Tottori Sand Dunes: Japan's Desert by the Sea
How to visit the Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's largest dunes on the Sea of Japan: the Umanose ridge, camel rides, the Sand Museum and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: Japan's largest sand dunes, stretching along the coast of Tottori Prefecture.
- Size: around 16 km east to west and up to 2.4 km wide.
- Famous for: the Umanose ridge, the view down to the sea, camel rides and giant sand sculptures.
- Entry: the dunes are free to visit at any time.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours, plus an hour for the Sand Museum.
Japan is a land of mountains and forests, so the Tottori Sand Dunes come as a surprise. Golden sand rises in great waves, ripples in the wind and then tumbles down to the deep blue Sea of Japan.
Why the Tottori Sand Dunes are a wonder
The dunes formed over many thousands of years as sand from the Sendai River was carried out to sea and blown back onto the shore. They are part of the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark.
The wind constantly reshapes the surface, drawing delicate ripples called sand patterns and sometimes forming sand curtains on steep slopes.
Climbing the Umanose
The highlight is the climb up the Umanose, or horse's back, a ridge about 47 metres high. From the top you look straight down a steep slope to the sea.
Many visitors run down the far side to the water's edge and then puff their way back up. Go barefoot in mild weather, but in summer the sand gets very hot.
Things to do
| Activity | What it is | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Umanose ridge | Climb the highest ridge for views of the sea | 45 minutes |
| Camel ride | A short ride or photo with a camel | 15 minutes |
| Sand Museum | Giant sand sculptures on a new theme each year | 1 hour |
| Sandboarding and paragliding | Guided activities on the dune slopes | 1 to 2 hours |
| Sakyu Center viewpoint | An overview of the dunes from the hillside | 20 minutes |
When to go
- Spring and autumn: comfortable temperatures for climbing the dunes.
- Early morning: the best time to see untouched wind ripples before footprints cover them.
- Sunset: golden light over the sand and sea.
- Summer: very hot sand, so wear shoes and go early or late.
Our tip: Visit the Sand Museum next to the dunes. Each year sculptors from around the world carve huge, detailed scenes from sand on a new theme.
Getting there
- From Osaka or Kyoto: the Super Hakuto limited express runs to Tottori Station in about 2.5 hours.
- From Tokyo: fly to Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport in about 1 hour 20 minutes, or take the shinkansen and change at Osaka or Himeji.
- To the dunes: buses run from Tottori Station to the dunes in about 20 minutes.
Protecting the dunes
- Do not write or draw messages in the sand. Graffiti on the dunes is banned under a local ordinance.
- Take all rubbish home with you.
- Bring water and sun protection, as there is no shade on the dunes.
- Follow staff instructions during strong winds or storms.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Tottori Sand Dunes free?
Yes. The dunes are free to visit. The Sand Museum and camel rides have separate fees.
How high is the Umanose ridge?
About 47 metres, with a steep slope down to the sea on the far side.
How do you get to the Tottori Sand Dunes?
Take the Super Hakuto from Osaka or Kyoto to Tottori Station, then a bus of about 20 minutes.
Can you write in the sand?
No. Writing or drawing graffiti in the sand is banned and can lead to fines.
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We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.