Tottori Sand Dunes

Tourist attraction
★ 4.8 (3K+ reviews) • 3K+ booked
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.
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Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori, Japan

The best of Tottori Sand Dunes

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Green Rich Hotel Tottori Ekimae

Green Rich Hotel Tottori Ekimae

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★ 4.4 (357)
From US$ 51.49
Tottori Washington Hotel Plaza

Tottori Washington Hotel Plaza

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★ 3.9 (457)
From US$ 58.6
Tottori Green Hotel Morris

Tottori Green Hotel Morris

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From US$ 64.58
Hotel New Otani Tottori

Hotel New Otani Tottori

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★ 4.0 (67)
From US$ 88.35
Toyoko Inn Tottori Station Minami

Toyoko Inn Tottori Station Minami

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★ 4.0 (317)
From US$ 54.66
Kansuitei Kozeniya

Kansuitei Kozeniya

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★ 4.6 (132)
From US$ 121.85
APA Hotel Tottori Ekimae Minami

APA Hotel Tottori Ekimae Minami

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★ 4.0 (1,001)
From US$ 50.9
Hotel Fine Tottori Sakyu (Adult Only)
From US$ 36.7
US$ 45.87
Mikakunooyado Yamadaya

Mikakunooyado Yamadaya

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★ 5.0 (2)
From US$ 615.96
US$ 622.57
Tottori City Hotel

Tottori City Hotel

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★ 4.0 (278)
From US$ 50.77
Tottori Guest House Miraie Base Hostel

Tottori Guest House Miraie Base Hostel

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★ 4.5 (36)
From US$ 34.36
US$ 39.05
Marumo

Marumo

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★ 3.8 (13)
From US$ 111.06

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Tottori car rentals | Choose from multiple car models
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US$ 49.39
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Have Fun in Tottori Pass (1 Week Free Pass)

Have Fun in Tottori Pass (1 Week Free Pass)

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★ 4.3 (10)
From US$ 13.79
US$ 19.69

Why people love Tottori Sand Dunes

4.8 /5
3K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
4 Nov
Had a great day tour and such a unique day! It’s also a destination you wouldn’t expect from Japan landscaping. It is quite far from Osaka so you spend a bit of time on the road. Shame the weather wasn’t the best but it was a good mix of a cruise, lunch, sand dunes, sand museum and ending in pear picking! There could have been better communication channels with the tour guide (like setting up a WhatsApp group).
2+
Shi ******
27 Oct
simple and chill itinerary to follow, the pears were juicy and big. unfortunately due to bad weather, we weren’t able to take the ferry, it was replaced by a short stopover at a view point and a gift.
2+
Klook 用戶
20 Oct
Since it is more cost-effective than traveling independently, I went with a group. The sand dunes are worth going to. Although it rains heavily, you will be really shocked when you arrive! Be sure to climb up the sand dune to overlook the scenery, it’s spectacular!
Kwok ******
20 Oct
The tour guide is professional, the explanation is very detailed, the service attitude is very good, many details are taken care of, and the driver is very good!
2+
lam ********
18 Oct
The view of the Pufu coast is magnificent, but unfortunately the sea is not in good condition, so we can't go boating. Tottori dunes are truly spectacular, feeling the desert in the oasis for the first time, walking to the highest point of the dunes and admiring the endless coast is unforgettable. Sand's Art Gallery, excellent exhibits. My favorite activity is picking Xinxing pears with my own hands and tasting the sweet and refreshing Xinxing pears on the spot to end the trip. Finally, really commend the tour guide for his enthusiastic, sincere, and polite hospitality.
2+
A *
17 Oct
very strategic location- near the train and bus station and great restaurants. staffs are friendly and knowledgeable about local cuisine and culture
Klook 用戶
10 Oct
Originally, I could choose three facilities👍🏻The first choice is the Sand Sculpture Museum. The second choice is the Waka桜 Railway One-Day Pass. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to get the first one. I don’t have enough time to give up.
Klook User
8 Oct
We arrived on an okay day. But soon the rain took over. Mako, our guide did her best for what the day was. We started offf on a cruise, but the rain and waves were too much after a few minutes, we had to turn back for safety reasons. Mako, is mostly only Japanese speaking. she knows some English. But she used an iPad and called translators to help translate to English and Chinese for us patrons. Mako and the bus driver did a great job! This day, the rain took over. The dunes were wet and wild. The sand museum was inside, as well as the pear picking was covered. We were provided with a meal at the dunes stop. Even though the rain got us, it was a great experience.
2+

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FAQs about Tottori Sand Dunes

Is Tottori worth going?

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

When should I go to Tottori?

What to know before visiting Tottori Sand Dunes

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.