✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Misasa.
Nestled in the heart of Japan lies a hidden gem, a city that beckons to be explored with all your senses.
Misasa, a vibrant coastal town, offers a plethora of experiences that range from immersing yourself in the country’s rich culture to enjoying a quiet respite in the lush greenery of the surrounding mountains.
With its warm hospitality and charming allure, Misasa promises to captivate you from the moment you arrive.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Misasa:
1. Misasa Onsen
Misasa Onsen is a small hot spring town located in the Tottori prefecture of Japan. It is known for its high-quality natural spring water that has healing properties.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy bathing in the many public hot springs or stay in one of the town’s traditional Japanese inns.
Misasa also has several museums and temples to explore, including the Misasa Art Museum and the Hakuho-do Kofun (ancient burial mound).
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to try the town’s famous “onsen tamago” – eggs cooked in the natural hot spring water.
Insider travel tips: Misasa Onsen is a popular destination, especially during the summer months. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the fall or winter seasons.
It’s also important to note that many of the public hot springs in the town have specific hours for men and women, so be sure to check before visiting.
2. Mizuki Shigeru Road
A themed street in the town of Misasa, Tottori, Japan, dedicated to the life and works of Mizuki Shigeru, a famous Japanese manga artist.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely walk down the Mizuki Shigeru Road and explore the various bronze statues and murals depicting the artist’s well-known characters such as Gegege no Kitaro, Nonnonba, and Akuma-kun.
Visit the Mizuki Shigeru Museum to see a vast collection of the artist’s original drawings and artwork. Admire the stunning views of the nearby mountains and cherry blossoms during the spring season.
Don’t miss: The bronze statue of Kitaro, the main character from Mizuki’s most famous work, Gegege no Kitaro. It is said to bring good luck to those who rub its feet.
Also, don’t forget to try the local cuisine, especially the Misasa Onsen Tamago, a delicious egg dish cooked in hot spring water.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and experience the peacefulness of the town. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring an umbrella if it’s raining.
If you’re a fan of Mizuki Shigeru manga, make sure to visit the souvenir shops selling merchandise and art. Finally, consider staying at a traditional Ryokan-style inn to fully immerse in the local culture.
3. Misasa Art Museum
Misasa Art Museum is a contemporary art museum that showcases various works of art from both Japanese and international artists.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the different galleries and exhibits which feature a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, and video art. The beautiful architecture of the building itself is also worth admiring and taking photos of.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the outdoor sculpture park, which features several large sculptures by renowned artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Isamu Noguchi.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in the small town of Misasa in Tottori Prefecture, which is known for its hot springs.
Consider combining a visit to the museum with a relaxing hot springs bath.
4. Misasa Fossil Museum
Misasa Fossil Museum is a natural history museum located in Misasa town, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum showcases a wide range of fossil specimens found in and around Misasa, including prehistoric plants, fish, reptiles, and mammals.
Visitors can view the fossils up close while learning about the area’s geological history and the evolution of life on Earth.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the exhibition of two of the largest dinosaur fossils discovered in Japan – the Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus.
The museum also has a life-size model of a T. rex and an impressive collection of ammonite fossils.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays.
5. Gomura Mines
Gomura Mines is an old abandoned mine located in Misasa, Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the old tunnels and see remnants of the past mining operations. There are also sections of the mine that are filled with crystal clear water, providing a beautiful and unique view.
Don’t miss: The area near the entrance of the mine features a large pile of rocks that have been arranged to resemble a dragon.
This is known as the Ryugu no Tama (Dragon’s Ball) and is a popular spot for photos.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good traction as the mine can be slippery and uneven. Also, bring a flashlight or headlamp as the lighting within the tunnels is minimal.
It is recommended to visit during the day as the mine can be quite dark at night.
6. Okutsu Valley
Okutsu Valley is a picturesque gorge located in the Tottori Prefecture of Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike through the valley, taking in the beautiful scenery of lush green forests, crystal-clear streams, and towering rock formations.
The hike is easy and suitable for all ages, with well-marked trails and suspension bridges that offer breathtaking views of the valley.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the valley is the Okutsu Onsen hot spring, where visitors can take a relaxing dip in the natural geothermal waters while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Okutsu Valley is in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
7. Oyama Shrine
Oyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine nestled in the mountains of Misasa, Japan, known for its stunning natural scenery and impressive architecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine’s beautifully landscaped grounds and buildings, including the stunning main shrine hall and the picturesque red torii gate that marks the entrance to the shrine.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from the shrine’s scenic viewpoint. The shrine also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the popular Misasa Oyama Summer Festival.
Insider travel tips: To fully experience the natural beauty of the shrine, consider visiting in the spring when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom.
It is also recommended to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the shrine’s grounds.
8. Wakasa Fisherman’s Wharf
A quaint fishing village in the town of Wakasa, Japan, known for its fresh seafood and scenic views.
What to see or do: Enjoy a seafood meal at one of the many restaurants overlooking the sea, go fishing on a chartered boat, watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch, visit the nearby aquarium, or take a stroll along the waterfront promenade.
Don’t miss: Savoring the local specialty dish, Saba-zushi (mackerel sushi), and trying the freshly caught seafood at the on-site market.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to witness the arrival of the fishing boats and get first pick of the day’s catch.
Take a camera to capture the stunning sunrise over the Sea of Japan.
9. Takeda Castle Ruins
Takeda Castle Ruins is a mountain-top fortress located in Asago, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The ruins offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are particularly popular during autumn when the leaves change color, creating a picturesque red and gold landscape.
Don’t miss: Visitors can explore the ruins and get a glimpse of what the castle looked like during its prime.
The most impressive feature is the “castle in the clouds” effect, where the fortifications appear to be floating above a sea of clouds.
Insider travel tips: The best time to see the “castle in the clouds” effect is on clear, crisp mornings from late September to early December.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a steep climb to the ruins. It’s also recommended to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
10. Misasa Toge Pass
Misasa Toge Pass is a scenic mountain pass that connects Tottori Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture in Japan, offering stunning natural scenery and picturesque views.
What to see or do: The pass itself is around 550 meters high and boasts a winding road with numerous hairpin bends, making it a popular destination for motorists and cyclists.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely drive or bike ride while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and streams.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Misasa Toge Pass is the Misasa Observatory, located near the peak of the pass.
The observatory offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot for taking photos or simply enjoying the scenery.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Misasa Toge Pass is during the autumn season when the leaves of the surrounding trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
11. Makibinoyu Hot Spring
A traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen) located in Misasa, Tottori Prefecture.
What to see or do: Soak in the therapeutic hot water while enjoying the beautiful view of the surrounding forested mountains.
The water in Makibinoyu Hot Spring is said to be highly effective in treating a variety of ailments such as rheumatism and skin conditions.
Don’t miss: Try the “Yumomi” ritual, where hot spring workers rhythmically stir the water with long wooden paddles while singing traditional songs. This unique practice helps to cool down the hot water for bathers.
Insider travel tips: – It is recommended to bring a towel and toiletries as they are not provided at the hot spring.
12. Chizu Cho Folk Museum
The Chizu Cho Folk Museum is a small but impactful museum in the town of Misasa in Japan. The museum showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the region.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a range of exhibits including traditional Japanese homes, farming tools, fishing equipment, handicrafts, and clothing. The museum also offers hands-on experiences such as trying on a kimono or making soba noodles.
Don’t miss: Make sure not to miss the displays of local festivals and celebrations, which feature beautifully crafted floats and decorations.
The museum also has a replica of a traditional Japanese store, where visitors can learn about old retail practices and see various goods.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year holidays. It’s recommended to visit in the morning when it’s less busy, and guided tours are available for an additional fee.
Don’t forget to try the soba noodles made on-site, which are known for their great taste and texture.
13. Gohyaku Rakanji Temple
Gohyaku Rakanji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Misasa, Japan, famous for its 500 life-size statues of the Buddha’s disciples, known as rakan.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk among the 500 stone statues, each of which has unique facial expressions and poses. The temple grounds also feature several other statues, including a large seated Buddha and a four-faced Kannon.
The surrounding area is known for its healing hot springs, so visitors can combine a visit to the temple with a relaxing soak in a hot spring bath.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the small museum on the temple grounds, which provides more information about the history and significance of Gohyaku Rakanji.
Also, don’t miss the chance to purchase a good luck charm or amulet from one of the vendors outside the temple.
Insider travel tips: – If you’re interested in Japanese folklore, ask the staff about the legend of the rakan at the temple.