Tottori
Chugoku
Features the Tottori Sand Dunes — Japan's only large sand dune system along the Sea of Japan.
Capital
Tottori
Best Time to Visit
Year-round for sand dunes; spring (April to May) for coastal hiking; autumn (October) for cooler temperatures and sand art exhibitions.
Getting There
From Kyoto or Osaka, Super Hakuto Ltd. Express (2h 30min from Kyoto, ~¥6,000). From Tokyo, fly to Tottori Airport (1h 20min). The dunes are 30min by bus from Tottori station.
Top Highlights
Tottori Sand Dunes
Japan's only large sand dune system stretches 16km along the Sea of Japan coast, with dunes rising 50m — camel rides and sandboarding available.
Sand Museum
Annual international sand sculpture exhibition featuring massive detailed artworks by world-class artists — a different theme each year.
Izumo Taisha (Shimane side)
Easy day trip from Tottori to one of Japan's oldest and most important shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi no Mikoto, god of matchmaking.
Karo Onsen
Coastal hot spring resort facing the Japan Sea, famous for matsuba crab season (November to March) and dramatic ocean views.
Local Cuisine
Matsuba Crab
Tottori's brand name for male snow crab (zuwaigani) caught in the Japan Sea from November to March — sweet, delicate, and expensive.
Tottori Wagyu
Premium Wagyu cattle raised in Tottori's clean mountain environment, gaining recognition as an up-and-coming regional beef brand.
20th Century Pear
Tottori's famous crisp, sweet pear variety — eaten fresh or as juice, pear mochi, and pear-flavored soft cream.
Stay Connected in Tottori
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really ride camels at Tottori Sand Dunes?+
Yes! Camel rides are available at the edge of the dunes as a novelty experience. Sandboarding and paragliding are also popular activities on the slopes.
Things to Do in Tottori
12 sustainable experiences
Chopstick Making Experience in Tottori
The bamboo used for the experience is carefully selected by the craftsmen themselves from the local bamboo forests in Tottori. The bamboo is then dried for more than two years before being used for the experience. Near the bamboo lantern workshop is the area of Sekigane, famous for "The Tale of the
From US$16.15
Chopstick Making Experience in Tottori
The bamboo used for the experience is carefully selected by the craftsmen themselves from the local bamboo forests in Tottori. The bamboo is then dried for more than two years before being used for the experience. Near the bamboo lantern workshop is the area of Sekigane, famous for "The Tale of the
From US$16.05
Downhill Biking
Course Mt:Starting from Daisen Ski Center, located 850 meters above sea level, to Morinokuni of altitude 300 meters. Experienced guide will take you to popular tourist spots such as Amidado-shrine,Daisen Milk Pasture and beautiful country winding road. Course Sea:A long course starting from Katori
From US$51.71
Downhill Biking
Course Mt:Starting from Daisen Ski Center, located 850 meters above sea level, to Morinokuni of altitude 300 meters. Experienced guide will take you to popular tourist spots such as Amidado-shrine,Daisen Milk Pasture and beautiful country winding road. Course Sea:A long course starting from Katori
From US$51.69
Half Day Bike Activity in Mt Daisen
The satoyama is a small village with a population of 200 locals. There are no tourist facilities, and you won't find any visitors here—let alone foreign travelers. It is a place where even Google hasn't fully mapped, preserving breathtaking seasonal landscapes. Because of this, it offers a rare and
From US$45.68
Half Day Bike Activity in Mt Daisen
The satoyama is a small village with a population of 200 locals. There are no tourist facilities, and you won't find any visitors here—let alone foreign travelers. It is a place where even Google hasn't fully mapped, preserving breathtaking seasonal landscapes. Because of this, it offers a rare and
From US$45.23
Private Transfer Tottori Airport
Private airport transfer (one-way). We provide luxurious vehicles and experienced professional drivers for your comfortable transportation experience. We give thorough consideration to safety and privacy. Please contact us regarding special operations.
From US$35.54
Private Transfer Tottori Airport
Private airport transfer (one-way). We provide luxurious vehicles and experienced professional drivers for your comfortable transportation experience. We give thorough consideration to safety and privacy. Please contact us regarding special operations.
From US$28.88
Downhill Biking include lunch experience
Enjoy ever-changing kaleidoscope of beautiful landscape from beech forests to coutryside traditional town. Experienced guide will take you to hidden gems. Lunch also include. Using the freshest local produce and ingredients, the skilled chefs at Toyama ryokan are proud to serve you.
From US$116.34
Downhill Biking include lunch experience
Enjoy ever-changing kaleidoscope of beautiful landscape from beech forests to coutryside traditional town. Experienced guide will take you to hidden gems. Lunch also include. Using the freshest local produce and ingredients, the skilled chefs at Toyama ryokan are proud to serve you.
From US$116.3
Tottori: Guided Walk through the Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan’s largest dune landscape, offers a unique glimpse into a dynamic natural system shaped by the elements. This guided tour begins at the Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about the formation of these stunning dunes, unique flora, and fauna. With a knowledgeable guide, ex
From US$49.75
Tottori: Guided Walk through the Tottori Sand Dunes
The Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan’s largest dune landscape, offers a unique glimpse into a dynamic natural system shaped by the elements. This guided tour begins at the Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about the formation of these stunning dunes, unique flora, and fauna. With a knowledgeable guide, ex
From US$70.6