Tottori Sand Dunes: Everything You Need Before Visiting

Overview

Things to do

Hotels

5.0 /5

3K+ reviews

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LIN *********

5 Mar

This is a local tour from HIS Japan, and in principle, the tour is conducted in Japanese. If there are foreign tourists who do not understand Japanese, the tour leader will explain important points in simple English. After observing, it seems that foreign tourists are arranged in the front row seats for the convenience of the tour leader's explanation. If you buy the tour directly from HIS, you need to pay extra to specify a front seat. The price of this tour on KLOOK was originally more expensive than the HIS official website, but there was a 30% off promotion, so KLOOK was cheaper in the end. The one-way drive is about 2.5 hours, and the bus has four rows of seats, which are a bit cramped. The seating chart is posted on the bus door, so check your seat when you get on. Lunch is about 1 hour, and you can enjoy a full crab meal. The ingredients are of average quality, but the presentation looks spectacular. After lunch, take the cable car to the sand dunes for 1 hour. The Tottori Sand Dunes are truly spectacular, and climbing on horseback is quite breathtaking. Fortunately, the weather (March 1st) was good that day, and it wasn't too cold. On the way, I also saw a spot where you can take pictures with camels, which really felt like being in the desert. Finally, I bought some local Tottori souvenirs (such as twentieth-century pear cake) at the souvenir shop in the center of the sand dunes. Then, I visited Hakuto Shrine, listened to the guide's story of the White Rabbit of Inaba, and shopped at the roadside rest area next to it. The last stop was a 160-year-old tofu chikuwa shop. You can sample almost all the products, and there are free soy milk and water available. On the way back, I also ate a croquette at the Akamatsu rest area, which is said to be a local specialty. Overall, it was very good, and I would like to arrange a more in-depth tour of Tottori if I have the opportunity in the future.

Klook 用戶

1 Mar

very enjoyable! food is amazing makes me so full.

SHIH ******

6 Feb

The hotel has a great location, with many restaurants nearby, as well as a large public bath. They also offer drip coffee as a welcome drink, and the rooms are clean and tidy. Highly recommended!

Luk ***

14 Jan

The highlights of this hotel are the many different kinds of alcoholic beverages available. Another outlet of the same group has a large public bath. It would be nice if the services of both could be combined.

Luk ***

7 Jan

Most looking forward to the welcome bar wine tasting. There are many types of wine to try, countless Japanese sake, red and white wine. The only thing to nitpick is why even the pillows are for couples??

Chien ******

28 Dec 2025

This is the most comfortable hot spring hotel I've stayed at so far. It even has a private onsen in the room, so if you're worried about being face-to-face with others, you can start here. Dinner is served in the room, the service staff are all so friendly, and the recommended wine was delicious. Overall, a pretty good experience.

Chien ******

28 Dec 2025

Very close to the station, making it easy to get around. The hotel is new and comfortable to stay in, and the self-service luggage storage area is very friendly to travelers.

Klook 用戶

25 Dec 2025

The room is very spacious, and extra pillows are available in the common area for those who need them. The room's location is very convenient, right across from Maruyo Department Store and Tottori Station.

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Is Tottori worth going?

How much does it cost to ride camels in Tottori Sand Dunes?

When should I go to Tottori?

Tottori Sand Dunes is Japan's largest dunes near Tottori City on the Sea of Japan coast. These massive Tottori Dunes pull in over 1.3 million visitors yearly and offer a stunning starting point to explore this undiscovered prefecture. Formed over thousands of years, these dunes were sculpted by sand from the Sendai River, nearby Chugoku mountains, being carried out to sea and then brought back to the heavily wooden northern coast by ocean currents. Today, the ever-changing landscape is continuously shaped by coastal winds and tides, making every visit a unique experience. Hop on a camel for a relaxed ride in the Japanese desert, or take the chairlift to the Sakyu Center's observation deck for a top-notch coastal view. Don't forget to swing by the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center for insights into the geology and ecology of this remarkable spot.

Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori, Japan

What to do in Tottori Sand Dunes

Sakyu Center

Enjoy panoramic views of the dunes from the Sakyu Center's observation deck, accessible via a chairlift connected to the sand dunes. The key sightseeing zone covers half a kilometer of sandy terrain from the visitor center to the sea. Here, you'll find the most prominent sand dunes that offer stunning coastal views from their summits. Go further to explore the extensive stretches of sand reaching out in various directions for kilometers on end.

Sand Museum

Visit the Sand Museum, a one-of-a-kind museum showcasing intricate sand sculptures by artists from around the world. Each exhibition includes a different theme, providing a unique cultural experience.

Tottori Sand Dune Camel Riding

Hop on a camel for a scenic view of the dunes and snap a memorable photo. Ride the ski lift to catch a panoramic view back to the Sand Dune entrance, taking in all the scenery at once.

Tottori Sand Dune Sandboarding

Sandboarding, a popular way to glide down the dunes, is gaining popularity. It's like snowboarding and suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts. All you need is a board to experience this fun sport.

Tips for Your Tottori Sand Dunes Visit

When is the best time to visit Tottori Sand Dunes?

The ideal times to explore the Tottori Sand Dunes are in the early morning during spring and autumn. The weather is mild, making it perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery without the discomfort of extreme temperatures in your Japanese desert stay.

How to get to Tottori Sand Dunes?

You have several options to reach the Tottori Japan Sand Dunes from Tottori Station. You can take a regular city bus, which takes about 20 minutes and costs 380 yen. Alternatively, the Kirin Jishi Loop Bus operates on weekends and holidays, taking 25 minutes for 300 yen per ride. A taxi ride is also available, costing around 2300 yen.

With a Japan Rail Pass, you can conveniently travel to the Tottori Sand Dunes via the Hakuto Super Express train. The journey takes approximately three hours, allowing you to reach this captivating destination hassle-free and cost-effectively.

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