Tottori Sand Dunes 鳥取砂丘

Located a short distance from the center of Tottori City on the Sea of Japan coast, the massive Tottori Sand Dunes attract more than 1.3 million visitors every year. The dunes are an impressive site, and a good starting point for exploring this relatively undiscovered prefecture.

The sand dunes are a 20-minute bus ride from Tottori Station.

The Tottori Sand Dunes have existed for over 100,000 years. The Sendai River carries sediment from the nearby Chugoku Mountains that eventually washes out into the Sea of Japan. Strong sea currents and winds work together to push these sediments back onto the shore to form the sand dunes.

These same intense winds continuously move and re-shape the dunes. Over millennia, the sand deposits have created a 30-square kilometer golden landscape that stretches nearly 16 kilometers along the coast. Some of the dunes reach a towering 50 meters.

For many, a couple of hours spent around the largest of the dunes will be enough to feel amazed, snap some photos and enjoy the spectacular view. However, there are other fun activities too, like paragliding or sandboarding.

Consider taking a leisurely ride on one of the dunes' iconic camels, or board the chairlift to the Sakyu Center's observation deck for the best view of the coast. Don't miss the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the geology and ecology of this special area.

For adventurous travelers with a more flexible schedule, the Tottori Sand Dunes make a great starting point for exploring the rest of the prefecture.

Away from the crowds and souvenir shops, amazing discoveries await in a corner of Japan rarely seen by outsiders. Hike the holy mountains of Mt. Mitoku or Mt. Daisen, soak in the lovely baths at Misasa Onsen, visit the quaint town of Wakasa, or explore the Yonago Mizutori Waterbird Park to see unique wildlife and learn about conservation in Japan.