Wakasa Station is not only the last stop of a railway line, it’s also a place that exudes the atmosphere of a railway heritage site. Some steam locomotive facilities, including the turntable and water tower used since the station’s inauguration in 1930, were preserved, making them a culturally significant location in Japan.
Steam locomotives that are still in use today are displayed at the station, and visitors can have opportunities to ride them. Travelers can admire the historic station building and feel the power and vibration of a real steam locomotive, filling them with wonder for an era when railways supported Japan's modernization. This precious equipment is a regional treasure carefully preserved by Wakasa and offers sights worth seeing by everyone, not only railway enthusiasts.

The tourist information center in front of the station provides detailed information on local attractions, sightseeing spots, and bicycle rentals to explore the surroundings, making it the perfect starting point for your trip.
You can return your rented bicycles at other stations along the Wakasa Line, such as Koge Station in Yazu Town, which is why we recommend bicycle rental to those wishing to combine cycling with travel on the Wakasa Line. It is also the best way to explore Wakasa's charming historic streets, beautiful nature, and other attractions. E-bikes are also available, making cycling accessible even for those less confident in their stamina.

The area surrounding Wakasa Station retains the charm of an Edo castle town. The nostalgic streets of Wakasajuku spread out within walking distance of the station and are perfect for strolling.
Beautiful streets stretching about 300 meters, lined with white-walled storehouses and traditional townhouses, will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. At your own pace, take photos, rest, and get a glimpse into the traditional Japanese lifestyle and culture. Renting a bicycle also allows you to explore the streets while feeling the fresh breeze of the city.

Cultural and historical spots in the area
Explore the local culture and history around Wakasa Station.

Takumi no Yakata: Located about a 15-minute walk from the station, this facility allows you to try traditional woodcraft workshops. Create your own artwork to keep as a souvenir from your trip.

Fudoin Iwayado Temple: Located about a 20-minute bus ride from the station, this esoteric Buddhist structure features a butai-zukuri design (resembling a stage) in a natural rock cave. Believed to have been founded between 806 and 810, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property for its solemn appearance. Its architectural style seems to make one with nature and is an overwhelming sight for visitors.

You can access Wakasa Station via Tottori Station, a major hub on the JR San'in Main Line and Inbi Line. Take the JR Inbi Line and transfer to Wakasa Railways, which will take about an hour in total.

Eastern Tottori’s biggest event: The Tottori Shan Shan Festival
The Tottori Shan Shan Festival, held in August in Tottori City, is the largest event in eastern Tottori Prefecture and livens up the summer in the city every year. It primarily runs from August 13th to 16th, with the main events being the pre-event Issei Kasa Odori (umbrella dance) on August 13th and the Issei Kasa Odori on August 16th, where thousands of dancers carrying colorful umbrellas dance throughout the city.

About the festival
The Tottori Shan Shan Festival was originally a dance to pray for rain in the late Edo period and was later adapted to contemporary times. The festival's name comes from the onomatopoeia “shanshan,” which describes the continuous bubbling of hot spring water and the sound of bells attached to umbrellas.

Congestion and traffic restrictions
During the Issei Kasa Odori, vehicle access will be prohibited on major roads in Tottori, including Wakasa Kaido, Katahara-dori, and Chizu Kaido. Please avoid traveling by car during this period, as there will be heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and follow the instructions of police officers and security guards.
Travelers planning to visit the area during this period will have an opportunity to enjoy the festival’s lively atmosphere. However, it is also crucial to be aware of the possible congestion and transportation restrictions when planning your trip.

JR West offers a cost-effective pass that allows international visitors to enjoy unlimited rides for three days on designated sections of JR lines in the Tottori, Kurayoshi, Yonago, Matsue, and Izumo areas. Users can also ride the Loop Kirinjishi Bus and the Gurutto Matsue Lake Line Bus. The pass covers both trains and city buses, so it gives travelers access to tourist spots away from stations. It's ideal for those wishing to enjoy a concentrated tour of the San'in region's main spots.
The pass is available for purchase through overseas travel agencies, and you can then exchange it for a physical ticket after arriving in Japan at ticket machines or ticket windows at Tottori Station, Yonago Station, and other stations. Presenting your ticket at local tourist facilities and restaurants also grants discounts on admission and fees. Please check the official website for more information.

Discover Another Japan Pass
This digital travel pass service is designed for international tourists and foreign residents of Japan traveling in the San'in, Sanyo, and Kansai regions. It puts together convenient features for cost-effective and productive travel to tourist spots into a single smartphone app. Passes can be purchased and used through the app available on the App Store and Google Play. After purchasing a pass, users can enter select tourist facilities or use public transportation by presenting and scanning the QR code within the app at the facility entrance.

SAN'IN Area Pass
This pass is dedicated to sightseeing in Tottori and Shimane Prefectures and is included as one of the tickets in the Discover Another Japan digital pass for international visitors. It covers over 70 tourist facilities and comes in two types: a 1-day pass (24 hours) and a 3-day pass (72 hours). This pass grants you unlimited free entry to select attractions within the validity period. Purchase it via the smartphone app and scan your QR code at each attraction's entrance to use it. Enjoy must-visit spots like the Tottori Sand Dunes Sand Museum, the Matsue Horikawa Pleasure Boat, and the Adachi Museum of Art at a great value.

Wakasa Railways One-Day Free Pass
The Wakasa Railways One-Day Free Pass is included as one of the tickets in the Discover Another Japan digital pass for international visitors. It grants users unlimited round trips on the entire Wakasa Line, allowing you to fully enjoy the steam locomotive facilities at Wakasa Station and explore the Wakasajuku streets.

Start your trip to eastern Tottori Prefecture at Wakasa Station, where the time-honored steam locomotive can still be seen and the history of Edo lives on in the streets of Wakasajuku. Here, you can visit Important Cultural Properties in majestic nature and feel the nostalgic Japan. Enjoy the region's largest event, the Tottori Shan Shan Festival, and make the most of the convenient sightseeing passes designed for international visitors for a cost-effective way to explore the San'in region thoroughly. Wakasa Town plays a leading role in eastern Tottori, a prefecture that offers diverse travel styles and promises unforgettable journeys.