Tottori Sand Dunes

The Tottori Sand Dunes boast an astonishing landscape shaped by the beauty of wind and nature. The dunes, which constantly change shape due to the wind, create natural art pieces such as wind patterns, sand ripples, and sand pillars, making their beauty a must-see.

Additionally, with no obstructions surrounding the area, it is an ideal spot for stargazing. Lying on the dunes while gazing up at the starry sky gives a sensation as if you are enveloped by the universe.

The Tottori Sand Dunes possess different charms throughout the seasons. You can enjoy a relaxed time watching the sunset dyed in shades of crimson or the evening sky. In winter, when the snow blankets the dunes, a world of silver unfolds, presenting a magical landscape to enjoy.

These Tottori Sand Dunes are a miraculous formation crafted over a long period by wind and sand. The undulations of the dunes, the patterns created by the wind, and the unique topography allow visitors to experience an extraordinary worldview and feel the power of the Earth. Furthermore, the Tottori Sand Dunes have been designated as a national natural monument, making them a valuable asset from an academic perspective as well.

Basic Information

Spot Name: Tottori Sand Dunes
Location: 〒689-0105 2164-971 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori-shi, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Access: From JR Tottori Station, take the Hinomaru Bus to Tottori Sand Dunes for 22 minutes and get off at the last stop, which is right there.
From the Chugoku Expressway "Sayō JCT," take the Tottori Expressway to "Tottori IC."
It takes about 20 minutes from Tottori IC.
Parking: Please use the "Tottori Sand Dunes Parking Lot" (in front of the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center).
Business Hours: No information available.
Contact Information: Phone Number： 0857-22-0021
Official Website: https://www.tottori-guide.jp/sakyu/

Map

Detailed Information

▶Difference between Dunes and Deserts
Dunes are hills formed by sand carried by the wind. A desert refers to an area with annual rainfall of less than 250mm, or where evaporation exceeds precipitation, characterized by a land covered with sand, gravel, and rocks. Therefore, even if the surface of a dune is dry, when dug into, it reveals moist sand right away. In contrast, because a desert loses more moisture through evaporation than it receives from rainfall, only dry sand is found even when dug.

▶Formation of the Tottori Sand Dunes
1. Granite from the Chugoku Mountains is weathered into sand.
2. Rainfall causes the sand to flow into the Chiyo River as sediment.
3. The river carries the sand to the Sea of Japan, where waves push it back to the coast.
4. Strong winds blowing from the Sea of Japan carry sand inland.
This process has been repeated over a long period, leading to the formation of the Tottori Sand Dunes.

▶Life in the Tottori Sand Dunes
- Sand temperatures exceeding 50°C on hot summer days
- Strong winds and blowing sand
- Drought conditions on the surface due to poor moisture retention, resulting in sparse food and nutrition
- The danger of being targeted by predators because of the lack of hiding places
In many ways, the dunes present a harsh environment for flora and fauna. Nevertheless, a variety of plants and animals manage to thrive in these extreme conditions of the Tottori Sand Dunes.

▶Community Efforts to Protect the Dunes
Today, the Tottori Sand Dunes are loved as a top tourist destination in Tottori Prefecture, attracting over one million visitors each year. Many local citizens are actively involved in conservation activities to protect this local treasure. Community members participate in beach cleanup campaigns and weeding activities held on summer mornings and evenings, mainly as volunteers. This grassroots involvement is another significant aspect of the Tottori Sand Dunes.