Tottori Sand Dunes

Overall it was amazing place, but one must calculate his/her stamina before making mind to touch the beach, because the sand dunes hike is tough. It’s so easy to go down to the beach, and so hard to hike the dunes.

A beautiful and magnificent natural wonder. I visited in October 2024 and loved it. It was very windy, so I'd recommend bringing sunscreen.

The Tottori Sand Dunes are a super unique spot in Japan — not something you’d expect to find here! While it’s often called “Japan’s desert,” it’s not a real desert and definitely smaller than you’d imagine from photos online. Still, the scenery is gorgeous and totally different from the rest of the country. The dunes stretch along the coast, and you can climb to the top of the largest one for an awesome ocean view. It only takes about 10–15 minutes to walk across, but the wind-sculpted patterns in the sand and the wide, open sky make it feel really special. Just don’t expect endless miles of sand like in a real desert. There are camel rides and activities like sandboarding if you want more adventure, and the Sand Museum nearby is incredible — detailed sculptures made entirely from sand, changing themes every year. If you’re already in the area or passing through Tottori, it’s definitely worth a stop. Just wear comfy shoes (the sand is deeper than it looks), and don’t forget your camera — especially at sunset!

The Tottori Sand Dunes are absolutely breathtaking—like stepping into a desert right by the sea! The vast golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see, with beautiful views of the Sea of Japan on one side and dramatic dune formations on the other. It’s a truly unique landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. Walking across the dunes feels like an adventure, and if you climb to the top, the panoramic view is stunning, especially at sunset. There are also fun activities like camel rides, sandboarding, and the Sand Museum nearby, which has incredible sand sculptures. It’s an unforgettable experience and a must-visit spot in Tottori. Just don’t forget comfortable shoes and plenty of water if you’re exploring in the summer!

The Tottori Sand Dune walk from the entrance to the peak and enjoy the panorama view of the sea & dessert. Take about an hour for the tour here. The quality of sand after a rainy day is not beautiful. Recommend to visit on consecutive sunny days.