Tottori
Climate
Tottori faces the Sea of Japan along a narrow coastal strip backed by the Chugoku mountains and the iconic Tottori Sand Dunes. Cold winter monsoons bring heavy snowfall to inland areas, while the Daisen volcanic massif — the highest peak in western Honshu — filters snowmelt through ancient basaltic rock into extremely pure, soft water. This rare water quality has driven passionate local brewers to revive the near-extinct Goriki sake rice variety.
About
Tottori, Japan's least populated prefecture, is a hidden gem of sake brewing. The Daisen mountain provides exceptionally pure soft water, and Tottori developed its own Goriki sake rice — nearly extinct but revived by passionate local breweries. Chiyomusubi and Hikami Shuzo produce characterful sakes that reflect the San'in region's quiet, artisanal spirit.