About Tottori
Tottori Prefecture, Japan's least populous prefecture, offers travelers a serene escape into natural wonders and unique cultural experiences. Most famous for the Tottori Sand Dunes—Japan's only large dune system stretching 16 km along the Sea of Japan—this coastal marvel creates a surreal desert-like landscape perfect for camel rides, sandboarding, and breathtaking sunsets. Beyond the dunes, discover the mystical Uradome Coast with its dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters ideal for kayaking. Tottori is also home to the historic samurai district of Kurayoshi with its white-walled storehouses, and the sacred Mount Daisen, known as 'Oki-Fuji' for its resemblance to Mount Fuji. The prefecture boasts exceptional seafood, particularly snow crab and pears, and offers unique accommodations like sand dune glamping. With its blend of coastal beauty, mountainous terrain, and traditional charm, Tottori provides an authentic, uncrowded Japanese experience far from the urban bustle.
Things to do in Tottori
Private ski lesson for family or group(Transport included )
From ¥18,000
5.0 (2)
Aerial athletics (Zipline adventure)
Japan Bamboo Lantern Art making
From ¥2,500
5.0 (1)
Art and Gardens of Sakaiminato by Private Car
From $865
5.0 (1)
Tottori Sand Dunes and Authentic Local 1 Day Tour
Tottori: Guided Walk through the Tottori Sand Dunes
From ¥7,150
Downhill Biking
From ¥8,000
Snowshoe Tour
From ¥9,000
Downhill Biking include lunch experience
From ¥18,000
Half Day Bike Activity in Mt Daisen
From ¥7,000
Sakaiminato Private Vehicle Service with Restaurant Reservation
From ¥41,500
Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX
From €560
Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city
From €462
Chopstick Making Experience in Tottori
From ¥2,500
Sakaiminato Semi Private Tour for Cruise Passengers
From $220
Places to visit in Tottori
BASE8823
BASE8823, Otsubo Hayabusa Station Line, Hayafuku, Yazu, 680-0404, Japan
東横イン 鳥取駅南口
東横イン 鳥取駅南口, 富安線;寺町3号線;永楽富安線, Higashihonjicho, Tottori, Tomiyasu 2-chome 680-8799, Japan
スーパーホテル 鳥取駅前
スーパーホテル 鳥取駅前, 扇富安1号線, Ogimachi, Tottori, Tomiyasu 2-chome 680-0846, Japan
ホテルナショナル
ホテルナショナル, 弥生永楽温泉1号線, Suehiro-onsencho, Tottori, Tomiyasu 2-chome 680-0833, Japan
観水庭こぜにや
観水庭こぜにや, Tottori Fukube Line, Higashihonjicho, Tottori, Yoshikata-onsen 3-chome 680-0841, Japan
シマリス
シマリス, 戎町1号線;新町通り, Shokuninmachi, Tottori, Kawabata 1-chome 680-0037, Japan
ニューオータニ
ニューオータニ, 今町3号線, Higashihonjicho, Tottori, Imamachi 2-chome 680-0822, Japan
白兎会館
白兎会館, Tottori Kokufu Line, Suehiro-onsencho, Tottori, Yoshikata-onsen 1-chome 680-0833, Japan
展望台
展望台, San-In Expressway, Daikaku, Tottori, 東桂見 680-1413, Japan
ドングリ広場
ドングリ広場, 出合いの森線, Katsurami, Tottori, 東桂見 680-1413, Japan
展望台
展望台, 野坂吉岡線, Nosaka, Tottori, 680-1413, Japan
国指定重要文化財 福田家住宅
国指定重要文化財 福田家住宅, Kakodani, Tottori, 689-1115, Japan
民宿 オアシス
民宿 オアシス, Tottori Sand Dunes Hosokawa Line, Tottori, 砂丘 689-0105, Japan
展望公園予定地
展望公園予定地, 賀露西浜17号線, Minatomachi, Tottori, 680-0908, Japan
緑の大すり鉢
緑の大すり鉢, 出合いの森線, Katsurami, Tottori, 東桂見 680-1413, Japan
Travel Tips for Tottori
Getting Around
Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring Tottori's spread-out attractions, with international licenses accepted. The JR San'in Line connects major cities, while local buses serve tourist sites (Tottori City Loop Bus covers main attractions). Taxis are available but expensive for long distances. Bicycles can be rented in Tottori City and near the sand dunes. Popular navigation apps include Google Maps and Japan Travel by Navitime. The Super Hakuto Limited Express provides efficient rail access from Kyoto/Osaka.
Best Time To Visit
April-May and October-November offer mild weather, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful spring blossoms or autumn foliage. Summer (June-August) is popular for beach activities but can be hot and humid. Winter (December-February) provides stunning snowscapes on Mount Daisen and fewer crowds, though some attractions may have reduced hours. The Tottori Sand Dunes Illumination event in winter creates magical evening displays.
Local Customs
Standard Japanese etiquette applies: bow when greeting, remove shoes indoors, avoid loud public behavior. Tipping is not practiced. When visiting shrines or temples, observe purification rituals. At onsens (hot springs), wash thoroughly before entering baths and never wear swimsuits. When enjoying local crab cuisine, use provided tools rather than hands. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public trash cans are scarce—carry waste with you.
Safety Information
Tottori is exceptionally safe with very low crime rates. Normal precautions for personal belongings are sufficient. The sand dunes require caution during extreme heat and strong winds. When hiking Mount Daisen or coastal areas, follow marked trails and check weather conditions. No specific areas need avoidance, though rural areas have limited street lighting at night. Scams are extremely rare. Natural disaster awareness is important—familiarize yourself with tsunami evacuation routes in coastal areas and earthquake procedures.
Health Information
Tottori has modern medical facilities including Tottori University Hospital and several general hospitals in Tottori City and Yonago. No special vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines. Tap water is safe to drink. During summer, protect against mosquitoes and sun exposure at the sand dunes. Winter brings cold temperatures requiring appropriate clothing. Travelers with specific medical needs should bring sufficient medication as some specialized drugs may require Japanese prescriptions. English-speaking doctors are limited but major hospitals may have translation services.
Languages Spoken
Japanese
Quick Facts
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
¥
¥
Timezone
Asia/Tokyo +09:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+81
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
550,000
Area
3507 km²
Government
Prefectural government with elected governor and assembly
ISO Code
JP-41