VISIT TOTTORI CITY

Tottori Sand Dunes are located in the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan.

<From Tottori Airport>

Approx. 10 minutes by car

<From Tottori IC>

Approx. 20 minutes by car

<From Tottori Station>

Approx. 22 minutes ride by local bus, or approx. 20 minutes by the “Loop Kirinjishi Bus,” which operates only on weekends and holidays. For details, please refer to the section “Access from JR Tottori Station/Tottori Airport to Tottori Sand Dunes.”

The main sightseeing area is around the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center (the bus stop is “Sakyu-kaikan (Tottori Sand Dunes)”). If you are visiting for the first time, head for “Sakyu Center "Miharashi no Oka"” first!

Sakyu Center "Miharashi no Oka" is a tourist hub for the Tottori Sand Dunes. It is equipped with a souvenir shop and restaurant, and offers a wide selection of desserts. Start by checking out the view of the entire Tottori Sand Dunes from the viewing terrace on the restaurant’s rooftop! From the car park of Sakyu Center (free parking), you can take a lift to the sand dunes, which takes about 5 minutes each way.

We recommend wearing sneakers for greater comfort when strolling around the sand dunes. However, sand may get into your shoes as you walk around. Going barefoot or wearing sandals may be a good idea if you wish to feel the sand under your feet, but do be careful as the sand can be hot in summer, reaching temperatures close to 60°C. Avoid wearing pumps or high heels as your feet will sink into the sand.

The Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center has foot washing facilities and vending machines for towels to clean the sand off your feet after your walk.

The following is the estimated time required to enjoy your trip to the Tottori Sand Dunes.

First, visit the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center. Here, you can obtain information and maps for walking around the sand dunes. Once you are ready, head to the sand dunes.

After you have ascended the stairs at the entrance to the sand dunes, a vast expanse of sand spreads out before you. The first destination is “Umanose” ("Horse's Back”), the small hill right in front of you with a height of approximately 47 meters. As you climb its steep slope, you will be greeted by pleasant sea breezes and spectacular views of the Sea of Japan. The straight-line distance from the entrance of Tottori Sand Dunes to “Umanose" is approximately 400 m. It will take about one hour to explore “Umanose” if you climb up at a leisurely pace and take breaks on the way back.

Since you have already traveled all the way to Tottori Sand Dunes, it would be a pity to just see the sand dunes! You should also check out The Sand Museum located nearby. It takes about 90 minutes to visit both the sand dunes and the museum.

There are also many activities at Tottori Sand Dunes that can only be enjoyed at sand dunes. If you have time, do give them a try.

The Sand Museum is the world's first museum that exclusively displays sand sculptures made solely with sand and water. Exhibits are updated regularly based on the concept “Travel Around the World in Sand.” As it is located indoors, it can be enjoyed regardless of weather conditions, by visitors of all ages and genders. Discounted advance tickets are available to purchase online. Come and see these incredible sand sculptures for yourself. It is hard to believe they have been created only from sand and water!

<Same-day tickets>

Adults: 800 yen

Elementary, junior high, and high school students: 400 yen

Preschoolers: Free admission

*Free admission for persons with disability certificates (one visitor + one companion)

*No priority admission

*Please note that you may be asked to wait for your turn to enter during busy periods, such as events and year-end or New Year holidays.

*Although the exhibition is held indoors, opening hours are subject to change in the event of severe weather such as typhoons or heavy snowfall.

In spring, you can see plants unique to sand dunes, such as the beach morning glory with its beautiful flowers. While it is hot in summer, you will be captivated by the beautiful sunsets over the Sea of Japan. Autumn is the best period for the flower known as “Sakyu Rakkyo no Hana” (“sand dune scallion flowers”). In winter, the sand dunes are covered in snow, creating a magical landscape. Hence, there are various ways to enjoy Tottori Sand Dunes in each of the four seasons.

The scenery also changes depending on the time of day you visit. In particular, the patterns created on the sand by the wind, known as “fu-mon" (“wind patterns”) are most beautiful in the early morning when there are few footprints. Staying overnight and taking a stroll early in the morning is one of the attractions of Tottori Sand Dunes, which is open to visitors 24 hours a day.

There are various ways to enjoy Tanegaike Pond in each season, such as visiting "power spots” (areas with a strong spiritual atmosphere) and taking part in activities. Be sure to drop by on your visit to the Tottori Sand Dunes!

If your schedule allows, take the Tottori Inaba G Bus, a discounted tour that operates only on certain days.

Visit attractive spots in Tottori and Inaba in one day. The tour includes admission to sightseeing spots such as The Sand Museum, as well as a delicious lunch, so you can enjoy greater value than traveling around on your own.
You can board and alight from the Tottori Inaba G Bus not only at Tottori Station, but also at Misasa Onsen and Hawai Onsen (except on some routes).

Board the bus from Tottori Station, tour the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture, and stay overnight at Misasa Onsen or Hawai Onsen.
Alternatively, stay overnight at Misasa Onsen or Hawai Onsen and join the tour the next day, returning to Tottori Station after your tour.
Since this is a bus tour, there is no need to lug heavy luggage around with you, so you can enjoy sightseeing with ease.

See More

Recommended model itinerary!
[3.5 hours] Tottori Sand Dunes and Hakuto Shrine Model Itinerary

We recommend visiting the Tottori Sand Dunes and Hakuto Shrine as a package. This itinerary takes you to Hakuto Shrine, a popular place where people come to pray for marriage, as well as the aforementioned The Sand Museum. For lunch, it recommends visiting a market where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

There is prohibited behavior and rules that must be adhered to at Tottori Sand Dunes.
• Do not litter.
• Do not enter with vehicles.
• Do not take away sand from the dunes.
• Do not draw or write on the sand.
• Swimming is prohibited in the sandy coast beyond the dunes.
etc.

It is necessary to notify the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center before undertaking the following activities. Please check the regulations beforehand.
・Flying drones
・Cosplay photography (if bringing props or backdrops)
・Group photo shoots
etc.

Other important information, such as details about free Wi-Fi available at Tottori Sand Dunes, is also provided.