VISIT TOTTORI CITY

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.

Tottori Sand Dunes are too beautiful to just walk around. Both children and grownups can enjoy sand play to their hearts' content with a wide range of activities unique to the sand dunes. Make a reservation in advance to make the most of your trip to Tottori Sand Dunes.

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.

Enjoy a variety of dishes, including seafood bowls topped with fresh seafood and special seafood menus. Dining while gazing at the beautiful sand dunes from inside the restaurant makes for a special experience.
The dining room on the first floor is open to all without reservations, but advance reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.

This shrine is located near Tanegaike Pond, which adjoins Tottori Sand Dunes. It is known for a certain legend. Long ago, a kind-hearted woman named Otane transformed herself into a white snake that could freely move around the pond, so that she could pick persimmons from an island floating in the pond to feed the hungry. As a result, she became the guardian of the pond. It is believed that the shrine bestows good fortune in money, wealth, and business prosperity. On “mi” days (an auspicious day that cycles around approximately every 12 days), it is customary to offer sake and raw eggs as offerings.

When visiting the shrine, worshippers believe that praying at the front of the shrine, then walking around the shrine three times clockwise and repeating the same wish each time you return to the front of the shrine, will make the wish come true.

Located west of downtown Tottori, Lake Koyama is known as Japan's largest pond with a circumference of 18 km and covering an area of 6.9 km2.

In addition to gardens and a camp site, the area is also equipped with facilities for various sports activities. Aoshima, located in the middle of the pond, is a popular spot for its beautiful cherry blossoms and sunsets. Seasonal flowers bloom in a vibrant array of colors in the Koyama Ike Natural Garden, providing a soothing experience for visitors.

Sightseeing boats are also available in limited seasons, and we recommend this different mode of enjoying the scenery from the water.

Hot springs gush out from the center of Tottori City. Stay at a hotel or hot spring inn with a large public bath where you can enjoy natural hot springs and have a relaxing time. There is also a public bath with undiluted hot spring water flowing directly from the source.

◆Tottori Castle Ruins

The historic Tottori Castle, built in the 16th century, is best known for falling at the hands of the famous military commander Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who employed starvation tactics (a strategy of laying siege to a castle, cutting off its supply of food and resources, to force the enemy to surrender).

Today, the stone walls and the foundation of the keep (known as “Tenshudai”) remain. In recent years, restoration plans to bring the castle back to its former glory have been underway, and the bridge that serves as the main entrance as well as the Otemon Gate already restored. Plans to restore other buildings are also in the works, making this a must-see spot for those interested in history and castles.

◆Kyusho Park

Kyusho Park was constructed by developing the Tottori Castle Ruins, and it features a spacious lawn. It is a renowned spot for cherry blossoms in the spring, and offers beautiful views marked by the colors of autumn leaves in the fall.

Other attractions near the park include Jinpukaku, a Western-style mansion associated with the imperial family from the Taisho period (1912-1916), and the Tottori Prefectural Museum.

[Notice of extended closure of Jinpukaku]

Jinpukaku will be closed for an extended period until around 2029 for conservation and repair works on the cultural property. During this period, the Horyuin Tei'en garden and Hosen-an, located within the grounds, will remain open to the public.

The most popular item on the menu is the Miso Nikomi Curry (miso stew curry), with a subdued hint of miso that brings out its smoothness and depth. The Susugi Nabe, said to be the origin of shabu-shabu, is also exquisite. For lunch, we recommend the Shokado Bento and the the Half-and-Half, comprising curry and hayashi rice (a Western-style beef stew served over rice) made with Tottori Wagyu beef.

This shop offers over 80 varieties of carefully selected chikuwa and kamaboko (different types of Japanese fish cake), as well as tempura, making it the perfect place to find gifts! The popular "tofu chikuwa" is a harmonious blend of tofu and fish paste, well liked for its mild flavor. Inside the shop, you can enjoy freshly fried tempura and limited-edition gelato made with homemade soy milk.

This facility is recommended as a rest stop during your drive. You can explore the selection of gifts at the local products center offering regional brand items as well as the direct sales store for agricultural produce. You can also see pottery works by local artists at the pottery corner.

After purchasing gifts in Tottori, please drive safely on your way home.