Tottori Sand Dunes: The Magical Wonders of Nature - Fly GBA

Tottori Sand Dunes: The Magical Wonders of Nature

文:Fly GBA Editior
Yonago City, one of the two major cities in Tottori Prefecture, is a must-visit spot in the region—the largest coastal sand dune in Japan, the "Tottori Sand Dunes." Here, you can experience the incredible craftsmanship of nature. The Tottori Sand Dunes are located near the center of Tottori City, making them easily accessible. You can take a bus from JR Tottori Station heading towards the sand dunes, which takes about 22 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the Kirin bus for transportation.

Some dunes rise up to 50 meters, creating a spectacular sight

 

在鳥取砂丘漫步,走上馬之背.jpeg
Walking on the sand dunes and witnessing their vast and magnificent expanse sounds like an incredible experience!

 

The Tottori Sand Dunes have a history of over 100,000 years and are situated on the western side of the San'in Kaigan National Park, stretching 2.4 kilometers north-south and nearly 16 kilometers along the coast. The dunes were formed by the Chiyo River in Tottori, which carried sediment from the nearby mountains of the San'in region to the Japan Sea. However, due to strong ocean currents and sea winds, the sediment was pushed back to the coast, creating the dunes. Constantly shaped and reshaped by the fierce sea winds, the sands have accumulated over the years to form a golden landscape spanning 30 square kilometers. Some dunes reach heights of up to 50 meters, making it a unique wonder that attracts over 1.3 million visitors each year.

站在砂丘上感受陣陣海風,欣賞日本海的景色.jpeg
Standing on the sand dunes, feeling the sea breeze, and admiring the view of the Sea of Japan sounds absolutely breathtaking!

 

Camel Rides and Cable Car Views of the Dunes

 

騎駱駝在砂丘漫步,視野更廣闊。(鳥取砂丘官網相片).jpg
Riding a camel on the sand dunes offers an even broader view of the landscape. (Photo from the Tottori Sand Dunes official website)
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Feeling the undulating terrain of the sand dunes under your feet sounds like a truly immersive experience!

 

Stepping into the dune area allows you to experience the vastness and magnificence of the dunes. Walking on the sand, you can feel the undulating terrain underfoot. If you reach the high point known as "Bakujin," you can enjoy the expansive view and the unique sand patterns created by the winds from the Japan Sea. For a different perspective, you can ride a camel, which offers a broader view from atop the tall animal, providing a unique experience of the dunes.

以滑翔傘在高空欣賞砂丘,由於地面是沙,沒有樹木和岩石等阻礙物,初學者也適合體驗。(鳥取砂丘官網相片).jpg
Since the ground is sandy with no trees or rocks to obstruct the way, it’s suitable for beginners to experience. (Photo from the Tottori Sand Dunes official website)

 

Additionally, you can take a sightseeing cable car to reach the observation deck in the center of the dunes, where you can gaze down at the sand dunes and the Japan Sea. There are also various unique activities to enjoy, including paragliding, sandboarding, and experiencing yoga at sunrise, sunset, or under the starry sky.

 

Sand Museum: Traveling the World with Sand

 

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To appreciate the magic brought by "sand" and "water," visit the "Sand Museum" located near the Tottori Sand Dunes. The Sand Museum is the world's only indoor art museum that uses "sand" as the material for its sculptures. With the theme of "Traveling the World with Sand," the museum invites sand sculptors from around the globe each year to create large sand sculptures based on various themes, paying meticulous attention to detail and showcasing works of high artistic value.

One major feature of the museum is the concept of "ichigo ichie," where the sculpting theme changes each year, providing a completely different experience with each visit. Past exhibition themes have included Nordic, South Asian, Czech and Slovak, and Egyptian themes. 

南亞篇_印度蒙兀兒王朝第五代國王沙賈汗和王妃的愛情故事.jpeg
South Asia Chapter - The Love Story of Shah Jahan, the Fifth Emperor of the Mughal Empire, and His Queen
南亞篇_印度教神話.jpeg
South Asia Chapter - Hindu Mythology
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South Asia Chapter - Sand Sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi

 

Starting in April 2024, the exhibition will focus on France, inspired by the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, featuring sand sculptors from 20 countries showcasing France's tumultuous history and splendid artistic culture. Notable works will include the Palace of Versailles, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables." Due to the nature of sand sculptures, which can easily collapse over time, there are restrictions on viewing locations and times. The exhibition usually runs from April to January of the following year, so it's best to check the official website for the exhibition dates before visiting.

用沙子環遊世界_法國篇(砂之美術館官網相片).jpg
France Chapter - Traveling the World with Sand. (Photo from the Sand Museum official website)”
法國作家雨果的小說《悲慘世界》(砂之美術館官網相片).jpg
The novel ‘Les Misérables’ by French author Victor Hugo. (Photo from the Sand Museum official website)
巴黎聖母院大教堂(砂之美術館官網相片).jpg
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. (Photo from the Sand Museum official website)

 

Tottori Sand Dunes
•    Address: 2164-661 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
•    Website: https://www.tottori-guide.jp/sakyu/

 


Sand Museum
•    Address: 2083-17 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
•    Website: https://www.sand-museum.jp/

 

 

在鳥取砂丘漫步,走上馬之背.jpeg在砂丘高處遙望附近景色,見識砂丘的遼闊壯麗.jpeg站在砂丘上感受陣陣海風,欣賞日本海的景色.jpeg騎駱駝在砂丘漫步,視野更廣闊。(鳥取砂丘官網相片).jpg
雙足感受砂丘地形的連綿起伏.jpeg
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