[3 hours] A classic sightseeing itinerary for enjoying the Tottori Sand Dunes to the fullest
We recommend this itinerary for first-time visitors to the sand dunes.
In this itinerary, you can get your fill of the main attraction, Tottori Sand Dunes, as well as the Sand Museum, where you can admire artworks made entirely of sand. You can also take a pleasure boat around the islands to take in the magnificent scenery created by the rough waves and winds of the Sea of Japan, as well as the crystal-clear waters of the beautiful sea.
[Overview]
Enjoy the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark to the fullest through the Uradome Coast Island Boat Tour and Tottori Sand Dunes!
You can enjoy the beautiful contrast of white sands and green pine trees on the attractive beaches, as well as the complex, indented coastline of the rias coast.
After that, head to the popular Tottori Sand Dunes. Climb the stairs at the entrance to the sand dunes to reach “Umanose” at the front, where a breathtaking view of the Sea of Japan spreads out before you.
At the Sand Museum, you can see world-class sand sculptures up-close.
If you do not have a car, it is convenient to use a rental vehicle or take a taxi.
- Travel time
- Approx. 3 hours
- Transportation
- Car, walking
![[3 hours] A classic sightseeing itinerary for enjoying the Tottori Sand Dunes to the fullest](/lsc/upfile/course/0000/0068/68_1_l.jpg)
Uradome Coast Island Boat Tour
Experience an exciting cruise with spectacular views and adventures on the Sea of Japan!
Uradome Coast is a popular tourist area in Iwami Town. Over the years, it has been shaped into rock arches, caves, and numerous islands of various sizes, around which the vast expanse of a deep, clear marine-blue sea spreads out.
On an island boat tour, you can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of this area from the sea. On large cruise ships, you can get up close to sheer cliffs and caves for an up-close experience of the majestic and dynamic scenery of the Sea of Japan.
There are several types of pleasure boats available, including the “Uradome Coast Island Small Boat Uradome,” which is able to navigate narrow channels inaccessible to larger ships to explore oddly-shaped rocks and shallow coves, as well as private chartered cruisers.
View basic information
- Address (Japanese)
- 岩美郡岩美町大谷2182
- Telephone Number
- 0857-73-1212
- Opening Times
- 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
*Please check the official website for the departure times of each boat.
- Closed
- Operations are dependent on weather conditions.
Closed during winter (December - end-February)
*Please check the official website for details.

San'in Kaigan National Park Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center
A general information center where you can learn about the Tottori Sand Dunes
This facility introduces the attractions of Tottori Sand Dunes through various exhibits and videos. There is a zone that showcases the beautiful sand dune ecosystem, a corner that offers a realistic experience of the sand dunes in a mini theater, and a zone where you can learn about the formation and characteristics of the sand dunes. Deepening your interest and understanding of Tottori Sand Dunes will make your trip to the sand dunes even more enjoyable.
If you are taking a night tour, you can immerse yourself in magical landscapes with beautiful sunsets, wind ripple patterns that emerge out of the darkness, and starry skies.
There are also convenient facilities where you can wash the sand that had become stuck to your feet during your walk. Have a fun and comfortable time exploring the sand dunes.
View basic information
- Address (Japanese)
- 鳥取市福部町湯山2164-971
- Telephone Number
- 0857-22-0021
- Opening Times
- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Closed
- Open every day

Tottori Sand Dunes
The beautiful, majestic sand dunes are Tottori’s main tourist attraction
The beautiful sand dunes, spread across the Sea of Japan, is one of Japan's largest expanse of coastal sand dunes. A part of it has been designated a national natural monument. In particular, “Umanose" (“Horse’s Back”), a wall of sand that stands at a height of 47 m, is an impressive and poweful sight when viewed from directly below.
The wave-like patterns created by the sea breezes are incredibly beautiful, and exude the strong presence of nature’s ever-changing beauty.
◆ Be careful to avoid heatstroke.
At Tottori Sand Dunes, even in seasons other than summer, there is a risk of heatstroke when the maximum temperature exceeds 20 degrees Celsius. There is no shade within the sand dunes, so please bring a hat, umbrella, or other sun protection, as well as plenty of fluids, and take proper precautions against heatstroke before heading out.
◆ Replenish your water and salt intake frequently.
(Drinking alcohol the day before may cause dehydration, so be sure to take plenty of fluids on the day of your visit).
◆ We recommend wearing cool clothing and using a hat or parasol.
◆Take breaks at moderate intervals and avoid strenuous schedules.
◆ If you feel unwell, rest immediately in a cool place.
Sand becomes extremely hot when the sun is strong, so walking barefoot or in sandals could result in burns. Be sure to wear socks and shoes when walking on the sand.
◆ Information on camel riding experiences
Starting in 2024, only commemorative photo sessions will be offered on weekends, national holidays, spring holidays, summer holidays, autumn holidays, winter holidays, Golden Week (late April to early May), and Silver Week (mid-September).
(On most weekdays, operations are also focused mainly on photo sessions.)
Please note that operations may be suspended on the day without prior notice due to weather or the camels’ condition.
Please check Rakudaya’s official website (Japanese) for details.
View basic information
- Address (Japanese)
- 鳥取市福部町湯山
- Telephone Number
- 0857-22-0021

The Sand Museum, Tottori Sand Dunes
A museum exhibiting sculptures made of sand
The Sand Museum is the world's first museum that exclusively displays sand sculptures made solely with sand and water. Exhibits take on different themes every year, based on the concept “Travel Around the World in Sand.” The museum is produced by Chaen Katsuhiko, a sand sculpture artist active both in Japan and abroad, and the works on display are created by some of the world's top sculptors. There are also large-scale sand sculptures over 20m wide, and the exhibition space where they are displayed is truly spectacular.
After the exhibition ends, the sculptures are returned to their original state as sand, so they can be described as art that can only be experienced once in a lifetime. Enjoy this unique world of sand sculptures.
View basic information
- Address (Japanese)
- 鳥取市福部町湯山2083-17
- Telephone Number
- 0857-20-2231
- Opening Times
- 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:30 p.m.)
- Closed
- Open every day during event periods
