Things To Do
in Tottori
Tottori is a coastal prefecture on the Sea of Japan known for its expansive desert-like sand dunes and rugged coastline. The city blends serene hot spring towns, fresh seafood markets, and accessible nature with a laid-back, friendly vibe. From Mt. Daisen’s alpine panoramas to intimate yosai street markets, Tottori rewards curious travelers with authentic experiences.
It’s a compact region that invites slow travel, easy rail hops, and plenty of coastal scenery year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your morning with a visit to the Tottori Castle ruins, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the lush grounds and learn about the castle's rich history. Afterward, head to the nearby Kannonin Temple, a serene spot perfect for reflection and admiring traditional Japanese architecture. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a traditional Japanese breakfast, savoring flavors unique to this region.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Tottori Sand Dunes Conan, where you can engage in various activities like sandboarding or camel rides. Explore the Sand Museum, showcasing intricate sand sculptures from both local and international artists, providing a unique cultural experience. As the sun begins to set, enjoy the breathtaking views of the dunes against the colorful sky.
Conclude your day with dinner at a local izakaya, sampling fresh seafood and regional specialties like Tottori Wagyu beef. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Tottori Port area to appreciate the calming sounds of the ocean waves and the sparkling lights of the harbor. If you're up for it, consider visiting a local onsen for a relaxing soak under the stars.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to the Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's largest sand dunes. Engage in an exhilarating morning of paragliding over the dunes, experiencing the breathtaking views of the coastline from above. Alternatively, take a guided walk through the dunes to learn more about the unique ecosystem and geological features.
After a thrilling morning, grab lunch at a nearby café that offers local dishes made with fresh ingredients. Spend your afternoon exploring the surrounding area on a rented bike, discovering hidden paths and enjoying the natural beauty of the dunes. Don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby Sea of Japan for some stunning coastal views.
As evening approaches, indulge in a seafood feast at a local restaurant, where you can taste the catch of the day prepared in traditional Japanese style. Take a sunset stroll on the beach, allowing the gentle waves to wash over your feet as you reflect on the day's adventures. End your evening with a visit to a local bar to sample regional sake and enjoy live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍣Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $70-120 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $6-15 |
| 🛍️Souvenirs and local goods | $10-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery including dunes and coast
- Fresh seafood and regional soba dishes
- Effortless access from major Japanese cities by train
- Relaxed pace with plenty of hot springs and cultural sites
- Smaller nightlife scene compared with larger cities
- Some rural areas are cash-focused and limited in English signage
- Weather can be variable; coastal seas may restrict certain activities during typhoon season
- Limited direct international flight options; often requires connection through Osaka or Tokyo
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you very much
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I’m sorry
- "お願いします" - Please
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the restroom?
- "これをください" - I’ll have this, please
- "大丈夫ですか？" - Is everything okay?
Places to Visit in Tottori
Visit one of these nice places.
A vast, ever-shifting dune field along the coast; spectacular at sunrise or sunset and a dramatic backdrop for wide-angle shots.
Towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and turquoise water offer striking coastal photography opportunities from land or boat.
Snow-capped or green-clad slopes provide sweeping views across rural valleys and pastures; great for landscape photography.
Playful, colorful street photography with yokai statues and lantern-lit shopfronts—bright, whimsical imagery.
Mist from hot springs, wooden ryokan facades, and river scenes create atmospheric, soft-light photos.
Food in Tottori
Tottori Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet, succulent crab served as kani-nabe or steamed; a winter specialty at coastal restaurants.
Must-Try!
Buckwheat noodles made with locally grown buckwheat from Mt. Daisen, served hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce.
A bowl of seasonal seafood over rice, featuring white fish and shellfish from the San'in coast.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling harbor market offering freshly shucked crabs, fish, and seasonal produce; try grilled scallops and skewers.
Seasonal snacks and bento boxes perfect for a dune-side picnic and photo breaks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light bow is a common greeting, especially in business settings. Use polite language and addresses when speaking.
Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional accommodations (ryokan), and some temples; slippers are provided.
Cleanse thoroughly before entering baths; do not wear swimsuits; tie back long hair; avoid bringing towels into the water.
Queue patiently, avoid loud conversations on trains, and dispose of trash properly; many places rely on patrons to manage their own waste.
Safety
Tipping in Tottori
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; good service is expected and included in the price. If you do tip, present the amount in a small envelope with appreciation.
Cash remains widely used, especially in rural areas. Credit cards are common in cities and larger shops; some smaller venues prefer cash or local IC cards and mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures; cherry blossoms along rivers and in town centers. Great for outdoor strolls and early dune photography before humidity rises.
Warm to hot and humid; sea breeze helps along the coast. Typhoon season risk exists; aim for early mornings or evenings for outdoor activities.
Mild weather with colorful foliage around Mt. Daisen and coastal towns. Ideal for hiking and photography without extreme heat.
Colder by the coast with possible inland snow; crab season peaks and onsen towns shine with steam and cozy evenings.
Tottori at Night
Hiking in Tottori
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trails ranging from easy forest walks to alpine ascents, with viewpoints of the San'in region.
Coastal hikes along limestone cliffs with sea views and cave formations.
Airports
How to reach Tottori by plane.
Main regional airport serving Tottori; domestic flights with convenient connections to Tokyo and other major hubs, reachable by bus or taxi from central towns.
Located in Shimane Prefecture; serves the broader San'in region and is accessible from Tottori with train/bus connections.
A larger regional hub with frequent international and domestic flights; travel to Tottori typically involves rail connections via Okayama.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cities and towns cater to family-friendly attractions, with parks, museums, and hot springs.
A steady stream of domestic travelers from Osaka, Kyoto, and Okayama, especially for dune and onsen experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at schools and local parks; many towns host amateur leagues and festivals.
Coastal communities embrace fishing and seasonal surfing opportunities near the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tottori.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist; look for tofu dishes, vegetable tempura, and rice bowls. Dashi-based broths often use fish; ask for kombu dashi (seaweed) instead.