What to know
The Tottori Sand Dunes (鳥取砂丘, Tottori Sakyu) are vast sand formations just outside Tottori city, making them the region's top attraction. Stretching about 16 kilometers along the Sea of Japan coast, they reach up to two kilometers wide and 50 meters high. These dunes are part of the Sanin Kaigan National Park.
Formed over millennia, sand from the nearby Sendaigawa River was carried out to sea and later deposited along the shore by ocean currents. Today, tides and coastal winds constantly reshape the dunes, creating an ever-changing landscape.
The main sightseeing area covers a half-kilometer stretch of sand between the visitor center and the sea. Here you'll find many of the tallest dunes, whose summits offer stunning coastal views. From this area, you can also explore vast sandy expanses extending kilometers in nearly every direction.
Additional attractions include camel and horse-drawn cart rides across the dunes. For the adventurous, local companies offer paragliding and sandboarding (similar to snowboarding). For panoramic views, take the chairlift to the Sakyu Center observation deck.
A short walk away is the Sand Museum, a unique venue showcasing large sand sculptures by international artists. Previously held outdoors or in temporary structures, the museum moved to a permanent building in 2012.
Exhibitions typically change annually, running from mid-April to early January. Each exhibition has a theme, often a country or region. In 2026, the theme is Spain, running from April 24, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)
- Closed
- Between exhibitions from early January to mid April
- Admission
- 800 yen (~$5.12)
- English name
- Sand Museum
- Original name
- Sand Dunes (Tottori Sakyu)
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.