Tottori Sand Dunes in Japan. Where snow, sand and sea meet. π²π²
The Tottori Sand Dunes (ι³₯εη δΈ, Tottori Sakyu) are large sand dunes located just outside the city center and are Tottori’s most famous tourist attraction. They span roughly 16 kilometers of coast along of the Sea of Japan and are up to two kilometers wide and 50 meters high. They are part of the Sanin Kaigan National Park.
The sand dunes were created over thousands of years, as sand from the nearby Sendaigawa River was washed out to sea and eventually redeposited along the coast by the ocean’s currents. Today, the movement of the tides and the coastal winds continuously shape the sand dunes and provide an ever changing landscape.
The main sightseeing area spans a half kilometer swath of sand between the visitor center and the sea. Many of the largest sand dunes are found here, and their tops provide visitors with beautiful views out over the coast. From here you can also explore the vast expanses of sand which lead off for several kilometers in almost every direction.
There are also a number of other attractions to enjoy around the dunes. Camel and horse drawn cart rides travel the dunes, while the more adventurous might try paragliding or sandboarding (a variation of snowboarding) which are offered by local companies. Views over the dunes can be enjoyed from the observation deck of the Sakyu Center, which is connected with the sand dunes by a chair lift.
