Sand Dunes (Tottori Sakyu)
The Tottori Sand Dunes (鳥取砂丘, Tottori Sakyu) are large sand dunes located just outside the city center and are Tottori's most famous tourist attraction. They span roughly 16 kilometers of coast along of the Sea of Japan and are up to two kilometers wide and 50 meters high. They are part of the Sanin Kaigan National Park.
The sand dunes were created over thousands of years, as sand from the nearby Sendaigawa River was washed out to sea and eventually redeposited along the coast by the ocean's currents. Today, the movement of the tides and the coastal winds continuously shape the sand dunes and provide an ever changing landscape.
The main sightseeing area spans a half kilometer swath of sand between the visitor center and the sea. Many of the largest sand dunes are found here, and their tops provide visitors with beautiful views out over the coast. From here you can also explore the vast expanses of sand which lead off for several kilometers in almost every direction.
There are also a number of other attractions to enjoy around the dunes. Camel and horse drawn cart rides travel the dunes, while the more adventurous might try paragliding or sandboarding (a variation of snowboarding) which are offered by local companies. Views over the dunes can be enjoyed from the observation deck of the Sakyu Center, which is connected with the sand dunes by a chair lift.
A short walk away from the dunes stands The Sand Museum, a unique museum that displays large sand sculptures by artists from around the world. In the past, sand exhibitions were held outdoors and in temporary structures, but in 2012 the sand museum moved into its own permanent building.
Exhibitions usually change annually and last from mid April to early January of the following year. Every exhibition has its theme, typically a country or region. In 2024, the theme of the exhibition is France. The exhibition lasts from April 19, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
Getting there and around
By regular city bus
From Tottori Station, take a bus bound for the Tottori Sakyu (鳥取砂丘) and get off at the last stop. The one way ride takes 20 minutes and costs 380 yen. There are hourly departures.
By Kirin Jishi Loop Bus
On weekends and holidays, the Kirin Jishi Loop Bus operates from Tottori Station to the sand dunes. Buses take about 25 minutes to reach the dunes and there are 1-2 departures per hour. The fare is 300 yen per ride or 600 yen for a 1-day pass.
By taxi
The sand dunes are about a twenty minute taxi ride from Tottori Station. The one way fare is around 3000 yen.
Hours and Fees
Sand Museum
Hours
Closed
(January 4 to April 18, 2024)
Admission
Camel Rides
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Tottori
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Kansuitei KozeniyaClose to Myoyo-ji Temple, Kansuitei Kozeniya is situated in Tottori and has a hot spring bath and garden. It is set 48 km from Daijoji Temple and offers luggage storage space. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. All units at the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. There is a private bathroom with bath in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the ryokan, every unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. An Asian breakfast is available each morning at the ryokan. Tottori Sand Dunes is 7.4 km from Kansuitei Kozeniya, while Ajiro-k? is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tottori Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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Ryokan MarumoSituated in Tottori with Shamine Tottori nearby, Ryokan Marumo features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. This 2-star ryokan offers full-day security and luggage storage space. The ryokan has a public bath and a housekeeping service. The ryokan provides some units with garden views, and units have a shared bathroom. Guests can also relax in the garden. Daijoji Temple is 48 km from the ryokan, while Tottori Sand Dunes is 7.2 km from the property. Tottori Airport is 8 km away.View on Booking.com
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Green Rich Hotel Tottori Ekimae (Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana)Located within 48 km of Daijoji Temple and 6.9 km of Tottori Sand Dunes, Green Rich Hotel Tottori Ekimae (Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana) offers rooms in Tottori. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides a sauna, hot spring bath, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Ajiro-k? is 15 km from Green Rich Hotel Tottori Ekimae (Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana), while Arayu is 36 km away. Tottori Airport is 8 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Drop Inn TottoriDrop Inn Tottori is situated in the centre of Tottori city, only a 5-minute walk from Tottori Station and a 3-minute walk from Tottori Station Bus Terminal. Tottori Airport is a 15-minute drive, while the Tottori Sand Dune is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The accommodation boasts dormitory rooms that come equipped with single beds and storage space, a safety box and TV. Guests will also find power sockets and USB sockets, as well as small shelves and clothes hangers for their convenience. All rooms are locked automatically, and guests can enter their rooms with card keys. Every floor features 2 toilets, 2 shower rooms and a powder room. Laundry machines can be found on the 2nd and 4th floors. Free bath amenities such as makeup removers, cotton pads, hair dryers and hair straighteners are provided. The on-site cafe serves meals and beverages including alcoholic drinks.View on Booking.com
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Super Hotel Tottori EkimaeSet within 48 km of Daijoji Temple and 7.4 km of Tottori Sand Dunes, Super Hotel Tottori Ekimae offers rooms in Tottori. Featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, each room includes a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Super Hotel Tottori Ekimae all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Ajiro-k? is 16 km from Super Hotel Tottori Ekimae, while Arayu is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Tottori Airport, 9 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Y Pub & Hostel TottoriY Pub & Hostel Tottori has a shared lounge, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Tottori. The property is around 48 km from Daijoji Temple, 6.7 km from Tottori Sand Dunes and 15 km from Ajiro-k?. Free WiFi and a shared kitchen are offered. The rooms have a shared bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, while selected rooms also boast a kitchen equipped with a fridge. Arayu is 36 km from the hostel, while Shamine Tottori is 400 metres from the property. Tottori Airport is 8 km away.View on Booking.com
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Tottori Onsen Hotel Monarque TottoriTottori Onsen Hotel Monarque Tottori is situated in Tottori, within 48 km of Daijoji Temple and 7.3 km of Tottori Sand Dunes. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the hotel, rooms are fitted with a desk. The rooms in Tottori Onsen Hotel Monarque Tottori are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Spa and wellness facilities including a sauna, a hot spring bath and a spa centre are at guests' disposal during their stay at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical advice on the area at the reception. Ajiro-k? is 15 km from Tottori Onsen Hotel Monarque Tottori, while Arayu is 36 km from the property. Tottori Airport is 9 km away.View on Booking.com
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Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Tottori Eki KitaguchiSet within 48 km of Daijoji Temple and 6.8 km of Tottori Sand Dunes, Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Tottori Eki Kitaguchi offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Tottori. The property is situated 15 km from Ajiro-k?, 36 km from Arayu and 300 metres from Shamine Tottori. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Tottori Eki Kitaguchi can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The accommodation offers 3-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. The nearest airport is Tottori Airport, 8 km from Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Tottori Eki Kitaguchi.View on Booking.com
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Guest House Hamada-enOffering a garden and mountain view, Guest House Hamada-en is situated in Tottori, 41 km from Daijoji Temple and 3.9 km from Tottori Sand Dunes. This 2-star guest house offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. The guest house features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. The guest house offers a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a shared bathroom with a hair dryer, free toiletries and bidet. At the guest house, each unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Ajiro-k? is 8.2 km from the guest house, while Arayu is 29 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tottori Airport, 10 km from Guest House Hamada-en.View on Booking.com
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APA Hotel Tottori Ekimae MinamiOffering a Japanese restaurant, APA Hotel Tottori Ekimae Minami is a 2-minute walk from JR Tottori Train Station. Rooms have an LCD TV and free wired internet. All of the air-conditioned rooms at Tottori Ekimae APA Hotel include an en suite bathroom and offer video-on-demand movies for purchase. A Yukata robe, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea are provided. Some rooms come with free Wi-Fi. Tottori Airport and Tottori Sakyu Sand Dunes are both a 20-minute drive away. Uradome Kaigan Beach is 20 km away. Luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. A coin launderette is located on site. Ginyuba Restaurant serves Japanese and Western buffet breakfasts at an additional charge. Japanese-style dinner is also available.View on Booking.com
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