Kawahara Castle

河原城, Kawahara-jō

About 12 km south of central Tottori, near where the Hatto River joins the Sendai River, the castle offers a spectacular view. It is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi stopped here and dreamed about a peaceful, united Japan prior to uniting the nation himself. The current observation tower (based on Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture) was opened in 1994, and houses a modest museum.

• free
• museum
• outdoors
• history

Address

1011 Tanihitotsugi, Kawahara-cho

Getting there

30 minutes and ¥510 by bus (towards Mochigase) from Tottori Station Stop 9 to Kawahara, then 15 minutes walk up the hill. This bus can also be taken from Kunifusa Station (head down to Route 53; 10 minutes and ¥260)

Hours

Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00 (Apr-Sep: Sat to 21:00)

Price

Free

Website

kawahara-shiro.com (opens in a new tab)