Tohaku District: Funagami and Misasa Onsen

Tohaku District brings together a striking landscape feature and a firmly rooted tradition in Misasa Onsen. Funagami and the Jinsyo rope-pulling event appeal to different travel interests: a distinctive mountain shape on the one hand, and an annual custom on the other. When choosing your vacation rental, first consider which of these experiences you want to be the focus of your trip.

Funagami: a mountain with a flat summit plateau

Funagami (船上山), which stands 615 m high, is located southwest of Kotoura in Tohaku District. It forms the eastern main section of the Daisen volcanic area and the northeastern end of a mountain range. Its summit is a flat, plateau-like lava surface. The combination of its striking height and flat lava plateau gives the mountain a distinctive profile and makes it a defining landscape feature to consider when planning your trip.

In the broader destination of Tottori Prefecture, Funagami Youth Nature House (船上山少年自然の家) is located at the foot of Funagami. The mountain is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides and has three waterfalls. Possible activities vary considerably by season: in summer, you can hike, camp, and play in the river; in winter, you can go snowshoeing and sledding. Check current programs and safety conditions before your visit, as these seasonal offerings and conditions may change.

Tradition and regional specialties

Every year on May 4, the traditional Jinsyo rope-pulling event takes place in Misasa Onsen. A giant female rope and a giant male rope are twisted from kudzu vines and joined together. Two groups then pull the ropes in opposite directions. Its fixed annual date distinguishes this cultural event from seasonal outdoor activities; for a trip focused on tradition, May 4 is the key date to bear in mind.

In the broader destination of Tottori Prefecture, large shijimi clams from Lake Tōgō are considered a regional specialty. Because of their appearance and sheen, they are called “black diamonds.” This memorable nickname draws attention to the distinctive appearance of this regional product.

More experiences in Tottori Prefecture

Tottori Prefecture also offers cultural and historical perspectives, as well as scenic landscapes. Daisen-Oki National Park extends across Tottori, Shimane, and Okayama prefectures. Buildings dating from before the early modern period remain on the former grounds of Daisenji. At the abandoned sites of subsidiary temples, stone walls, earthworks, and the paths connecting them are well preserved. Thus, the historical remains include both buildings and traces of the former temple sites.

Kurayoshi is home to the Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum, the only museum in Japan dedicated to the Nashi pear. The Nijisseiki pear can also shape seasonal travel plans: in Tottori Prefecture, you can pick them from late August to late September. This limited-time activity offers a different focus from the mountain and cultural attractions; if you’re interested, take the travel window into account.

At the Tottori Sand Dunes, even small children can take souvenir photos with camels, which are considered gentle and child-friendly. Sandboarding means gliding down a sandy slope on a special board, and is a recreational activity at Tottori Sand Dunes National Park. From the bus stop at Tottori Station, you can reach the dunes by bus in about 20 minutes; possible stops are Tottori Sand Dunes and Sakyu Kaikan. Check the current timetable before setting out.

Those interested in a mountain hike can find a summer hiking trail on Daisen that is designed as the main route for beginners. It is recommended for people climbing Daisen for the first time, as well as for children and inexperienced hikers. The region’s activities therefore differ both by season and by theme, from hiking on Daisen to seasonal pear picking and activities at the sand dunes.

When searching for a vacation rental, it helps to clearly choose what you want to focus on: should Tohaku District, with Funagami and Misasa, be the heart of your trip, or would you like to include other destinations in Tottori Prefecture? Base your choice on the places and activities that interest you, and check which specific accommodation location best fits your own travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Saihaku District, Tohaku District.

Go to the main travel overview: Tottori Prefecture.