Tottori Sand Dunes

Thursday, August 15, 2019 Updated

Tottori Sand Dunes | Kilometers of Sand in All Directions

The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan's largest sand dunes running 16 km on the coast of Sea of Japan in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture. The highest point of the sand dunes goes up to 50 m high and are up to 2 km wide. These peaks provide tourists with breathtaking views of the coast of the Sea of Japan. The Tottori Sand Dunes were formed over thousands of years as Sendaigawa River's sand redeposited on the coast from the currents and winds. With the wind and tides, the sand dunes are constantly changing shape. As you walk into the sand dunes, at one point you will find yourself surrounded by nothing but sand in all directions for several kilometers. The Tottori Sand Dunes are a quirky dessert getaway on the island of Japan.

Sandy Activities

For those seeking more of a thrill or dynamic Japanese experience, the sand dunes offer camel and horse back rides to navigate this desert-like attraction. For more adventurous guests, enjoy paragliding or try your hand at sand-boarding, a unique variation of snowboarding on the sand dunes. The Sand Dunes are also home to the Tottori Sand Museum where intricate sand sculptures and artworks are on display.

The Sand Dunes continue to be one of the largest tourist attractions in Tottori, bringing in around two million visitors and tour groups (mostly from Japan and East Asia) each year. There are some concerns due to industrialization and reforestation are causing the dunes to shrink over the years, so the local government is taking active steps to preserve the dunes for future enjoyment. Offering novel attractions you can't find anywhere else in all Japan, come explore the sand dunes during your next vacation with our Japan tours. You can also ask your travel agent about our affordable line of custom tours to build an unforgettable itinerary through Tottori with a stop at the Sand Dunes!