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The Tottori Sand Dunes are a massive natural sand dune located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Spanning approximately 131 hectares, they stretch 16 km east-west and 2.4 km north-south. The elevation difference between the highest and lowest points of the dunes is as much as 90 meters.
The sand dunes are located along the national highway, just a 20-minute bus or car ride from downtown Tottori, making them very convenient for visitors. If exploring on your own, you can take the Sakyu bus or Kirin-Jishi Loop bus from Tottori Station and get off at Tottori Sakyu.
A masterpiece of nature
According to research documents, the sand dunes were formed over a period of approximately 100,000 years when sand flowing from the Chugoku Mountains down the Sendai River was blown ashore by strong winds from the sea.
Possessing significant scientific value, the Tottori sand dunes were recognized as a National Natural Treasure of Japan in 1955 and became a national park in 1963.
Tottori Sand Dunes - Japan's only miniature desert.
What makes the Tottori sand dunes unique are the stunning natural formations on the sand that change with the seasons and weather, characterized by three distinctive phenomena: fumon (waves), sachu (sand pillars), and saren (sand curtains). In March, during the windy season, the dunes constantly change height, creating captivating waves on the sand as the wind blows at speeds of 5-6 m/s. At times, strong winds whip up dust, making the entire landscape appear hazy, as if in the clouds.
Fumon (wavy) phenomenon in the Tottori sand dunes.
During days of heavy rain and strong winds, the sand dunes transform in a unique way, with sand patterns resembling the surface of rocks. Winds from the sea carry away the surface sand, and rain shapes the sand mounds beneath small rocks into natural works of art. The sand curtain phenomenon occurs when the top of the sand dune collapses after reaching its maximum stable angle of inclination.
Sachu phenomenon (sand pillars)
Wind and rain have shaped the sand pillars into works of art.
In autumn, the vegetation blooms, covering the sand dunes in a vibrant purple. In winter, the dunes are blanketed in pristine white snow. Summer is a major tourist attraction in Sakyu, drawing visitors to its crystal-clear waters and gently sloping shoreline. Many recreational activities are available at the dunes, such as sandboarding, paragliding, and desert mountain biking. In June, visitors can experience harvesting onions grown on the dunes, which are used to make Sakyu pickled onions, a Tottori specialty condiment.
Upon arriving at the sand dunes, visitors can experience activities such as paragliding.
Furthermore, on summer evenings, the Gyoka lights emanating from squid fishing boats can be seen shining like fireflies flying over the sea. Besides that, leisurely strolling through the sand dunes on camelback or watching the stunning sunset as the sun sinks into the Sea of Japan from the Tottori sand dunes is also an incredibly enjoyable experience.
Watching the sunset...
...or strolling through the sand dunes on camelback is an exciting experience not to be missed.
Many interesting destinations
Besides exploring the sand dunes, visitors to Tottori can learn more about the history and origins of the dunes at the Visitor Information Center; or admire world-class sand sculptures at the Tottori Sand Art Museum - the first museum in the world to display sculptures made from sand.
Tottori Sand Dunes Information Center
Tourists can learn more about the sand dunes at the Information Center.
Built in 2006, the Tottori Sand Art Museum not only displays artworks created from the sand of the Tottori sand dunes but also conveys to viewers the timeless appeal of a gift bestowed by nature.
Made from sand that has been hardened by water, the sand sculptures and statues displayed here will mesmerize visitors with their grandeur, meticulous craftsmanship, and lifelike detail. The museum is usually open to visitors from mid-April to early January of the following year. This year, the museum plans to welcome visitors from July to January 2024.
The Tottori Sand Art Museum is a unique and fascinating institution housing some of the world's finest examples of sand sculpture.
Beyond the sand dunes, Tottori City holds many fascinating things to discover throughout all four seasons. A stroll through this region offers a variety of destinations, such as immersing yourself in the floral world of Tottori Hanakairo Park, admiring cherry blossoms in spring at the ruins of Tottori Castle, visiting Japan's only pear museum, exploring the Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory, or experiencing the Onsen hot springs and savoring Tottori's famous snow crab.
The museum, themed around pears and unique to Japan, is called "Tottori Nijisseiki Nashi Kinen Kan".
Pears and People of the World, an exhibition showcasing pears from around the world, features a total of 70 pear models.
Tottori's signature snow crab dish.
