Autumn in Tottori: A Feast Awaits

Known for its pristine landscapes and unhurried countryside charm, this lesser-visited region of Japan also serves up some of the nation’s most beloved seasonal treasures. In this blog post, we will introduce Tottori Food Highlights – from the crisp sweetness of the 20th Century pear to the rich, delicate flavors of Matsuba crab. Add in rustic countryside dining at Mitaki-en and creamy dairy indulgences from Daisen Milk no Sato, and you’ll see why Tottori deserves a spot on your culinary map.

Best of all, exploring these delights at your own pace is easy with the HIS Tottori Self-Drive package — the perfect way to pair gourmet experiences with scenic countryside drives.

🦀 Matsuba Crab – The King of Tottori’s Winter Table

If Tottori has a crown jewel, it is the Matsuba crab — a name given to snow crabs caught along the Sea of Japan coast. This main Tottori food highlight is prized for its tender, naturally sweet meat. It is typically enjoyed boiled, grilled, or even as sashimi for the freshest experience.

• Season: Early November through March, with peak availability in winter.
• Where to Try: Hot spring towns like Kaike Onsen and Misasa Onsen often serve Matsuba crab kaiseki (multi-course meals). You might be able to see the crabs fresh from the morning catch at coastal markets!
• Why It’s Special: Each crab is tagged to guarantee authenticity and quality, so when you taste Matsuba crab in Tottori, you know you’re getting the real deal.

If you arrive in late autumn, fret not, you are at the beginning of crab season — making it the ideal time to combine food and travel.

🍐 The Legendary 20th Century Pear

Before winter arrives, autumn brings another of Tottori’s food highlight — the 20th Century pear (Nijisseiki nashi). Cultivated for over a century, this variety is known for its light green skin, juicy crunch, and refreshing sweetness.

• Season: Harvested from late August through early October, but pears are still enjoyed into autumn thanks to careful storage.
• Experience: Visit orchards in Kurayoshi or Tottori City to sample pears straight from the tree. Some farms even allow visitors to pick their own, a perfect countryside outing. Stop by the 20th Century Pear Museum to find out more on the history and process of growing pears!
• Fun Fact: Tottori is Japan’s top producer of this pear, and the fruit has become a symbol of the prefecture.

You can find pears sold in roadside markets and even as souvenirs in the form of pear-flavored sweets, during autumn!

🥛 Daisen Milk no Sato – Dairy Heaven at the Foot of Mt. Daisen

At the base of majestic Mt. Daisen lies Daisen Milk no Sato, a dairy farm and visitor center. This has turned into a favorite stop for locals and travelers alike. Known for its lush pastures and cool climate, the area produces exceptionally rich and creamy milk.

• What to Try: The soft-serve ice cream is legendary — silky, pure, and with a flavor reflecting the freshness of the region’s milk. There are also cheeses, yogurts, and baked goods made on-site.
• Experience: The setting is just as sweet as the treats, with views of Mt. Daisen making your indulgence feel like a countryside escape.

If you are driving through western Tottori, this is an unmissable stop, especially after a hike or visit to nearby Daisen Temple. [Notice: This facility is currently closed for renovations until April 2026]

🌿 Mitaki-en – Countryside Dining with Heart

Mitaki-en invites you into a world of rustic warmth. Traditional thatched-roof farmhouses set the stage, while chefs prepare sansai ryori — mountain vegetable cuisine — over an irori hearth.

• What You’ll Eat: Seasonal vegetables, wild herbs, river fish, and handmade tofu, all cooked simply to let nature’s flavors shine.
• Why Visit: It’s more than food — it’s about reconnecting with Tottori’s countryside traditions in an atmosphere that feels timeless.

For travelers seeking something authentic and off the beaten path, Mitaki-en offers a true sense of place. [Notice: This restaurant only opens from 01 April – First Sunday of December]

🍶 Other Tottori Flavors Worth Trying

While Matsuba crab and 20th Century pear are the stars, Tottori’s food scene offers other seasonal highlights:

• Tottori Wagyu Beef – Renowned for its marbling and tenderness, perfect for sukiyaki or steak.
• Local Sake – Crafted from pure mountain water and high-quality rice.

📅 Why Autumn is the Perfect Time

• Early Autumn (Sept–Oct): Peak season for pear picking, farm visits, and countryside flavors.
• Late Autumn (Nov): The start of Matsuba crab season, when restaurants and inns unveil special menus.
• Throughout Autumn: Cool weather, harvest festivals, and fewer crowds compared to summer make it an ideal time to travel.

With a self-drive trip, you can time your stops to match the harvest, markets, and dining experiences — creating a food journey unique to your travels.

✈️ Plan Your Tottori Food Journey

From the ocean’s bounty to rustic mountain dining, Tottori’s food scene captures the essence of the season. Whether you’re cracking open a Matsuba crab, biting into a crisp pear, or savoring ice cream at the foot of Mt. Daisen, every bite tells the story of the land.

Ready to taste it for yourself? The HIS Tottori Self-Drive package makes it easy to explore the prefecture at your own pace — just in time for pear harvests and the start of crab season.

✨ Final Bite: Tottori may be less visited than other regions, but it offers some of Japan’s most rewarding seasonal experiences. Come in autumn, and let your journey be flavored by pears, crab, milk, and mountain vegetables.