Tottori Sand Dunes

Tottori

Panoramic scenery that weaves together sand dunes and the Sea of Japan

The Tottori Sand Dunes are known as Japan’s largest. They stretch out for 16 kilometers to the east and west and for 2.4 kilometers to the north and south. Before the sand dunes spreads the majestic scenery of the Sea of Japan. In the center of the dunes you’ll find a long, narrow plateau called the Horse’s Back, a scenic spot where the golden sand dunes and sparkling blue Sea of Japan can be viewed. The sand dunes are accessible at any time of the day, so you can spend time there in any way you like. Go walk the pristine sand dunes with no footprints in early morning, or gaze at the sand dunes and Sea of Japan dyed red by the setting sun.

For active sightseers, try paragliding or a camel ride

The wide-open sand dunes have a variety of activities to enjoy. With predictable, stable winds and no obstacles, the sand dunes are perfect for paragliding. Except for January to February, there are full-day and half-day paragliding classes where you can look down on the sand dunes from the sky. If you want to enjoy a bit of an Egyptian taste of the sand dunes, try a short trip on a camel. Trips take about 5 minutes and are only 500 yen. Either option offers a dynamic, different way to view the scenery than from walking the sand dunes.

Art created from water and sand! The world’s first sand art museum

At the Tottori Sand Dunes, you’ll find the world’s first museum with only sculptures made from sand. This is the Sand Museum. The sand sculptures are massive works of art created from only water and the sand of the Tottori Sand Dunes. With the theme of “A World Travel in Sand”, world heritage sites abroad and works of art are recreated in sand each time. The massive, meters high sand sculptures really pack a punch! The roof of the museum features an observation plaza, making it the perfect place to stop by while seeing the sand dunes.

For reference

Tottori Sand Dunes

Address

2164-661 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori-shi, Tottori-ken
Telephone

0857−22−3318 (Tottori City Tourist Association)
Hours

24 hours a day
Price

Free of charge
Website

http://sakyu.city.tottori.tottori.jp/
Access

Tottori Sakyu Conan Airport is approximately a one hour and 15 minute flight from Haneda Airport.
Take the Hinomaru Bus from Tottori Airport and get off at Tottori Station (20 min). Switch to another Hinomaru Bus at Tottori Station and get off at Tottori Sakyu (Sand Dunes) (20 min). The sand dunes are right near the bus stop.

Tottori Sand Dunes – The Sand Museum

Address

2083-17 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori-shi, Tottori-ken
Telephone

0857-20-2231
Open

9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price:

600 yen (general admission); 300 yen (elementary, junior high, high school students); group discounts available
Website

http://www.sand-museum.jp/en/
Other

Closed when changing exhibits
Recommended season

Spring to autumn
Access

Tottori Sakyu Conan Airport is approximately a one hour and 15 minute flight from Haneda Airport.
Take the Hinomaru Bus from Tottori Sakyu Conan Airport and get off at Tottori Station (20 min). Switch to another Hinomaru Bus at Tottori Station and get off at Tottori Sakyu (Sand Dunes) (20 min). The sand dunes are right near the bus stop.