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Tottori Prefecture, which is bounded by the Sea of Japan, is a 7th smallest prefecture in Japan. 75% of the terrain is mountainous with the Chugoku Mountains,including the Daisen, running across the southern part of the area. In the mountains over 1200 meters high you can enjoy mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter. The sea is shallow for a good distance form the shore, and there is a lot of dunes. The Tottori Sand Dune, which changes its shape and color hourly and seasonally, is designated as San'in Coast National Park.
Tottori Prefecture generally has a warm climate and not much snow, which is typical on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The annual precipitation in this area amounts 2000-2700 millimeters, and it rains a lot form the end of August to the beginning of September.
The mountain area has the 4 degrees C lower temperature than the coast area. Some part of the Daisen and eastern mountainous area has a Hokuriku climate, and the snow is 2-3 meters deep at the deepest, which lingers more than 100 days. As the Chugoku Mountains stands like a wall, the prefecture has little influence of typhoons.
The terrain is long and narrow from east to west and makes steep slops between the mountains of the southern part and the Sea of Japan. Because of the difference of the heights, the rivers flow into the Sea of Japan very fast.
The three major rivers, the Sendaigawa, the Tenjinngawa, and the Hinogawa, form the plain and the lagoons like Koyamaike and Tougouko. The coastline of the prefecture is usually straight and changeless, but there are scenic cliffs such as Uradome Coast.
his region, which is used to be called as Inaba and Houki, is dwelt as important countries. Therefore many cultured and intelligent people such as Ootomo no Yakamoti, Ariwara no Yukihira, Oumi no Mifune, and Yamanoue no Okura were appointed as the provincial governors, and they have left many poems.
During the Sengoku or Warring States period, Yamana family ruled the Chugoku area, but Toyotomi Hideyoshi subjugated the district in the end.
Inaba and Houki had been civilized areas from old times. They had a lot of legends like "Susanoo no Mikoto" and "Okuninushi no Mikoto."
And they also have many kinds of characteristic folk performing arts and festivals such as Shanshan Dance, Haneso Dance, Sheshell Song, Kamei Dance, Sanko Dance, and Kasa Dance of Inaba.
The temperate humid climate, and the fertility of the soil of mountains and hills made Tottori Prefecture one of the most eminent forestry prefectures. As for agriculture, fruit growing is prevailing, and the Japanese pear, "Twentieth Century" and the Japanese persimmon, "Fuyu" are known as the special products of the prefecture. Recently, the prefecture is putting a great deal of effort into promoting the machinery and electronic products industry.
The major sightseeing spots in Tottori Prefecture are the Tottori Sand Dune and the Daisen. The unique view of the dune fascinates tourists, and the Daisen attracts many climbers and skiers. The prefecture is also blessed with many hot springs, and Iwai and Tottori are two of the ten spas. There are many shrines and temples, and above all Okunoin of Sanbutuji in Misaki town is designated as a national treasure.
Tottori Prefecture Wikipedia
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