 4: Explore the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and take a walk around the town.

Day 5: Go sandboarding in Tottori Sand Dunes.

Day 6: Visit the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Hall and take the GeGeGe no Kitaro Tour.

Day 7: Relax and take a leisurely bike ride around the city’s temples.

Food and Drink Scene of Iwami

Must-Try Dishes

  • Saji no Kani: A local specialty that is served all year round, Saji no Kani is a savory dish made from crabs caught in the nearby sea.

  • Iwami Ginzan Udon: This delicious handmade udon is made using locally grown wheat and water from Iwami Ginzan.

  • Katsuo no Tataki: This dish is made from lightly seared skipjack tuna that is marinated in a special sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: As mentioned previously, Tottori prefecture is known for its sake. Iwami has many breweries that produce high-quality sake that can be tasted throughout the city.

  • Green Tea: Green tea is an essential part of Japanese culture, and Iwami is no exception. Visitors can try freshly brewed green tea at numerous tea houses and cafes throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Iwami: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Iwami has many accommodation options that cater to all budgets. Some of our favorite places to stay include:

  • Iwami Seaside Guesthouse Muzan: A cozy guesthouse located on the beach and surrounded by nature.

  • Tottori Washington Hotel Plaza: Located in central Iwami, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to many attractions.

What to Buy in Iwami: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs to bring back from Iwami include:

  • Iwami Ginzan Silver Items: You can find numerous souvenirs made from silver, including jewelry, chopsticks, and plates, in Iwami Ginzan.

  • Sake: Iwami’s sake is one of the best in Japan, making it a perfect souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Iwami

Like other Japanese cities, Iwami has its unique customs and cultures. Bowing when greeting someone is an essential part of Japanese etiquette, and visitors should always take their shoes off before entering temples and traditional houses.

Best Time to Visit Iwami

Iwami is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the autumn months (September to November). During this time, the leaves change color, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Iwami

Do:

  • Take your shoes off when entering temples and traditional houses.
  • Try the local cuisine and sake.
  • Learn about the history and culture of Iwami.

Don’t:

  • Talk loudly on public transportation.
  • Take photos of people without their permission.
  • Enter a temple without proper attire.

Safety and Health

Safety in Iwami

Iwami is a generally safe city, but visitors should always take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety, such as keeping valuables safe and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Iwami

Iwami has good healthcare facilities, and visitors should be able to access medical treatment if needed.

Getting to Iwami: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Iwami

The nearest airport to Iwami is Tottori Airport, which is 20km away.

Bus Stations Near Iwami

The Iwami bus center is the main hub for buses that serve the city.

Other Options

Trains are also available with a rail station in the city that links to many other parts of Japan.

How to Get Around in Iwami

Iwami is a relatively small city, making walking and cycling around the best options. However, there are also taxis and buses available for longer journeys.

Where to Go Next from Iwami: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tottori City: The main city of Tottori prefecture, known for its sand dunes, manga museums, and scenic spots.

  • Matsue City: The capital of Shimane prefecture, known for its castle, samurai district, and traditional gardens.

  • Hiroshima City: The capital of Hiroshima prefecture, known for its food, history, and the Atomic Bomb Dome memorial.

Conclusion

Iwami is a beautiful city that has something to offer everyone. From stunning landscapes and cultural experiences to mouth-watering cuisine and high-quality sake, Iwami is a city well worth visiting. It is a lesser-known gem of Japan that offers a glimpse of the country’s beauty and culture that is unmatched anywhere else.

Uradome Coast Uradome Coast