Family healing trip to the Tottori sand dunes: an inspiring plan for sand play and hot springs.

A trip to the Tottori sand dunes was a heartwarming time to spend with the family. The spectacular scenery of the largest sand dunes in Japan, the joy of playing in the sand with the kids, the fresh local seafood and the warmth of the relaxing hot springs. All these moments made me feel the blessings of nature. Here are some recommendations for what I discovered with my family on this trip and what makes the Tottori sand dunes so charming. A walk through the dunes, an adventure in the Tottori Sand Dunes Kodomo no Kuni, a rest in a cozy hotel and rustic local delicacies. This trip is sure to leave a warm aftertaste in your heart. Why not strengthen your special bond with your family or loved ones in the land of white sand?

Morning: Explore the magnificent sea of sand of the Tottori Sand Dunes

In the morning, after getting off at Tottori Station, take a 30-minute bus ride to the Tottori Sand Dunes. The huge dunes are among the largest in Japan. Stretching 16 km from east to west and 2.4 km from north to south, they cover an area of about 30 square kilometers, and the sand dancing in the wind creates a fantastic landscape. When we visited the dunes one fall morning, the kids were so excited that they said, “Let’s climb the sand mountain” as we made our way up in the cool breeze. They were so excited. They were beaming all over their faces as they played in the sand and slid down the dune slopes with their husbands. We took family photos with the Sea of Japan in the background and admired the sand sculptures in the distance. The Tottori sand dunes are a place where a walk clears the mind and is the perfect nature experience for families.

Admission is free and parking costs 500 yen per visit. Visit the dunes around 9am, when they are less crowded and you can take a relaxed stroll. Check the official website (Tottori Prefecture Tourism Website) for information on how to get there (bus connections from Tottori Station) and the weather. In the fall, the sand is soft and invites you to play.

Lunch: Fresh seafood in a restaurant near the dunes.

After enjoying the dunes to the full, head to Dune House for lunch. This restaurant, just a five-minute walk from the dune entrance, is a popular seafood restaurant. As soon as you enter the rustic wooden store, the smell of the sea wafts into your nose. I ordered the kaisen-don set (1,500 yen). The fresh tuna, squid and sweet prawns were colorfully lined up, and the children’s eyes lit up with joy: “It’s like a treasure from the sea!” their eyes shone. My husband took a bowl of miso soup with local pickled plums and said, “I like the smoothness of the broth”. I was also impressed by the direct flavor of Tottori’s seafood. The pickles served with it are refreshing and perfect for a meal after playing in the sand. It was very refreshing to experience the local food culture and share it with the family. Seafood from Tottori is one of the best additions to a trip to the dunes.

Open from 10:00 to 16:00 (except 15:00). During peak times, weekdays are recommended as there is less of a wait. For more information, visit the official website (Tottori Prefecture Gourmet Guide ). Tottori’s other specialties, such as rakyo and 20th-century pears, are also attractive, but the kaisen don is lighter and more family-friendly.

Evening: relaxing by the hot spring at the Tottori Green Hotel Maurice

After lunch, we checked into the Tottori Green Hotel Maurice in the evening. Located just a 5-minute walk from Tottori Station and a 30-minute drive from the dunes, the hotel offers spacious, family-friendly rooms. The modern guest rooms are equipped with spacious beds, and you can breathe a sigh of relief as the kids relax while coloring. The city lights gently streamed in through the windows, enhancing the afterglow of the trip. For dinner, we enjoyed a Japanese-Western buffet with local produce in the hotel restaurant. The fresh seafood and vegetable tempura from Tottori were a hit with the children, who were particularly surprised by the sweet and sour taste of the rakyo. At the breakfast buffet, the freshly baked bread and fruit were impressive. The warmth of the staff, who were happy to set the children a quiz on the dunes, was also pleasant. The large bathrooms have the quality of a hot spring, and my body felt warm and cozy in the evening bath. The hotel is very easy to reach and is an ideal base for sightseeing.

Accommodation rates start at around 10,000 yen per room per night with breakfast. Family offers are very reasonably priced. For more information, please visit the official website (Tottori Green Hotel Maurice ). Other hotels in Tottori are attractive, but the convenience and comfort of this hotel are exceptional.

Morning: Sand play experience at Tottori Sand Dunes Children’s Country

After breakfast, return to the dunes to visit Tottori Sand Dunes Children’s Country. This theme park adjacent to the dunes is a sprawling 19-hectare park with large sports facilities and a petting zoo. The family enjoyed a sand sculpting workshop (1,000 yen per person, 45 minutes). The children kneaded soft sand to form castles and animals. The children were thrilled. I was also impressed by the joy with which they worked together as a family to create a giant sand sculpture. I also had to smile as I watched them slide down the sporty slides with my husband. At the park’s petting zoo, I was cured by holding a rabbit. The facility inspires family creativity with games that make the most of the natural beauty of the dunes.

Entrance to the park costs 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. The park is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (variable in winter). For more information, visit the official website (Tottori Sand Dunes Kodomo no Kuni ). The cool morning hours are recommended.

Tips for a smooth excursion

In order to enjoy your trip to the Tottori sand dunes to the fullest, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, you should use the local bus from Tottori Station for transportation. The dunes and Kodomo no Kuni are right next to each other, so you can easily explore the area in one day. However, if you are traveling with children, it is advisable to rent a car (about 5,000 yen per day). Head out first thing in the morning to explore the dunes and enjoy the soft sand. You can enjoy a bowl of rice with fresh seafood at Dune House. Check the rules for the large baths at Tottori Green Hotel Maurice before checking in to be sure. Sand play is by reservation only, so use the official app to secure your spot in advance. Check the official website for seasonal events (dune flower festival in spring, paragliding in summer) to make your trip even more colorful. Bring sunscreen and hydration for children as well as spare clothes for the sand.

The contrast between the sand and the sea in Tottori put a smile on the family’s faces. As the children crumbled their sandcastles, “Let’s build another one!” was the best thing they said.

Private Wisdom Summary

The trip to the Tottori Sand Dunes fulfilled the spiritual richness and sensitivity that Private Wisdom values. The spectacular nature of the dunes opened our minds and the play at Tottori Sand Dunes Children’s Country gave us the joy of sharing our creativity as a family. The fresh seafood at Dune House was a welcome opportunity to sample the local delicacies, and the hot spring at Tottori Green Hotel Maurice gently eased the fatigue of the trip. The trip left a deep aftertaste. You too can experience the peaceful charm of the Tottori sand dunes and enjoy a heartwarming trip with your family and loved ones. Tell us about your favorite experiences in the Tottori sand dunes in the comments!