1Tottori Sand Dunes
Walk across rolling dunes towards the sea, with sweeping views from the Uma-no-se ridge. Walking on sand takes longer than on a paved path, so plan your time according to whether you want a quick view or a longer walk.
Tottori Sand DunesTottori CityEnjoy more around your event.
In Tottori City, look out over the Sea of Japan from the dunes, discover sand sculptures and castle ruins, and explore the legend of the White Rabbit. Plan visits around local events, allowing for travel between the city centre and the coast.
Where is Tottori City? Map of the sights
Location within Sanin
Town centre and sights
Recommended sights
The dunes and Sand Museum share the same coastal area. Tottori Castle Ruins are north of the station, while Hakuto Shrine is farther west along the coast. For a short visit, focus on either the dunes or the castle area; allow travel time if you include Hakuto.
2The Sand Museum
See large sculptures made only from sand and water in an indoor exhibition. The museum pairs well with a walk on the dunes. It closes between exhibitions.
3Tottori Castle Ruins
Explore stone walls and castle history at the foot of Mount Kyusho, including the unusual rounded wall at Tenkyumaru. Nearby Jinpukaku is closed for restoration, so plan your visit around the castle grounds.
4Hakuto Shrine
A shrine associated with the legend of the White Rabbit of Inaba. Follow the approach from the torii gate near the coast to rabbit statues and the shrine buildings.
Getting here and getting around
Travel times from major cities and hubs
Approximate one-way times to each arrival point. Driving times vary with breaks and traffic; public transport depends on services and transfers.
Okayama StationTottori Station
About 1 hr 50 min
Super Inaba limited express
Route and timetable sourcesOkayamaTottori-Minami Interchange
About 2 hr 50 min
Okayama and Chugoku expressways, Tsuyama Interchange and National Route 53
Route and timetable sourcesChugoku-Ikeda Interchange (Osaka)Tottori Interchange
About 2 hr 14 min
Chugoku and Tottori expressways
Route and timetable sourcesGetting around after arrival
Take a local bus from Tottori Station towards the dunes or Hakuto. A car is convenient for several stops along the coast, while the castle area is suited to a walk.
Towns to visit together
Choose by date
Events in Tottori City →(Japanese)Events now and in the next 30 days
Check event dates and venues as you plan your visit. This guide features recommended events.
第17期展示「砂で世界旅行・スペイン」Multi-day〜Jan 3 (Sun) Daily 09:00–18:00Tottori City · 鳥取砂丘 砂の美術館Admission charges apply; check prices and conditions in the details.Official names & details are in Japanese
企画展「日本遺産・麒麟獅子舞展」Multi-day〜Oct 18 (Sun) Daily 09:00–17:00Tottori City · 鳥取市因幡万葉歴史館Admission charges apply; check prices and conditions in the details.Official names & details are in Japanese
鳥取城跡・鳥取砂丘周遊スタンプラリーMulti-day〜Nov 29 (Sun) Daily Time to be announcedTottori City · 鳥取城跡・久松公園FreeOfficial names & details are in Japanese
特別展「病と死～コロナ・流行性感冒・古代中世の病～」Multi-day〜Oct 25 (Sun) Daily 09:00–17:00Tottori City · 鳥取市歴史博物館 やまびこ館Admission charges apply; check prices and conditions in the details.Official names & details are in Japanese
Food, specialities and gifts
Enjoy them between sightseeing stops, and take some home as gifts.
Sand-dune shallots and pears
- Eat locally
- Enjoy seasonal pears, including through fruit picking when available
- Gifts to take home
- Consider pickled sand-dune rakkyo, pear sweets or juice
Discover local specialities · official guide
Rakkyo onions and pears are grown near the dunes, with pickles and pear products available as souvenirs. Pear varieties and fruit-picking seasons vary through the year.
Eat locally: Enjoy seasonal pears, including through fruit picking when available.
Take home: Consider pickled sand-dune rakkyo, pear sweets or juice. For fresh pears, ask about their selling season and how much to take home.
Karo port seafood
- Eat locally
- Enjoy sushi or seafood around the port
- Gifts to take home
- Choose fresh fish or seafood purchases separately from your meal
Discover local specialities · official guide
Explore the Karo port area for fresh fish and seafood meals. Crab and other fish or dishes vary with the season and catch. Allow travel time for a detour from the dunes.
Eat locally: Enjoy sushi or seafood around the port. Seasonal fish can be a highlight of your trip.
Take home: Choose fresh fish or seafood purchases separately from your meal. If you have a long journey, ask the shop about chilled packing or shipping.
Choosing an area to stay
Around Tottori Station
If you arrive by train and plan to use buses the next day, consider staying around Tottori Station.
Stay tips · official guide
If you arrive by train and plan to use buses the next day, consider staying around Tottori Station. Check the walk to your accommodation and access to the event venue. Staying near the dunes calls for a different transport plan.
Yoshioka Onsen
For a day enjoying hot springs west of the city center.
Stay tips · official guide
For a day enjoying hot springs west of the city center. Combine a walk through the hot spring town with an overnight stay.
Seasonal events and town highlights
Tottori Shan-Shan Festival
A Tottori summer event known for umbrella dancing. Event dates and traffic restrictions are updated each year.
Official event information