Kotouura Seaside Drive: Wish-Making at Nariiishi Beach and Kanzaki Shrine

A scenic seaside drive through Kotouura Town, Tottori Prefecture, starting early with a visit to Nariiishi Beach (鳴り石の浜), where stones ring with a delightful sound as the waves recede, followed by a pilgrimage to Kanzaki Shrine (神﨑神社), renowned for its spectacular dragon carvings. The smooth, round stones polished by Japan Sea's rough waves are considered auspicious—"when stones ring well, things turn out well"—making the beach perfect for wish-making by writing your desires on a stone and placing it on the shore. At midday, savor Japan Sea's bounty at Michi-no-Eki Koto no Ura (道の駅琴の浦); in the afternoon, soak in the retro atmosphere of the historic port town at the Shiotani Sadao Photography Museum (塩谷定好写真記念館) in its wooden former studio; and finish your journey browsing for marine product souvenirs at Michi-no-Eki Port Akasaki (道の駅ポート赤碕). Perfect for nature lovers seeking healing from wave sounds and sea breezes.