Major city · Japan
Tottori鳥取市
Go for one night: the sand dunes are the reason, and they are 20 min by bus from Tottori Station. Two nights only if you add the coast or Daisen.
Tottori is a small San'in coast city whose one unmissable sight is the Tottori Sand Dunes, a 2 km-wide band of sand 20 minutes by bus from the station. The city itself is walkable and cheap, with a castle ruin, a small museum cluster and a folkcraft collection. Most travellers pass through on the San'in line between Kyoto/Osaka and Matsue, or use it as a base for the coast, Daisen and Misasa. One night covers the dunes and the centre; two nights let you add a day trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), mid-August Obon, late Jun–mid Jul rainy season
- Airports
- TTJ · YGJ · KIX
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Tottori110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tottori, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyOne of Japan's calmer regional cities; the real risks are summer heat on the dunes, sand in your gear and infrequent buses back from outlying sights.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTTJ Tottori Airport (Mainly Tokyo Haneda flights; bus to Tottori Station about 20 min).
- Getting aroundThe centre between the station and Mt.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soup (ramen or soba)¥800–1,300 (≈ US$6–9)
- Beerdraught in an izakaya / can at a konbini¥500–750 (≈ US$4–6)¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideLoop bus to the dunes¥300 (≈ US$3) single, ¥600 (≈ US$5) day pass (check)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (prefectural museum, folkcraft, history)¥180–500 (≈ US$2–4)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person¥3,000 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥14,000 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥30,000 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥7,000 (≈ US$50) · Mid ¥13,000 (≈ US$90) · High ¥25,000 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TTJ Tottori Airport (Mainly Tokyo Haneda flights; bus to Tottori Station about 20 min) · YGJ Yonago Kitaro Airport (About 1 h 30 min by train to Tottori; more international links) · KIX Kansai International (Long-haul gateway; reach Tottori by limited express via Osaka or Kyoto)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Avoid*
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid*
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest May (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Tottori: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
15 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
13 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Dec
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre between the station and Mt. Kyusho is walkable. For the dunes take the loop bus (single fare ¥300, day pass ¥600, includes luggage storage) or the local bus (about ¥380). The ¥100 Kururi bus runs three colour-coded routes every 20 min from the station. Trains and highway buses cover the wider San'in region.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tottori Sand Dunes
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Loop bus from Tottori Station, about 20 min
The main reason to come. Free entry, open 24 h; activities from about 09:00.The main reason to come. Free entry, open 24 h; activities from about 9:00 AM.
Kurayoshi
goDoor to door: About 1 h
JR San'in line limited express west, about 40 min
White-walled storehouses and a quiet old town; easy half day.
Yonago
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
JR San'in line limited express west, about 1 h 15 min
Gateway to Mt. Daisen and the airport; good as a second base.
Sakaiminato
goDoor to door: About 2 h
JR San'in line west to Yonago, then Sakai line, about 1 h 45 min total
Seafood market and the Mizuki Shigeru Road; a full day out.
Daisen
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5 h
JR to Yonago, then bus toward Daisen-ji, about 2 h total
Hiking and temple stays; too slow for a comfortable return day.
Misasa Onsen
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
JR to Kurayoshi, then bus, about 1 h 30 min total
Radium hot-spring town; sleep one night rather than rush back.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Tottori Station area
Best for one night with bags: buses to the dunes and the loop bus start here, plus the tourist information booth.
Downtown / Suehiro-onsencho
Restaurants, bars and the shopping arcade; 10–15 min walk from the station.
Sand dunes area (Fukube / Yuyama)
A few mins from the dunes for early-morning wind patterns; thin on food and transport after dark.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥7,000–11,000 (≈ US$50–75) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥11,000–18,000 (≈ US$75–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥18,000 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Business-hotel double room1 × 1 night × ¥14,000 | ¥14,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ¥13,000 | ¥26,000 |
| Loop bus day pass, one day2 × ¥600 · check | ¥1,200 |
| Airport bus, both ways2 × ¥920 · check | ¥1,840 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥4,800 |
| Trip total≈ ¥26,420 per person per day, bed included | ¥52,840≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in yen; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle soup (ramen or soba) | ¥800–1,300 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Seafood rice bowl (kaisendon) near the port | ¥1,500–3,000 (≈ US$11–25) |
| Beer: draught in an izakaya / can at a konbini | ¥500–750 (≈ US$4–6) / ¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Loop bus to the dunes | ¥300 (≈ US$3) single, ¥600 (≈ US$5) day pass (check) |
| Cable car to the Dune Observatory | ¥200 (≈ US$2) one way (check) |
| Museum entry (prefectural museum, folkcraft, history) | ¥180–500 (≈ US$2–4) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The dunes are free and open 24 h, but activities usually start around 09:00; go early to see wind patterns before the crowds.The dunes are free and open 24 h, but activities usually start around 9:00 AM; go early to see wind patterns before the crowds.
- Sand gets into everything: bring a change of socks and a bag for shoes.
- Summer is hot and humid with strong sun on the sand; carry water.
- Small museums and temples keep short hours and close one day a week: check before you go.
- Buses to outlying sights are infrequent; plan the return bus before you set out.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
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Tottori鳥取市
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies in Tottori; most countries keep embassies in Tokyo and consulates in Osaka. The US consulate nearest is in Osaka (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tottori Station → Sand Dunes, loop bus: ¥300 (≈ US$3) single, ¥600 (≈ US$5) day pass, about 20 min (check)
- Tottori Station → Tottori Airport, bus: about ¥460 (≈ US$4), about 20 min (check)
- Limited express Tottori → Kurayoshi: about ¥2,000–2,500 (≈ US$14–17) reserved, about 40 min (check)
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- これをください — This one, please (kore o kudasai)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- カードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by card? (kādo de haraemasu ka)
- トイレはどこですか？ — Where is the toilet? (toire wa doko desu ka)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tottori. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), mid-August Obon, late Jun–mid Jul rainy season · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for TTJ: last bus from Tottori Station field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: station and arcade, castle and museum hill, Kannon-in and Ochidani, the dunes.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (dunes, castle ruins, prefectural museum, Jinpukaku, Kannon-in) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTottori City official site
- officialTottori Sand Dunes visitor information
- officialTottori Prefectural Museum
- officialTottori Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Tottori, revision 5247752 (CC BY-SA 4.0)