Kick off your private shore excursion from Sakaiminato Cruise Terminal, travelling in the comfort of a personal vehicle, free from the constraints of a larger group. Your first stop is the Tottori Sand Dunes, an extraordinary natural spectacle in Japan. Traverse the expansive dunes and soak up the striking views of sand merging with the Sea of Japan.

Next, you'll visit the nearby Sand Museum, an unusual establishment dedicated to large-scale sand sculptures. Each display showcases a different international theme, meticulously crafted by artists worldwide. The current 2026 exhibition takes inspiration from Spain.

Your journey then takes you back towards Sakaiminato, where you can explore Mizuki Shigeru Road. Here, bronze statues and themed shops breathe life into the fantastical world of Japanese yokai. You'll have the opportunity to browse distinctive souvenirs and delve into the characters created by acclaimed manga artist Shigeru Mizuki.

If time allows, make a pitstop at Sakaiminato Fish Centre to peruse fresh seafood and local products before returning to Sakaiminato Cruise Terminal.

Why you’ll love this…

You'll explore the Tottori Sand Dunes and the Sand Museum on a private shore excursion
There's a chance to discover the world of Japanese yokai on Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato
The tour includes the flexibility of travelling at your own pace with a private vehicle
You can receive an English digital guidebook with information about the itinerary

Important to know

Accessibility:

Not suitable for guests in wheelchairs

Not allowed:

This activity doesn't allow pets

Extra fees to be paid on site:

Entrance to the Tottori Sand Museum is not included. It costs approximately ¥800 per adult and ¥400 per child (elementary to high school age), payable locally. Children below elementary school age enter free. Prices may change without notice

Know in advance:

Car capacity: 4 participants / Van capacity: 9 participants
Before your tour, you'll receive an English audio guide and digital guidebook, downloadable to your own device, with information about the itinerary, sightseeing locations, local history, and points of interest
This is an outside tour and does not include any optional entrances to sites
The tour is conducted in a private vehicle with a professional driver
Your driver is speaking Japanese, so the communication with the driver will be assisted by a translation device
It's recommended that you wear comfortable shoes
A full refund will be provided if your cruise ship is unable to dock

Remember to bring:

Please bring a valid form of identification or a copy of your passport
Please have Japanese yen ready, as some shops do not accept credit cards

Cancellation policy

Receive a 20% refund if you cancel up to 20 days before the experience begins., Receive a 50% refund if you cancel up to 7 days before the experience begins., Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What’s included

Audio guide
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
Private tour
Driver
Parking
Insurance

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Entrance fees
Tour guide

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Sakaiminato Cruise Terminal, 252-2 Takenouchidanchi, Sakaiminato, Tottori, Japan

Meeting point:

You'll be picked up at the exit of Sakaiminato Cruise Terminal, where your ship actually docks. The driver will be waiting for the guests with a name sign.