Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshin, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshin, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
July 7, 2026
Tottori is one of the must-visit areas in Japan's San'in region. When people think of a trip to Tottori, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Tottori Sand Dunes. Stretching along the Sea of Japan, this golden sand world, where beautiful wind patterns are created by the wind, is one of the few places in Japan where you can experience sand dunes. You can also enjoy camel rides, paragliding, and the Sand Museum. However, the charm of Tottori is not limited to the sand dunes. There is also Tottori Wagyu beef that melts in your mouth, a beautiful starry sky (earning it the nickname "Star-Gazing Prefecture"), and luxurious resort accommodations.
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The Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture are one of Japan's most representative sand dunes. Shaped over many years by wind and waves, the dunes feature beautiful sand patterns and undulating terrain.
Tottori Sand Dunes offer more than just photography; you can also enjoy activities like sandboarding, fat biking, and paragliding. Finally, the view of the Sea of Japan from the top of the dunes is a breathtaking sight you should see at least once in your lifetime.
This time, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip, covering everything from how to enjoy the Tottori Sand Dunes and recommended sightseeing spots in Tottori to accommodations around Tottori.
There are mainly three ways to access the Tottori Sand Dunes.
Take the "Super Hakuto" limited express train from Osaka or Kobe and head to JR Tottori Station.
From Osaka Station to Tottori Station: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
From Kobe Sannomiya Station to Tottori Station: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
After arriving at Tottori Station, take the Sand Dune Line bus from in front of the station, and you will arrive at Tottori Sand Dunes in about 20 minutes.
For those who want to stay in accommodations near the sand dunes or visit multiple tourist spots, traveling by car is highly recommended.
From Kobe: Approximately 2.5 hours
From Osaka: Approximately 3 hours
Take the Tottori Expressway and exit at Tottori Interchange. It takes about 20 minutes from Tottori Interchange to the sand dune area.
You can also use Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport and then take a bus or taxi to the sand dunes or nearby accommodations.
It takes about 15 minutes by car from the airport to the sand dune area.
The main attractions of the Tottori Sand Dunes are the undulating dune terrain and the views overlooking the Sea of Japan.
Climbing to the top of the hill, you can enjoy a magnificent view where the sand dunes, sky, and sea seem to merge into one. The light is especially soft in the morning and evening, making it ideal for photographing sand patterns and portraits.
https://www.torican.jp/spot/detail_3085.html
Depending on the season and time of day, you can take commemorative photos with camels or have an experience with them around the sand dunes.
Since the details of the activities, operating hours, and weather-related arrangements may vary, it is recommended to check the information on the day of your visit before you go. For travelers visiting Tottori for the first time, the camel ride is easy to combine with a stroll through the sand dunes and adds an exotic touch to your photos.
https://www.torican.jp/spot/detail_1030.html
The Sand Museum is a museum dedicated to sand sculpture art.
Since 2006, we have been regularly holding large-scale sand sculpture exhibitions based on the concept of "A World Tour in Sand," featuring different countries, cultures, and themes. Visitors can enjoy watching how beautiful works of art are created by human hands using sand as the material.
https://www.sand-museum.jp/
For those who want to add an active experience to their trip, sandboarding or fat biking at the Tottori Sand Dunes is highly recommended.
Sandboarding is an activity similar to snowboarding and is easy for beginners and children to try. Fat bikes are bicycles that can be ridden on sandy terrain and are also suitable for travelers who want to take dynamic photos.
However, these activities are susceptible to weather conditions and may be canceled due to strong winds, rain, or sandy conditions. Therefore, it's best not to over-plan your itinerary with just one experience.
https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/zh-hant/parks/saninkaigan/see-and-do/tottori-sand-dunes-fat-bike-tour/
This coastline stretches approximately 15 km west from the easternmost point of Tottori Prefecture, offering beautiful scenery of a ria coast.
With its diverse topography including towering cliffs, sea caves, rock crevices, and unusual rock formations, it's perfect for driving, boat tours, and nature trail walks. You can enjoy the beauty of the coastline in stark contrast to the desert-like scenery of the Tottori Sand Dunes.
https://www.torican.jp/spot/detail_1052.html
Kurayoshi White-Walled Storehouse District is an old town area in central Tottori that is recommended for strolling, taking photos, and browsing shops.
The white-walled storehouses, dark wooden buildings, and reddish-brown Sekishu roof tiles convey the atmosphere of townhouses from the Edo to Meiji periods. Today, many of the old buildings are used as cafes, workshops, and souvenir shops.
https://www.kurayoshi-kankou.jp/
Misasa Onsen is a recommended hot spring resort when planning a 1-night, 2-day or 2-night, 3-day trip to Tottori Prefecture.
Known for its hot spring inns, seafood from the San'in region, and strolling through the hot spring town, it is located about a 15-minute drive from the Kurayoshi White-Walled Storehouse District. In winter, be sure to check out the seafood unique to the San'in region, such as snow crab, and in summer, white squid and rock oysters.
https://misasaonsen.jp/
Once you've decided on your sightseeing spots and restaurants, the next important thing is finding accommodation in Tottori. One of the popular accommodation styles in Tottori is luxury glamping.
This resort accommodation is located near the Tottori Sand Dunes, where you can enjoy outdoor activities while taking in the seasonal natural scenery and delicious BBQ.
Each guest room is equipped with an open-air bath and a separate toilet, and guests can also enjoy a free drink bar. In the evening, guests can savor melt-in-your-mouth Tottori Wagyu beef and Tottori Wagyu beef thigh meat.
Located within Hirooka Farm, situated on the slopes of the naturally rich Sorayama mountain in the southern part of Tottori City, known as the "Star-Gazing Prefecture," this is a truly unique luxury resort.
Each guest room is equipped with a bathtub and a separate toilet. Guests can enjoy BBQ featuring Tottori Wagyu beef rump caps, and gourmet events in collaboration with Hirooka Farm are also sometimes held.
This luxury resort is located in Yurihama Town, Tottori Prefecture, surrounded by abundant natural scenery. You can relax and unwind from your travels while enjoying the spacious views.
All guest rooms are equipped with natural hot spring baths flowing directly from the source in Togo Onsen. For meals, we generously use fresh local ingredients, including "Inaba Manyo Beef" from Tottori Prefecture. You can also enjoy the unique flavors of the San'in region, such as Tottori's famous crab hot pot and wagyu beef sukiyaki.
It's a good choice. At the Tottori Sand Dunes, children can experience natural terrain, and the Sand Museum is also suitable for indoor sightseeing. You can also enjoy sightseeing boats and walks along the coast at Uradome Coast.
If you're visiting the Tottori Sand Dunes with children, be mindful of the high temperatures on the sand and ensure adequate hydration. It's especially recommended to avoid long journeys during the hottest parts of the day.
It can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. In spring and summer, you can see sand ripples and blue skies; in autumn, it's ideal for hiking; and in winter, you can sometimes see the rare sight of snow and sand dunes.
If you are concerned about the heat or sun, we recommend visiting in the early morning or evening when the sand temperature is relatively comfortable.
It's perfect. The dome tents are equipped with air conditioning and heating, a separate bathroom and toilet, and a private dining area, so you can enjoy meals and your stay with peace of mind even on rainy days.
The must-see tourist spot in Tottori is undoubtedly the Tottori Sand Dunes. However, a trip to Tottori has so much more to offer that it would be a shame to end with just taking pictures.
In addition to the Tottori Sand Dunes, combining a visit to the Sand Museum, camel riding, sandboarding, and Tottori's seafood cuisine will create a fulfilling trip that offers nature, culture, and activities.
If you have the time, consider staying a night at either Glampdome Sayu or GRAN LAKE TOTTORI to enjoy a luxurious accommodation experience unique to Tottori.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
