Tottori Prefecture

Tottori Prefecture is a distinct administrative region in Japan. It is located within the Chūgoku region on the main island of Honshu.

The prefecture is characterized by its unique landscapes and low population density. In 2023, it was recorded as the least populous prefecture in Japan. The total population was 538,525 people. It shares borders with several other prefectures. Shimane Prefecture lies to the west. Hiroshima Prefecture is to the southwest. Okayama Prefecture sits to the south. Hyōgo Prefecture borders it to the east.

The geography of Tottori features both coastal and mountainous terrain. The most famous landmark is the Tottori Sand Dunes. This is the largest sand dune system in Japan.

In the mountains, you will find Mount Daisen. This is the highest peak in the Chūgoku Mountains.

Much of the land is protected through various conservation efforts. Approximately 14% of the total land area is designated as Natural Parks. These include the Daisen-Oki and Sanin Kaigan National Parks. Other areas include the Hiba-Dōgo-Taishaku and Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Parks. There are also several Prefectural Natural Parks like Misasa-Tōgōko and Nishi Inaba.

The name "Tottori" has deep roots in Japanese etymology. The name is formed from two specific kanji characters. The first character means "bird." The second character means "to get."

This name likely refers to the early residents of the region. These people made their living by catching plentiful waterfowl. A historical account from 213 AD mentions an elder named Yukuha Tana. He visited the Emperor Suinin and presented a swan. This event helped Prince Homatsu-wake learn to speak. As a reward, Yukuha Tana was granted the title of Tottori no Miyakko.

Human history in Tottori stretches back to prehistoric times. Evidence from the Jōmon period dates back to 14,000 BC. The region also contains the largest known Yayoi period settlement in Japan. This site is called the Mukibanda Yayoi remains. It is located in the low foothills of Mount Daisen.

During the Kofun period, many tumuli, or burial mounds, were built across the area. In 645 AD, the Taika reforms divided the area into two provinces. These were named Hōki and Inaba. Later, the region became a base for forces during the Genpei War. These forces used the temples of Daisen-ji and Sanbutsu-ji.

Political control of the region changed through many centuries. During the Sengoku period, various clans fought for control. The Yamana clan was a notable group during this time. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the region was pacified. The Tokugawa shogunate then installed the Ikeda clan at Tottori Castle.

The Ikeda clan managed the area throughout the Edo period. They used the local resources to support the shogunate financially. The provincial system of Hōki and Inaba lasted until 1868. Following the Meiji Restoration, the boundaries of Tottori Prefecture were officially established in 1888.

The 20th century brought both economic shifts and natural disasters. Tottori's harbors on the Japan Sea became active transit points. This happened after the occupation of Korea and Taiwan. The establishment of Manchukuo in 1932 also increased maritime activity. However, the prefecture faced a major catastrophe in 1943. A massive magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the region. This event destroyed 80% of Tottori City. It also caused great damage to the surrounding areas. In the postwar period, land reforms helped the region recover. These reforms led to a significant increase in agricultural production.

Today, Tottori is a major center for Japanese agriculture. Many products are shipped from the prefecture to large cities. The region is a major producer of rice. It is also famous for several specific crops. These include the nashi pear and the nagaimo yam. Other notable products are Japanese scallions, or negi, and watermelon. The economy relies heavily on these farming activities. Tottori City serves as the capital and largest urban center. Other significant cities include Yonago, Kurayoshi, and Sakaiminato.

These cities support the diverse needs of the prefecture's residents.