Tottori Sand Dunes — Attraction in Tottori

The Tottori Sand Dunes are a super unique spot in Japan — not something you’d expect to find here! While it’s often called “Japan’s desert,” it’s not a real desert and definitely smaller than you’d imagine from photos online. Still, the scenery is gorgeous and totally different from the rest of the country.

The dunes stretch along the coast, and you can climb to the top of the largest one for an awesome ocean view. It only takes about 10–15 minutes to walk across, but the wind-sculpted patterns in the sand and the wide, open sky make it feel really special. Just don’t expect endless miles of sand like in a real desert.

There are camel rides and activities like sandboarding if you want more adventure, and the Sand Museum nearby is incredible — detailed sculptures made entirely from sand, changing themes every year.

If you’re already in the area or passing through Tottori, it’s definitely worth a stop. Just wear comfy shoes (the sand is deeper than it looks), and don’t forget your camera —...

Literally a different side of Japan!

Visited early July and when my feet (my fault for wearing rubber sandals) touched the sand at 8.30AM, it was so hot. So I suggest you visit this area early morning or very late afternoon to avoid the heat and watch the sunrise/sunset from here. I regret not sliding down on the beach side due to time constraints but was able to check the oasis (I recall seeing this on books when I was child and videos as a grown up).

Rode the loop bus from Tottori bus station and use the 1 day pass (600 yen) that was bought from the tourist information center (also in Tottori station). The ride was less than 30 minutes and you'll pass by different tourist spots which you may consider to visit afterwards.

The area is about 5 minutes walk to the Sand Museum and a bus ride to...

Since there were no early morning buses from Tottori Station to the Sakyu Kaikan, I took the 7:20 bus bound for Kabushima from platform ③. I got off at the Kodomonokuni Iriguchi stop and walked along the road past the parking lot on the west side of the sand dunes before entering the dunes from there.

I walked eastward across the dunes and arrived at the main parking lot on the east side just before 9:00 a.m., which was perfect timing as the Visitor Center had just opened.

The west side was quiet and uncrowded, so I was able to see beautiful, undisturbed wind patterns in the sand. In contrast, the sand on the crowded east side was trampled and messy.

It was a hot day for June, so I was glad I had brought a parasol and a...