Tottori Sand Dunes
Japan's largest sand dunes stretch 16km along the Sea of Japan coast — a genuine desert landscape of shifting ridges, camel rides and paragliding that feels deeply unlike anywhere else in Japan.
2–4 hours
Free
Always open; camel rides: 9:00–17:00; sandboard rental: 9:00–17:00
Year-round (spring for green contrast, winter for snow-dusted dunes)
20 min bus from Tottori station
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The main dune ridge (90m tall) gives panoramic views of the Sea of Japan
- 2
Sandboarding and paragliding available — no experience needed
- 3
Early morning before 9am has fewest footprints for photography
Local Tips
Japan's largest sand dunes (16km long, 2km wide) — a completely unexpected landscape in this mountainous country. The dune crests shift with the wind; footprints disappear overnight. The view from the highest dune crest over the Japan Sea is outstanding. The Sand Museum and the Uradome Coast boat tour (20 min drive) complete the full Tottori coastal experience.
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