San’in is a picturesque region closely connected to Japan's incredible cultural heritage and history. On the southwest side of Honshu Island in Japan, San’in extends to the Tottori Prefecture, Shimane Prefecture and the Hagi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. A mystical lifestyle based on the fabulous romantic myths of Japan makes San’in a delightful place to visit. The beautiful beaches and the mountains are the most popular tourist spots in San’in. Meanwhile, travellers who visit Japan shouldn't miss countless other places in and around San’in.

The sand dunes of Tottori
The Tottori sand dunes can be seen in the UNESCO-approved Sanin Kigan Geo Park. Situated outside the Tittori city centre, these sand dunes are the biggest in Japan. The sediments from the Chugoku mountains flowed through the Sendai River and got deposited in the ocean to form these sand dunes that are 14 kilometres long and 2.4 kilometres wide. The strong winds then shaped the sand dunes in the 1,00,000 years that followed. The visitors can enjoy camel rides and other interesting activities on these sand dunes.

The sand museum, Uradome Coast, Hakuto Shrine and Coast, Kyusho Park, Jinpukaku, Iwai Hot Springs, Tottori Hot Spring, Yoshioka Hot Spring, Shikano Yu Hot Spring and Hamamuram Hot Spring are the other attractions here.

Wakasa Line
The 19-kilometre railway line between Kooge and Wakasa was opened in 1930. The old wooden station house with waiting room benches and a steam engine could be seen here. The train speeds through the cherry orchards that offer a mesmerizing view during the blooming season.
Mount Mitoku
Mount Mitoku situated at Misasu in Tottori is more than 900 metres high. The mountain has great religious significance since ancient times and is known for its enchanting natural beauty. Hiking to the Sanbutsu – ji temple at this holy mountain, which has a history of over 1300 years, is quite famous. Interestingly, this shrine is now deemed a national treasure of Japan. It is believed that En no Gyoja, the founder of the syncretic religion of Shugendo, founded the shrine.

Mount Daisen
Mount Daisen, which has an elevation of 1729 metres, is an inactive volcano in the Tottori Prefecture and is the tallest mountain in the Chugoku region. A few peaks of Mount Daisen are on the verge of destruction after the deadly earthquake at Tottori in 2000. Meanwhile, entry is banned at Kengamine Peak, the tallest peak of Mount Daisen. The route from the Daisen–Ji temple at the mountain's centre to Mount Misen's summit is quite popular. It would take almost three hours for the visitors and hikers to cover this historically significant route.

Meanwhile, the mountain is the holy seat of the mountain monks of the Shugendo sect. Mount Daisen, which soars straight out of the sea, is one of the holy mountains of the Shegundo sect. Meanwhile, the famous Ogamiyama–Jinja shrine is a holy site atop the mountain.

Mizuki Shigeru Road and Museum
Mizuki Shigeru Road is a popular tourism destination in Sakaiminato City, the birthplace of the famous manga artist Mizuki Shigeru. The 177 brass statues of the ‘yokais’ along the 800 metre rail road stretching from Sakaiminato station to the Honmachi Arcade never fail to attract the visitors. Meanwhile, the Mizuki Shigeru Museum on this road exhibits numerous works and articles from Mizuki Shigeru's collection.
Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle, situated in Matsue at the Shimane Prefecture, is an ancient Japanese fortress built in the seventeenth century. It is sometimes called the ‘black castle’ after its dark-coloured, sturdy exteriors. Perched atop a hill surrounded by a moat and thick walls, the castle has a museum where antique pieces and ancient arms are exhibited. Visitors can enjoy boat rides in the moat built around the castle.

Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimone Prefecture is one of Japan's prominent and oldest Shinto shrines. Interestingly, there are no records of exactly when Izumo Taisha was built. Meanwhile, this iconic shrine is considered a national treasure of Japan. It is a common belief that spinsters and unmarried men should pray at this shrine for good proposals and happy marriages. The shrine is renovated every 60 – 70 years to preserve the deities' holiness and maintain the building's sturdiness.

Which is the best time to visit Japan?
Although Japan is a treasure trove of interesting sights and fabulous cultural heritage, visiting the country at the right time is important. From January to March, winter is the best time to visit Japan. Meanwhile, it is cheaper to visit Japan, especially during the months of January and February.

The cherry blossom season in Japan begins in March and can be enjoyed throughout April. Millions of tourists from around the world land in Japan to enjoy the scintillating charm of the cherry blossoms. Meanwhile, Hanami is the Japanese custom of viewing the transient flowers, especially the cherry blossoms. Usually, the weather is pleasant during the cherry blossom season, with light drizzles and wind in some places. The cherry blossom flowers will quickly shed if it rains suddenly. Shinjukugyoen National Park, Tokyo Yuno National Park, Hirosaki Castle, the Philosopher’s Path at Kyoto and Himeji Castle in Kyogo are some of the best places to view and enjoy the cherry blossom flowers 

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