Tottori Prefectural Museum
Discover Tottori's natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant art scene at this comprehensive prefectural museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Tottori Prefectural Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Tottori's natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant art scene at this comprehensive prefectural museum.
"Great value for money, with fascinating exhibits on local nature, history, and art."
Affordable Entry Fee
Enjoy extensive exhibits for just 180 yen! The first floor covers geology, nature, and history. :moneybag:
Bug Exhibition Fun
Kids (and adults!) love the engaging bug exhibits. Great for families visiting Tottori. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural History Exhibits
Discover the diverse flora and fauna of Tottori, including fascinating details about the region's famous sand dunes and their inhabitants.
Art and Craft Collections
Explore a curated selection of local art, including pottery, lacquerware, and metalwork, showcasing the region's rich artistic heritage.
Geological Formations
Learn about the geological processes that shaped Tottori, with a special focus on the formation and evolution of the Tottori Sand Dunes.
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Planning Your Visit
Tottori's Unique Charm
Museum Highlights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Affordable Entry Fee
Enjoy extensive exhibits for just 180 yen! The first floor covers geology, nature, and history. :moneybag:
Bug Exhibition Fun
Kids (and adults!) love the engaging bug exhibits. Great for families visiting Tottori. :bug:
Art Exhibit Photography Ban
Photography is not allowed in the art exhibits, but QR codes offer artist bios and more work. :camerawithflash:
Learn About Local Spiders
Discover the large spiders inhabiting the sand dunes before you explore them. Stay informed! :spider:
Tips
from all over the internet
Affordable Entry Fee
Enjoy extensive exhibits for just 180 yen! The first floor covers geology, nature, and history. :moneybag:
Bug Exhibition Fun
Kids (and adults!) love the engaging bug exhibits. Great for families visiting Tottori. :bug:
Art Exhibit Photography Ban
Photography is not allowed in the art exhibits, but QR codes offer artist bios and more work. :camerawithflash:
Learn About Local Spiders
Discover the large spiders inhabiting the sand dunes before you explore them. Stay informed! :spider:
QR Codes for Art Info
Scan QR codes for detailed artist information and extra examples of their work. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Tottori Prefectural Museum for its excellent value and diverse exhibits, covering natural history, local culture, and art. The affordable entry fee and engaging displays, especially for children, are frequently highlighted. Some visitors noted a photography restriction in the art sections, but appreciated the provided QR codes for additional information.
"Very cool museum with lots of different historical things to see aswell as geological and zoological exhibitions. Currently they have a bug exhibition on it was really cool! The kids seamed to be really loving it"
only ivory
"Very interesting museum!
It explains about the animals and plants in the area, the geology of the area and the formation of the sand dunes."
Bryan Volckaert
"There were two significant parts to his museum. The first was the natural History component which had quite a variety of land, air and water creatures preserved for your edification. I was glad to learn about the very large spiders that live in the sand dunes before I walked across the dunes. It's good to know what to look out for! There was also a selection of historical craft including pots, weaving, rice straw and more. The second exhibition space was for art, and the kogei exhibit up was an amazing display of single pieces from a wide variety of (somewhat local ) artists work in clay, lacquer, metals, and glass. 😍 I was a little sad I couldn't take pictures in that exhibit, but they did have QR codes on many of the pieces which took you to the artist bio and more examples of their work."
Sarah Sutter
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible by public transport. From Tottori Station, you can take a bus or enjoy a pleasant walk. Many visitors also combine a trip to the museum with the nearby Tottori Sand Dunes.
Tottori is one of Japan's less-visited prefectures, making it a great option for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. While public transport is available, renting a car can offer more flexibility for exploring the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or special holiday closures.
Admission is very affordable! The first floor, featuring natural history, geology, and history exhibits, costs 180 yen for adults. Additional fees may apply for special exhibitions or the second floor.
Photography is generally not permitted in the art exhibition areas. However, you can often find QR codes near the artworks that link to more information about the artists and their pieces.
Yes, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, often focusing on art and local culture. These can be a great reason to visit at different times of the year. 
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum offers a diverse range of exhibits, including natural history (animals, plants), geology (formation of sand dunes), local history, folk culture, and art.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the natural history displays, especially the bug exhibition, and the interactive elements. It's a great educational outing for families.
The museum provides extensive information about the geology and formation of the Tottori Sand Dunes, which are a major natural attraction in the prefecture.
The art exhibits showcase a variety of local artists and crafts, including works in clay, lacquer, metal, and glass.
Yes, the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art, designed by Fumihiko Maki, is an architectural highlight. Its modern design complements the cultural offerings within.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the museum itself may have limited food options, there are usually cafes or restaurants available in the vicinity, especially near Tottori Station or the sand dunes area. It's advisable to check local listings for nearby dining.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally restricted in the art galleries. However, you might be able to take photos of the natural history and historical artifacts, but always look for signage indicating photo policies.
The museum's architecture itself is a great subject for photography, especially for architecture enthusiasts. The surrounding area, particularly if combined with a visit to the sand dunes, offers scenic views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the museum, the nearby Tottori Sand Dunes offer a unique playground for kids, with opportunities for sandboarding and camel rides.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+1 The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, showcasing a diverse range of mediums from pottery and lacquerware to metal and glass. +2While photography is restricted in the art galleries, the museum provides QR codes that offer in-depth information about the artists and their works, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the art on display.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Off-the-Beaten-Path Seekers
Combine your museum visit with the iconic Tottori Sand Dunes for a unique natural experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Tottori's Unique Landscape
The Tottori Prefectural Museum plays a crucial role in contextualizing this unique environment. Its natural history and geology exhibits delve into the formation of the dunes, the forces of wind and sea that shape them, and the specialized flora and fauna that have adapted to this sandy ecosystem. Understanding the geological processes behind the dunes enhances the appreciation of their beauty and scale.
Beyond the dunes, Tottori offers a glimpse into a less-traveled side of Japan. The prefecture is characterized by its serene natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, making it an appealing destination for those seeking an authentic and less crowded Japanese experience.
The Tottori Prefectural Museum: A Hub of Culture and History
The History and Folk Culture exhibits offer a window into the lives of the people of Tottori, showcasing traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and rice straw products. These displays highlight the ingenuity and artistry of the local communities throughout history. The museum also features art exhibitions, often focusing on regional artists and their diverse mediums, from clay and lacquer to metal and glass.
Recently, the museum has seen significant architectural development, with the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art designed by the acclaimed architect Fumihiko Maki opening in 2025. This new wing is set to further enhance the museum's role as a cultural center, showcasing contemporary and traditional art in a striking modern setting.
+2
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