Tottori is famous for its sand dunes, coastal scenery, and relaxing hot springs, but many travelers wonder: Can you enjoy Tottori without a car? The answer is yes. With convenient trains, buses, and local taxis, visitors can explore the region’s highlights even without driving. In this guide, we introduce car-free model courses for one to three days, must-see attractions, local food spots, and tips on where to stay. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this itinerary will help you discover Tottori with ease.
Can You Explore Tottori Without a Car?
Common Concerns of Car-Free Travelers
Tottori is a rural prefecture, and many travelers believe that renting a car is the only way to see its famous attractions. This often raises concerns for visitors who cannot drive in Japan or prefer not to. The good news is that you can still enjoy Tottori without a car. With a little planning, it’s possible to visit the sand dunes, coastal areas, hot springs, and even historic towns using public transportation.
Public Transport Options – Train, Bus, and Taxi
Tottori is served by a combination of trains, buses, and local taxis.
- Trains: The JR San’in Line connects major towns such as Tottori City, Kurayoshi, and Yonago.
- Buses: Regular bus services run from Tottori Station to the Sand Dunes, the Sand Museum, and other nearby attractions.
- Taxis: While more expensive, taxis are useful for short trips to places not covered by buses, especially if traveling in a group.
By combining these options, car-free travelers can reach most of the area’s highlights with relative ease.
Recommended Base – Staying Near Tottori Station
If you are exploring without a car, the best base is Tottori Station. The station area offers hotels, restaurants, and direct bus routes to the Sand Dunes and Uradome Coast. From here, you can also take trains for day trips to Kurayoshi or Yonago. Staying close to the station ensures smooth access to transport, making your sightseeing more efficient and stress-free.
2-Day and 3-Day Model Courses Without a Car
1-Day Course – Tottori Sand Dunes and Nearby Spots
If you only have one day in Tottori, focus on its most iconic landmark: the Tottori Sand Dunes. Take a bus from Tottori Station (about 20 minutes) and spend the morning walking across the vast dunes, trying activities like camel rides or sandboarding. Next, visit the Sand Museum, which displays stunning sand sculptures created by artists from around the world. In the afternoon, relax at Kaike Onsen or return to Tottori City for local seafood and shopping before heading back.
2-Day Course – Sand Dunes + Uradome Coast or Onsen
A 2-day stay allows you to explore beyond the sand dunes. On Day 1, follow the one-day plan. On Day 2, head to the Uradome Coast, known for its clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and boat cruises. It’s accessible by bus from Tottori Station in about 40 minutes. Alternatively, choose a relaxing hot spring day at Misasa Onsen, which can be reached by train and bus. Both options let you enjoy a different side of Tottori at a comfortable pace.
3-Day Course – Add Mt. Mitoku or Kurayoshi Town
With three days, you can add a cultural or historical experience. On Day 3, consider a trip to Mt. Mitoku (Sanbutsuji Temple), famous for its temple hall built into a cliffside. Reaching it requires a train and bus ride, followed by a steep hike, but the view and atmosphere are unforgettable. Another option is Kurayoshi’s White Wall District, a preserved historical town with old merchant houses, shops, and sake breweries. Both destinations are accessible by public transport and offer a glimpse into Tottori’s heritage.
Must-See Attractions Accessible by Public Transport
Tottori Sand Dunes and The Sand Museum
The Tottori Sand Dunes are the prefecture’s most famous attraction and can be reached by bus in about 20 minutes from Tottori Station. The vast dunes stretch along the Sea of Japan, offering breathtaking views and activities like camel rides and sandboarding. Next door, the Sand Museum showcases incredible sand sculptures made by international artists, changing themes every year. Both sites can easily be visited in half a day without a car.
Uradome Coast – Scenic Views and Cruises
Part of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, the Uradome Coast is known for its crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat cruises or walk along the coastal trails. Buses from Tottori Station reach the area in about 40 minutes, making it an easy day trip. In summer, it’s also a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Hot Springs – Kaike Onsen or Misasa Onsen
Tottori is rich in hot spring culture. Kaike Onsen, near Yonago, is famous for seaside views and healing waters, while Misasa Onsen is one of Japan’s top radium hot springs. Both can be reached by train and bus, making them accessible to car-free travelers. A soak in these relaxing baths is a great way to end a busy day of sightseeing.
Historic Townscapes – Kurayoshi White Wall District
For a taste of history, visit the Kurayoshi White Wall District (Shirakabe Dozo-gun). This preserved town features Edo-period merchant houses, white-walled storehouses, sake breweries, and traditional shops. The area is walkable and charming, with plenty of cafes and souvenir spots. From Tottori Station, take a train on the JR San’in Line to Kurayoshi, followed by a short bus ride.
Food and Accommodation Without a Car
Local Food You Can Enjoy Near Tottori Station
Tottori Station is surrounded by restaurants where travelers can taste local specialties without needing a car. Popular dishes include kaisen-don (fresh seafood rice bowls), Tottori wagyu beef, and pear desserts, since Tottori is famous for its juicy 20th-century pears. Many izakaya and casual eateries are located within walking distance, making it easy to enjoy dinner after a day of sightseeing.
Sand Dune Area Restaurants and Seafood Options
Near the Tottori Sand Dunes, visitors will find local restaurants serving sunaba soba (buckwheat noodles), seafood rice bowls, and even soft-serve ice cream made with Tottori pears. After exploring the dunes and the Sand Museum, it’s convenient to stop for lunch in this area before returning to the city. For seafood lovers, coastal towns along the JR San’in Line also offer small restaurants specializing in freshly caught fish and crab.
Best Places to Stay – Station Hotels and Accessible Ryokan
For car-free travelers, the most convenient choice is a hotel near Tottori Station. These hotels provide easy access to buses and trains, making day trips simple. For those seeking a more traditional experience, ryokan in Misasa Onsen or Kaike Onsen can also be reached by train and bus. Spending one night at an onsen inn adds a relaxing highlight to your trip, combining hot spring bathing with regional cuisine.
Tips and Custom Courses for Different Travelers
Family-Friendly Plan – Easy Access and Kid Spots
Families traveling without a car should keep travel times short and choose attractions that are easy to access. The Tottori Sand Dunes are perfect for children, who can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, or simply playing in the sand. Add a visit to the Sand Museum, which is both educational and entertaining. Staying near Tottori Station makes logistics simple for parents with kids.
Couple Plan – Romantic Sand Dune Sunset and Onsen
For couples, a romantic highlight is watching the sunset over the Sand Dunes, which creates a dramatic, unforgettable view. Pair this with an evening at Misasa Onsen, where traditional ryokan offer private baths and regional meals. This combination of natural beauty and relaxation makes Tottori a unique destination for a romantic getaway without the need for a car.
Solo Traveler Plan – Efficient Routes and Local Food
Solo travelers often value efficiency and personal experiences. Base yourself at Tottori Station, where you can easily hop on buses or trains for day trips. Spend your evenings exploring local izakaya, tasting kaisen-don or pear desserts, and chatting with locals. A solo trip also allows flexibility to choose between history (Kurayoshi White Wall District) or nature (Uradome Coast) depending on your interests.
Budget vs. Luxury – How to Adjust Your Course
Car-free travelers on a budget can take advantage of affordable public buses, business hotels near the station, and local eateries. For those seeking luxury, choose a ryokan stay at an onsen town, enjoy multi-course kaiseki meals, and consider guided tours for easier access to remote areas. Both approaches are possible without driving, showing the flexibility of exploring Tottori car-free.
