The underrated JR West pass! Tottori-Matsue 3-day area pass
JR West has a seriously underrated pass—the Tottori-Matsue Area Pass. For just 4,000 yen (about CNY 200), you can ride JR limited express and local trains unlimited times in the Sanin region for 3 days.
CNY 200 might not even cover 3 subway rides in Osaka. But with this pass, you can explore from the Tottori Sand Dunes all the way to Matsue Castle, from Japan’s top garden to the monster town.
Here’s a complete guide on how to use this pass, where you can go, and how to buy and use it.
What this pass can do
In short: for 3 consecutive days, unlimited rides on JR limited express, rapid, and local trains with unreserved seats within the Tottori-Matsue area.
Key stations covered include popular Sanin cities like Tottori, Yonago, Matsue, Izumo, and Sakaiminato. Besides JR lines, you can also ride the Tottori Kirin Shishi loop bus and the Matsue Lake Line loop bus for free, saving on local transportation.
Price: 4,000 yen for adults / 2,000 yen for children (ages 6–11). Each adult can bring up to 2 children for free.
Day 1: Tottori—half desert, half sea
The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan’s largest sand dunes, stretching about 16 km east to west, 2.4 km at the widest point, and reaching 50 m at the highest spot. From the top, you see golden sand on one side and the blue Sea of Japan on the other.
Next to the dunes is the Sand Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to sand sculpture art. The theme changes yearly, showcasing works by top sand artists worldwide.
If you have time, head east to Uradome Coast, part of the Sanin Kaigan National Park. Its clear waters and unique rock formations are perfect for sightseeing boat tours.
Day 2: Matsue—watch the sunset in a national treasure castle
Matsue Castle is one of only 12 original castles left in Japan and was designated a national treasure in 2015. Its black wooden exterior earned it the nickname “Chidori Castle.” From the top floor of the main keep, you get a 360-degree view of Matsue city and Lake Shinji.
The Horikawa sightseeing boat is also worth a ride. The small boat cruises the castle moat through the old town, with the boatman using a bamboo pole to steer while sharing stories about Matsue.
Be sure to visit Lake Shinji at sunset. It’s a famous spot for watching the sun go down, with the lake turning golden and purple and the distant Bride Island fading into the twilight. Many photographers come here specifically to capture the sunset.
Day 3: Adachi Museum of Art + monster town, two sides of Japan in one day
In the morning, visit the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi city. It has been ranked Japan’s top garden for years by the Journal of Japanese Gardening. Its dry landscape, moss garden, and stroll garden are like framed paintings from every window.
The museum’s collection is impressive too, with over 120 modern Japanese paintings, including many by Yokoyama Taikan.
In the afternoon, take the JR Sakaiminato Line to Sakaiminato, the hometown of Mizuki Shigeru, Japan’s master of monster manga. The entire street is the Mizuki Shigeru Road, featuring over 170 bronze monster statues. Street lamps, manhole covers, and the station are all decorated with “GeGeGe no Kitaro” motifs, instantly transporting you to a monster world.
How to buy and use
You can purchase an electronic exchange voucher (E-TICKET) for this pass through the JR West Travel mini program. After arriving in Japan, exchange the E-TICKET and your passport for a physical ticket at Sakaiminato or Yonago station to start using it.
Note: Only foreign visitors with a “short-term stay” visa can buy and use this pass. Japanese passport holders are not eligible. The E-TICKET must be exchanged within 3 months of purchase.
The Sanin region is one of the least “checked-in” but most rewarding places to explore slowly in Japan. It offers the real Sea of Japan, ancient castles, top gardens, and monster culture you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.
For 4,000 yen, enjoy a slow 3-day trip through Sanin. It’s worth adding to your next Japan travel plan.
Before too many people discover it, go see it for yourself.
📌 Information source: JR West Travel official mini program, where you can also get coupons.