Top 20 spots in Tottori and around the Tottori Sand Dunes! From the must-sees to the well-kept-secret spots.

The Tottori Sand Dunes is a famous tourist attraction. It offers spectacular scenary as well as a sand art gallery, a tourist library and other athletics spots.
Tottori boasts hot springs where you can enjoy the beauty of the Sea of Japan, and many famous shrines and such power spots to see!
We will share some recommend spots around the Tottori Sand Dunes to self-drive!
Going to the Tottori Sand Dunes, we recommend a self-driving tour by rental car

Article published by：Jalan Rent-a-Car

* Introduced facilities are excerpted from Jalan.net Sightseeing Guide
* The information and photos here are not necessarily up to date. Please check them out yourslf before the trip.

Tottori Sand Dunes The Sand Museum

It is the only museum in the world exhibiting sand sculptures made only with sand from a corner of the Tottori Sand Dunes and water.
Since 2006, international top level sand sculptors have been creating exquisite sand sculptures of different themes each year. A 7th annual exhibition under the theme “World Travel of Sand – Russia” started on April 19th, 2014. Please enjoy the mysterious world created by the formative art of sand.

＼Selected reviews／
The exhibits made from sand were much larger than I imagined! It made me doubt whether they were really made of sand. Even small details were expressed. It seems that the theme and exhibits will change according to the seasons.
(Season visited:November 2017)

Before I entered, I was worried what it would be like, but I was surprised by the sheer scale.
I think it would be interesting to appreciate it from different angles and distance.
(Season visited: September, 2016)

Tottori Sand Dunes Lift

＼Selected reviews／
You can vivit the Sand Dunes very easily by taking the lift. During the ride, you can enjoy the view of the Sea of Japan. With the great scenary, taking the lift one way is well recommended.
(Season Visited:2017 July)

You can enjoy beautiful scenery for a reasonable fare! The lift only takes you to before the entrance to the dunes.D on’t forget your footwear! You can even rent high-cut shoes.
(Season Visited:2017 September)

Tottori Sand Dune Oasis Piazza

Facing the Tottori Sand Dune Seaside Resort, it offers free parking, shower, restrooms. It is equipped as a multi-purpose facility for many tourist and cultural activities. The place can be used as a venue for grand golfing and other events, as well as for picnics and walking too.

＼Selected reviews／
The sea of Japan viewed from Tottori Sand Dune Oasis Piazza was so grand and overhelming that you may even feel like you are abroad, seeing the dunes all the way to the horizon.
(Season Visited:October 2017)

I was overwhelmed by the scenery created by great nature. I climbed the dunes barefoot, basked in the sea breeze, and took photos with the setting sun behind me. I’m glad I came.
(Season Visited:March 2018)

Tottori Sand Dunes Children’s World

Large amusement equipments・Rides,a pool・camping grounds only operating in summer・

＼Selected reviews／
Complete with facilities like large amusement equipment, a spacious lawn garden and restaurant, it is an enjoyable spot for adults too. When you visit the Tottori Sand Dunes, be sure to stop by.
(Season Visited:2017 September)

An amusement facility near the Tottori Sand Dunes. It has go-karts and other equipment that children will like, and a very spacious garden. There is also a sport hall and other equipment inside. I recommend visiting with children.
(Season Visited:2016 August)

Tottori Sand Dunes Park Information

A place to learn more about the sand dunes.
At the side of the stairway entrance to the Tottori Sand Dunes, there is little-known exhibition of various information on the sands. Also, there are coin lockers, free sandals for rent that will help you walk the sand dunes, and also a “footwash area” to help you wash the sand off your feet after walking.

＼Selected reviews／
You can learn how the sand dunes were formed through a video.
Also, there are free sandal rentals and such for moving about in the sand dunes.
(Season Visited:September 2016)

This is an information center at the entrance to the Tottori Sand Dunes. In addition to an informative exhibition on the Tottori Sand Dunes, there is also a very useful free sandal rental service and such.
(Season Visited:2017 October)

Tottori Sand Dunes Geopark Center

This is a facility at the side of the entrance to the Tottori Sand Dunes, that introduces the nature of the dunes and how they came about. Besides through “High vision Crystal Diorama”, a high definition vivid video of the dunes’ flora and fauna, you can learn more about the dunes at a corner that lets you touch the exhibits and more informative panels on display.

＼Selected reviews／
It explained the history of the Tottori Sand Dunes and its establishment in a easy to understand manner and I learned a lot. It’s a good place to go before seeing the dunes.
(Season Visited:September 2017)

The recommended route is explained simply on the map. I think you would enjoy the sand dunes more because the difference in sand crests and how they formed was explained. The staff were also very friendly and thorough with their explanations.
(Season Visited:February 2017)

Rain Falls

This waterfall upstream of Fukurogawa was chosen as one of “The Top 100 Japan Falls”. It is an awe-inspiring sight as ravine spits water of 4m breath incessantly from its mouth in a forest more than 40m above.

＼Selected reviews／
Because it’s not far from the parking to the falls, it’s ok to drop by even in your usual clothes. There is fine water splashes when you get close to the falls. It feels very good. There are things like wooden tables so it’s great to spread out my bentō to have a meal there.
(Season Visited:June 16th 2016)

It was great with and tranquil. The falls were surprisingly near where we parked. The air also felt very clean, so I will probably visit again.
(Season Visited:November 2015)

National Important Cultural Property Jinpūkaku・Hōsenan

It is a normal building built as the second residence for the Ikeda Clan and also as the castle for the Feudal Lord. Presently it is no longer a castle, but the stone walls, castle towers, and moat remains. Jinpūkaku, a masterpiece of a building with chalkwhite walls was built in the French Renaissance style during the Meiji Period. Inside, on exhibit are relics relating to Duke Nakahiro who built Jinpūkaku and also information on the history ot the Ikeda Clan.
You can enjoy the contrast between the thick stone walls of the Meiji Period and western architecture.

＼Selected reviews／
I was surprised that the building was kept the way it was back then. It was great seeing so many personal effects.
The spiral staircase inside was beautiful. It’s too bad it’s not open to climbing.
I can understand why it was chosen as a filming location.
I will like to watch it again.
(Season Visited:January 7th 2018)

It is a Meji Period building built as a second residence of the Ikeda Clan Feudal Chief. The refurbishing was thorough and it still looks beautiful. The interiors and exhibits were also wonderful.
(Season Visited:June 2017)

Lake Koyama

This is a lagoon formed by the piling of sand from Chiyogawa River. It creates a different scenary with the four seasons. The water surface is misty in spring, thus earning its other name “Lake Mist”. In winter, you can catch stonefish that are rare nationwide, carp, koi and others. The green island in the middle of the pond is famous for sunset view

＼Selected reviews／
Despite being known as Japan’s largest “pond”, its size made me wonder whether it’s really a pond, and seemed more like a lake. In the lake is an island called Aoshima with a blue bridge on the south coast making it easy to cross over. The island is very pretty and is equipped like a garden. I recommend crossing the bridge over to Aoshima if you visit Lake Koyama because you can see the serene water surface up close.
(Season Visited:October 2015)

Lake Koyama is famous as a big pond. Actually going there, I was surprised how big it is. With a careful atmosphere, I feel healed just looking at it. I think it’s just nice for strolling.
(Season Visited:June 4th 2015)

Tottori Castle Ruins

Inba retainer Yamana Nobumichi was said to be set upin Tenmon year 14(AD1545) but there is actually an antitheory. Yamana Toyokuni took over in Tenshō year 8(1580) but the vassals would not obey. Toyokuni left the castle alone. In the next year, Kikkawa Tsuneie, Samurai Lord of the Mohri Clan entred the castle but Hideyoshi had him rereat.

＼Selected reviews／
The turrets and castle walls are gone, but the stone walls have been repaird. The sheer scale of the castle compound is obvious. It is irresistable for castle fans.
(Season Visited:May 2017)

You can see a very rare round stone wall.
Things like how people in the old days knew that reinforcing weak spots with round shapes was good, it’s worth a look.
(Season Visited:May 2017)

Kawahara Castle

＼Selected reviews／
Kawahara Castle is a castle in Tottori Prefecture Tottori City’s Kawahara Town. It is quite an impressive building from where all of Tottori can be seen. It is great for viewing.
(Season Visited:July 2014)

This is where_a legendary goddess met a god. From Kawahara Caste Observatory, you can command a view over the hometown of myths. The exhibition of the Kojiki Yukari love story is very rich. Inside, there is even a matchmaking shrine.
(Season Visited:April 2015)

Hakuto Shrine

Located along Hakuto Kaigan Coast, its roots are a magnificent ancient shrine forest. The forest is a natural memorabillia.

＼Selected reviews／
It’s a very cute shrine. Its simplicity is truly beautiful.
There is a large souvenir shop at the entrance and the coast is right in front.
It is a must-vist.
(Season Visited:January 2018)

From the name, I thought it was a shrine for the Hare of Inaba, so I dropped by.
I was surprised that it’s the stage for Japan’s first love story, and the a power spot for matchmaking.
There are lots of white hare statues and I was healed.
Coming down the shrine path, the view of the sea was so beautiful.
(Season Visited:March 2017)

Ube Shrine

Takenouchi No Sukune was the priest of the top Inba halls. This was the shrine that represented the prefecture for child rearing, longevity, wealth, and other merits. Many pilgrims come from both inside and outside of the prefecture.

＼Selected reviews／
It seems that it’s prayed to as a god for fate with money and good business.
I bought a card with the 5 yen note design and have kept it in my wallet as a charm.
(Season Visited:December 2014)

It didn’t feel like a tourist spot, but because it’s a big shrine, it gave the impress of a space cut off space from the town.
The triangular charm with power stones is so cute I recommend it♪
(Season Visited:January 10th 2014)

Hakuto Kaigan Coast

It is the coast known for Daikokuten and Inba’s white hare. The white sandy beach arches into a bow … The black dotted reefs near the island, are like the Wanizame of myths.
Many tourists visit the newly set up “Lovers’ Holy Land” connected by a promenande on the coast’s west end Kitano Viewing Spot, Love’s Bell, and the White Hare Shrine where a White Hare Letterbox awaits, alongside the rest stop “The Hometown of Myths White Hare”.
Also, the nearby Japanese Rose community is designated a national natural memorabillia as the southern border of wild growth.

＼Selected reviews／
It is the coast known for the Hare of Inba. Offshore, there is also Okino Island where it is said the hare would cross over to the trick sharks. For a while, I got pulled into the world of myths.
(Season Visited:September 2017)

This coast is as its name imples, the stage for the fabled Hare of Inba. The Sea of Japan is very harsh and forceful. It felt good with the wind.
(Season Visited:November 2017)

Uomidai

OIt is one of the eight sights of the Inba・Tanshū coast. Long ago, hunters when looking for large shools of fish, would use this elevated platform as a observatory, overlooking Hakuto Coast, Tottori Sand Dunes, and Tanshū coast in the distance. In summer, you can see the lights of squid hunting boats (isaribi).

＼Selected reviews／
Stepping out to the observatory, the vast Sea of Japan landscape lay out in front.
There is no mistake you will be mesmerized by the seasonally changing waves of the Sea of Japan.
(Season Visited:October 2017)

Because it was a very clear day when I visited, I could see the Tottori Sand Dunes and the Sea of Japan clearly. The contrast between the sky and the sea was beautiful.
(Season Visited:November 2017)

Warabekan Toy Museum

A nostalgic “Nursery Room” with visual and auditory exhibits. It thematically exhibits rides, devics, and other toys from different countries and periods to create a “Room of Toys”.

＼Selected reviews／
It instills nostalgia in adults and excitement in children. With many foreign toys, it’s enjoyable for both adults and children, and is a good chance to introduce and teach children of entertainment in the old days.
(Season Visited:September 6th 2017)

IT’s perfect to come with family, I thought it was great.
It’s easy to get to by car, so I recommend it. It was convenient. I would visit again.
(Season Visited:September 2017)

Tottori Onsen

This is a rare occurence even nationwide, where hot spring water gushes out from the prefectural capital in the northeastern arcade from Tottori station. With ryokans and hotels dotting the 3 towns in the city, there are rustic old stores and ryokans even though it’s not a onsen town.

＼Selected reviews／
The onsen feels old but it is good in its own way. The hot water is relaxing and feels good. I want to go in again.
(Season Visited: August 2016)

With an onsen flowing through the city of Tottori, there are several bath houses and lodging for day trips to the baths. Out of which, Hinomaru Onsen operates from morning till late night and regular customers come continuously. It is recommended for people who will like to enjoy onsen while sightseeing.
(Season Visited:December 2015)

Yoshioka Onsen

This is an old bath house with 1000years of history. It is a tranquil onsen near Minogamizan area which Legends say an old gentleman’s daughter’s face was cured and many people flock here for its therapeutic onsens that treat skin disease, stomach trouble, and gynecological disorders. In the vicinity are Minogamizan Castle Ruins Park, Tudurao Castle Ruins, Akiha Park and others. Also, eel caught from Lake Koyama can be enjoyed at the various ryokan.◎Yoshioka Onsen makes the skin white and silky and is also known as Kodakara Bath. Yoshioka Onsen Resort as the Town-operated public bath runs almost centrally along the long ryokan street along a narrow path. Gender separated ordinary baths and family baths are available in the steel-reinforced concrete 2 storey building. The water is plain spring water but it contains sulfur and calcium that are effetive for skin diseases, neuralgia, stomach trouble, and rheumatism etc.

＼Selected reviews／
I think Yoshioka Onsen is a hidden treasure even amonst the Tottori Onsen. It was a laidback Onsen street. Anyways I could feel that the air is good. The onsen felt good and I will like to recommend it to others too.
(Season Visited:March 2017)

Yoshioka Onsen has a footbath that not only guests but day trip customers can use for free too.
I recommend this as a little rest spot for people sightseeing Tottori by car and those touring☆
(Season Visited:October 10th 2016)

Hamamura Onsen

This an onsen made famouse by the folk song Kaigara Bushi. The very longstanding Katsumi Onsen and Hamamura Onsen that was was opened during the Meiji Period combined to be known as Hamamura Onsen now.

＼Selected reviews／
I dropped by Hamamura Onsen for a daytrip to the baths. After climbing about 80 steps, there was beautiful onsen. There are inner baths, sauna, and outdoor baths. You can see the sea from the outdoor baths. The hot water was colorless and ordorless anddidn’t feel like hot spring water but it was good hot water that felt good on the skin.
(Season Visited:October 2015)

Because it’s very near the sea, the Sea of Japan can be seen from the outlook baths. The water is on the hot side and gives a very refreshing feel.
(Season Visited:August 2016)

Tottori Harbour Seafood Market Karoichi

＼Selected reviews／
Beause it’s right near the harbor, fresh fish, and clams are available for sale. You can have your meal here too so it’s convenient. It was a vibrant place.
(Season Visited:September 2017)

It is near Tottori Harbor. You can buy freshly caught fish at Karō Harbor. There are also lots of dinig places.
(Season Visited:September 2017)

※This article is accurate as of 2019 March.
※The information and photos here are not necessarily up to date. Please check them out yourself before the trip.