Where to stay near Tottori sand dunes
There are four sensible bases: right by the dunes, around Tottori Station, in the hot spring town of Hamamura, or further along the coast in the Iwami area. None is automatically best. The right choice follows from how you arrive, whether you drive and what else you want to see. This page names areas only, with no hotels, prices or room availability, which change too often to list reliably.
Before you choose, read how to get to the dunes, because the bus and rental car options shape the decision.
Our pick: two days with the hotel included
If you come from Osaka and want to stay overnight, this tour bundles the room and breakfast so you skip the search for a hotel.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
A two-day tour with a hotel night
A two-day tour from Osaka that includes one hotel night with breakfast. Admission, optional activities, lunch and dinner are extra.
Staying next to the dunes
Accommodation around the dunes is collected on the local tourism information map of the dune area, and several places sit close to the Sand Museum and the entrance. Being nearby means you can reach the sand early or late without a bus. Walking times vary from one property to another, and a sea view is not guaranteed, so check both when you book. The area is quiet in the evening, so plan dinner in advance.
Tottori Station area
The station area is the practical base if you arrive by train or highway bus. Bus 39 to the dunes starts here, and so does the weekend loop bus, which also passes the harbour and castle area. It makes sense when you want a larger choice of restaurants and a simple connection to the airport bus, which also stops at the station. If you are looking at Tottori hotels near the station, the city itself is described in our prefecture guide, while this page only concerns how well the area connects to the dunes.
Hamamura Onsen
Hamamura is a separate hot spring town within the city of Tottori. It grew into a district of inns, and it is not at the dune entrance, so plan the trip to the dunes rather than expecting to walk there. Choose it if an onsen bath is part of the point of the trip. Our Tottori prefecture guide describes Hamamura Onsen and the city of Tottori in more detail
Iwami and the Uradome Coast
The tourism association of Iwami groups lodgings by area: Uradome, Makidani and Tajiri, Higashihama and Iwai Onsen. These suit visitors who want the rocky coast and boat trips more than the dunes. The dunes are then an outing rather than the base. Read the Uradome Coast page for the sightseeing boats and the bus from the station.
Parking overnight
If you travel by car, the paid lot Tottori Sakyu Parking costs 500 JPY per car, and the fee is due again after each 24 hours. The lot has around 300 spaces and can be used day and night. Sakyu Center and the neighbouring city lot are listed as free, but check whether they suit overnight stays before relying on them. Your accommodation may offer its own parking, so ask when you book.
Choosing quickly
Arriving by train and wanting simple buses: stay at the station. Arriving by car and wanting early or late light on the sand: stay near the dunes. Wanting hot spring baths: Hamamura. Wanting the coast: Iwami. For things to do once you are there, see the activities page, and for the seasons, the best time to visit.
FAQ
Where is the best base for the sand dunes?
It depends on your trip. The station suits train travellers, the dune area suits early or late visits and Hamamura Onsen suits hot spring baths.
Is Hamamura Onsen next to the dunes?
No. It is a separate hot spring town in the city of Tottori, so plan the transfer to the dunes.
Can I park overnight near the dunes?
Tottori Sakyu Parking can be used day and night. It costs 500 JPY per car, due again after each 24 hours.
Where can I find lodgings on the coast?
The Iwami tourism association lists lodgings in Uradome, Makidani, Tajiri, Higashihama and Iwai Onsen.