Tottori Sand Dunes Travel Guide: How to Get There, Ride Camels, Plan Your Visit, and Explore the Sand Museum

外資系SEOスペシャリスト

Takuma Oka (岡 拓馬)

こんにちは、岡 拓馬（おか たくま）です。
このブログでは、海外ノマド×SEO×ストック収入をテーマに、自分の経験や学びを発信しています。

高校卒業後は料理人としてスタートし、その後、航空自衛隊での勤務を経て、2016年からWebライター・SEOコンサルタントとして独立。現在は、海外の外資系企業と契約しながら、フルリモートで働いています。拠点はアジア各国を転々としており、最近はベトナムやタイ、マレーシア、フィリピンなどでノマド生活をしています。

執筆者

Did you know that Japan has its very own desert-like landscape? While it may sound surprising, the Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture are often called “Japan’s desert.” Stretching across the coastline of the Sea of Japan, these vast dunes offer a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting—from how to get there by car, train, or plane, to fun activities like camel rides and paragliding, plus tips on enjoying the nearby Sand Museum and local seafood. Whether you’re planning a short trip or adding it to your Japan itinerary, the Tottori Sand Dunes are a destination worth experiencing at least once in your life.

How to Access the Tottori Sand Dunes

The Tottori Sand Dunes are one of Japan’s most unique natural attractions, but getting there can take some planning. While you can reach the area by car, train, or even plane, transportation options within Tottori are somewhat limited—so renting a car once you arrive is highly recommended.

Here are the main ways to get there:

By Car

• From Osaka: About 190 km / 2.5 hours. Take the Chugoku Expressway → Sayo JCT → Tottori Expressway (partially Route 373) → Tottori IC → Tottori city → Sand Dunes.
• From Tokyo: About 700 km / 9 hours. Take the Tomei Expressway → Meishin Expressway → Chugoku Expressway → Sayo JCT → Tottori Expressway → Tottori city → Sand Dunes.

By Train (JR)

The nearest station is Fukube Station on the San’in Main Line, but there is no direct public transport from Fukube to the dunes. Instead, get off at Tottori Station and take a local bus or taxi—about 20 minutes to the dunes.

By Plane + Bus

• Osaka → Tottori: approx. 2 hrs 30 min
• Kyoto → Tottori: approx. 3 hrs 20 min
• Hiroshima → Tottori: approx. 4 hrs

From Tottori Station, take a bus bound for the Sand Dunes (departing every 15–30 minutes) or a taxi (around 20 minutes).

Recommended Restaurants and Local Food Near the Tottori Sand Dunes

No trip to Tottori is complete without trying the region’s fresh seafood. One of the most popular spots near the dunes is a small restaurant called Taiki (鯛喜), famous for its kaisendon (seafood rice bowl).

The kaisendon here is loaded with fresh fish from the Sea of Japan, beautifully arranged to look just as good as it tastes—perfect for Instagram photos. The bowl usually comes with miso soup, and the flavor combination is spot on.

A few things to note:

• The restaurant uses limited ingredients, so once they run out, the shop closes for the day—even if it’s still lunchtime.
• Reservations are highly recommended if you don’t want to miss out.
• The price is very reasonable (around ¥1,000 for a generous bowl).

The shop is small, with only about 15 seats inside, but there are also outdoor tables available. Look for the red curtain (noren) at the entrance—if it’s not hanging, the restaurant is closed.

If you’re visiting the Tottori Sand Dunes around lunchtime, this seafood bowl is a must-try.

Try Paragliding at the Tottori Sand Dunes

One of the most exciting activities at the Tottori Sand Dunes is paragliding. The wide-open sandy slopes and ocean views create the perfect setting for a beginner-friendly adventure.

I joined a paragliding session myself—it was my very first time, and while carrying the roughly 30 kg equipment up the sand hills was tough, the thrill of flying made it worth it. Once you get through the first flight, the rest feels a lot more fun and less intimidating.

What to Know Before You Go

• Reservation required – You can book through schools like Zero Paragliding School.
• Price – Half-day: around ¥7,000 / Full-day: around ¥12,000.
• Recommended course – The half-day program is usually enough unless you have strong stamina.
• Flight time – Each flight lasts about 2 minutes. On a half-day course, expect 4–5 flights if conditions are good.
• Clothing – Wear comfortable clothes suitable for the season. The sand makes it hard to get injured, but the climb is steep and exhausting.

It’s definitely a workout—more like a mini training session than just a leisure activity. But the sense of freedom when gliding over the dunes is unforgettable.

Take Photos with Camels at the Tottori Sand Dunes

Another unique experience at the dunes is meeting the camels. Yes, you can actually ride a camel across the sand—or simply take photos with them, which makes for a great souvenir shot.

Be aware that there’s a fee for photos as well as for rides:

• Standing next to a camel for a photo: ¥100 per person
• Sitting on a camel for a photo: ¥500 per person
• Camel ride (1 person): ¥1,300
• Camel ride (2 people): ¥2,500 (children are welcome, but two adults cannot ride together on the same camel)

The staff will use your own camera or phone to take the pictures. Don’t just snap photos without paying—there’s a set price for the experience.

Whether you ride or just pose for a photo, it’s an unusual and fun way to capture the “Japanese desert” vibe of the Tottori Sand Dunes. Kids especially love it, and no reservation is needed.

Visit the Sand Museum Near the Tottori Sand Dunes

Just a short walk (about 5 minutes) from the dunes, you’ll find the Sand Museum, a one-of-a-kind attraction that showcases incredible sculptures made entirely from the sand of the Tottori Sand Dunes.

Each year, the museum invites international artists to create massive sand artworks based on a different theme—ranging from world history to famous cities and cultural icons. Past exhibits have featured the Statue of Liberty, scenes from Columbus’s voyages, and even depictions of Edison’s era.

What’s most impressive is the sheer size and detail: many sculptures tower above the average person, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a giant sand-crafted world.

Practical Information

• Time required: Allow at least 1.5 hours to explore.
• Admission: Adults ¥600 / Children (elementary school age and under) ¥300.
• Access: A large free parking lot is available; otherwise, the same buses and taxis that go to the sand dunes also serve the museum.

The Sand Museum is a must-see addition to your Tottori trip—it’s the perfect complement to the natural beauty of the dunes.

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Tottori Sand Dunes Visit

The Tottori Sand Dunes are unlike anywhere else in Japan—a vast, desert-like landscape along the Sea of Japan. Whether you come for the adventure of paragliding, the charm of camel rides, or the artistry of the Sand Museum, the dunes offer something memorable for every traveler.

Each season brings a different atmosphere, from cool winter scenery to bright summer skies, so no two visits are the same.

It may not be the easiest destination to reach, but that’s part of what makes it special. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting “Japan’s desert,” the Tottori Sand Dunes deserve a spot on your bucket list.