Tottori Prefecture stretches along Japan's San'in coast on the Sea of Japan, home to the Tottori Sand Dunes, the country's largest coastal dune system, and the yokai-themed Mizuki Shigeru Road in the port town of Sakaiminato. Japan's least populous prefecture, Tottori pairs a dramatic, uncrowded coastline with Mount Daisen's hiking trails, the white-walled storehouse district of Kurayoshi, and radium-rich hot springs at Misasa and Kaike Onsen.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Tottori.
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- developed, family-friendly swimming beach with a mythological shrine attached
- White sand beach suited to swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball
- Barbecue facilities
- Seasonal sea house (umi-no-ie) refreshment stand and equipment rental
- Shower and change rooms
- Restaurants and a Lawson convenience store nearby
- Adjacent Hakuto Shrine and photo point overlooking the Sea of Japan
Hakuto Beach
Editor’s tip. No lifeguard is on duty, so swim close to shore and check conditions before entering the water
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- quiet, uncrowded swimming beach with a romantic, scenic reputation
- Listed among the Ministry of the Environment's 88 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan
- Designated a 'Lover's Sanctuary' spot in 2010
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Quiet, less crowded than Hakuto Beach
Aoya Beach
Editor’s tip. Bring all food and water, since there are no vendors at the beach
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- postcard-clear cove beach at the heart of a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline
- White sand and shallow coves within the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Lifeguards during the official swimming season
- Snorkelling in the clear, sheltered coves
- Restrooms and seasonal beach shops
- One of Japan's Best 100 Beaches and Best 100 White Sand and Green Pine Coasts
Uradome Beach
Editor’s tip. Walk about 15 minutes from JR Iwami Station rather than relying on a car during peak summer, when parking fills quickly
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- undeveloped, quiet beach overshadowed by the famous dunes just above it
- Sand beach directly beneath the Tottori Sand Dunes
- Basic parking near the dune access paths
- No lifeguard or rental facilities
- Quiet compared with Hakuto and Aoya beaches
Karito Beach
Editor’s tip. Combine a visit with the Tottori Sand Dunes, since both share the same bus stop and access path
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- quiet, unusual soundscape beach favored by photographers over swimmers
- Unique coastline covered in smooth, oval 'goroita' cobblestones rather than sand
- Small parking area
- No swimming facilities; a scenic and acoustic stop rather than a bathing beach
Nariishi Beach (Beach of Sound Stones)
Editor’s tip. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, since the wet cobblestones can be slick
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Tottori’s coast.
Is Hakuto Beach good for swimming?
Yes, it is one of Tottori City's more developed swimming beaches, with shower and change rooms and a seasonal sea house, though there is no lifeguard on duty.
From the Hakuto Beach editorial.
How do I get to Hakuto Beach from Tottori Station?
Take the Hinomaru Bus from JR Tottori Station (about 40 minutes) or drive, which takes roughly 20 minutes.
From the Hakuto Beach editorial.
Why is Aoya Beach on Japan's Best Swimming Beaches list?
It was selected by the Ministry of the Environment for its clean sand and clear, gently sloping water, one of 88 beaches nationwide to receive the designation.
From the Aoya Beach editorial.
How can Aoya Beach be reached without a car?
Take the JR San'in Line to Aoya Station, then walk about 15–20 minutes to the coast.
From the Aoya Beach editorial.
Why is Uradome Beach's water so clear?
The beach sits within a series of small, rocky coves that shelter the water from open-sea swell, producing the notably clear, calm water known locally as 'Uradome Blue.'
From the Uradome Beach editorial.
Are lifeguards present at Uradome Beach?
Yes, lifeguards are posted during the official July–August swimming season.
From the Uradome Beach editorial.
Is Karito Beach the same as the Tottori Sand Dunes?
No, Karito Beach is the stretch of sand at the base of the eastern Sand Dunes where they meet the sea; the dunes themselves are a separate, larger inland attraction reached from the same bus stop.
From the Karito Beach editorial.
Are there facilities at Karito Beach?
No, the beach has no lifeguard, shops, or equipment rental; visitors should bring their own supplies.
From the Karito Beach editorial.