Tourist Attractions Accessible for a Day Trip via Public Transport
1. Daisen-cho Tokorogo Traditional Buildings Preservation District (Daisen-cho)
- Access: Around Sugi House (Within walking distance)
- Recommendation: Features the original landscapes of a good old Japanese farming village, including the “Kadowaki Family Residence” (an Important Cultural Property) of a grand village headman dating back to the Edo period. Highly recommended for a quiet morning or evening stroll.
- Related Website: https://www.denken.gr.jp/archive/daisen-tokorogo/index.html
2. Daisenji Temple Approach (Daisen-cho)
- Access: Approx. 30 minutes by Nikko Bus bound for Daisenji from JR Daisenguchi Station, getting off at the “Daisenji” bus stop.
- Recommendation: A stone-paved approach spreading halfway up Mt. Daisen, lined with historic temple lodgings (shukubo) and souvenir shops. The natural stone path leading to the “Ogamiyama Shrine Okumiya” at the far end is one of the longest in Japan, allowing you to experience magnificent history and rich nature simultaneously.
- Related Website: https://tourismdaisen.com/spot/3/
3. Kaike Onsen (Yonago City)
- Access: Approx. 15 minutes to Yonago Station via the JR Sanin Main Line from Daisenguchi Station, then approx. 20 minutes by local bus from Yonago Station.
- Recommendation: One of the Sanin region’s leading seaside hot spring resorts facing the Sea of Japan. Perfect for soothing your travel fatigue, with various inns and day-trip hot spring facilities open to visitors.
- Official Website: https://www.kaike-onsen.com/
4. Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory & Conan Street (Hokuei Town)
- Access: Approx. 35 minutes to Yura Station (Conan Station) via the JR Sanin Main Line from Daisenguchi Station, then approx. 20 minutes on foot.
- Recommendation: The hometown of Gosho Aoyama, the creator of “Detective Conan.” Along the street from the station to the museum, you’ll find numerous bronze statues, allowing you to enjoy the manga’s worldview throughout the entire town.
- Official Website: https://www.gamf.jp/
5. Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture)
- Access: Approx. 15 minutes to Yonago Station via the JR Sanin Main Line from Daisenguchi Station, transfer to Yasugi Station (approx. 10-20 minutes). Then approx. 20 minutes by free shuttle bus from Yasugi Station.
- Recommendation: A globally renowned museum where you can appreciate modern Japanese paintings, including works by Taikan Yokoyama, alongside a stunning garden that has been ranked number one in Japan for many consecutive years by a US magazine specializing in Japanese gardens. The beautiful seasonal landscapes are a must-see.
- Official Website: https://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/
Tourist Attractions Accessible for a Day Trip by Car
You can smoothly access each tourist spot by using the Sanin Expressway (some sections are toll-free) from the Daisenguchi IC, located very close to Sugi House.
6. Daisen Makiba Milk no Sato (Daisen-cho, Tottori Prefecture)
- Access: Approx. 20 minutes by car
- Recommendation: Located halfway up Mt. Daisen, you can simultaneously enjoy grazing cows and spectacular views of the Yumigahama Peninsula. Their famous soft-serve ice cream made from fresh raw milk is an absolute must-try.
- Official Website: https://dainyu.or.jp/home-of-milk/
7. Tottori Sand Dunes & The Sand Museum (Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture)
- Access: Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes by car (via the Sanin Expressway)
- Recommendation: One of Japan’s largest sand dunes and an absolute must-visit when in Tottori. In addition to camel rides, the overwhelming sand sculptures created by world-class sand sculptors at “The Sand Museum” are not to be missed.
- Official Website: Tottori Sand Dunes ( https://www.tottori-guide.jp/sakyu/ ) / The Sand Museum ( http://www.sand-museum.jp/ )
8. Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine (Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture)
- Access: Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes by car (via the Sanin Expressway)
- Recommendation: One of the Sanin region’s premier spiritual “power spots,” attracting visitors from all over the country seeking the deity of matchmaking and good relationships. You can also enjoy local delicacies like “Izumo Soba” and “Zenzai” (sweet red bean soup) in the surrounding area.
- Official Website: https://izumooyashiro.or.jp/