Sunaba Coffee and Sand Dune Sweets: Local Food Guide

Sunaba Coffee is a cafe unique to Tottori, born from the humorous quip by the prefecture's governor at the time that Tottori has no Starbucks but it does have the best Sunaba, meaning a sandpit, in Japan. Taking up the talking point, a local company came up with the idea of a coffee shop, and the first branch opened in front of Tottori Station in 2014. The name, playing on the sands of the Tottori Sand Dunes, became known nationwide, and today it is beloved by tourists and locals alike. With several branches across the prefecture, including one in front of Tottori Station, it is a perfect spot for a break on your travels.

Highlights

The signature menu item is sand-roasted coffee, roasted using sand from the Tottori Sand Dunes. Beyond this uniquely prepared coffee, the cafe is known for a full food menu of curry rice, seafood bowls, sandwiches, and noodle dishes. Sweets incorporating Tottori specialties are on offer too, and together with each branch's playful touches, there is fun to be had taking photos.

Enjoying the Seasons

Warm coffee is welcome in winter, of course, while in summer cold desserts and parfaits are popular. Season-limited menus using fruit in season also appear, so each visit brings a new taste. It is a good place to stop and catch your breath before or after touring the sand dunes.

Access and Basic Information

The station-front branch is right near JR Tottori Station, an easy stop even for those traveling by train. Hours and closing days vary by branch, so checking before you visit is reassuring. Some branches can be visited on the way toward the dunes, handy for a break during a drive.

Practical Travel Notes

With its signature sand-roasted coffee and a full food menu, it suits not only a break but also a stop at mealtime. The branch in front of Tottori Station is easy to reach even on a train trip and handy as a base to or from dune sightseeing. There are several branches across the prefecture, and hours, closing days, and available menus differ by branch, so checking ahead is surest if you have something in mind. Spending the time while recalling the origin of the name makes for a good travel story too.

A Quick Tip

For a keepsake unique to Tottori, try the signature sand-roasted coffee and a locally sourced sweet together as a set. Spending the time while recalling the origin of the cafe's unique name makes the memory of your trip even more enjoyable.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From a few hundred yen for a drink or a sweet
• Where to eat it: The Sunaba Coffee branches, and cafes and souvenir shops around the Tottori Sand Dunes
• Best time of day: During the day, as a break from sightseeing at the dunes
• Avoiding the crowds: It gets busy at weekends in the tourist season, so go outside peak hours
• Combine it with: Drip coffee as a souvenir, the Tottori Sand Dunes, the Sand Museum and shiro-usagi manju

📚 Sources

This article is compiled from tourism information for Tottori Prefecture and information published by the individual shops. Prices, menus and seasonal availability are subject to change, so please check each shop's official information for details.