Tottori Sand Dunes & Coastal Geopark, San'in Kaigan, Tottori

About this place

Live Coastal Dune Panorama Stream | Tottori Sand Dunes & Coastal Geopark, San'in Kaigan, Tottori, Japan. Recognized as a National Natural Monument and the crown jewel of the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, the Tottori Sand Dunes stretch 16 kilometers along the Sea of Japan. Rising up to 50 meters high at the 'Horse's Back' (Umanose) ridge, these monumental shifting dunes feature mesmerizing wind-rippled sand patterns (famon) created over 100,000 years by mountain granite deposits and ocean tides.

Climbing to the sandy crest rewards visitors with a stunning contrast between golden dunes and deep blue ocean waves. At the dune entrance plaza, feast on beloved local delicacies: savory Matsuba crab cream buns, chilled soft-serve ice cream infused with 20th Century Pears, and unique hot-spring eggs cooked directly in heated dune sands (Suna-tamago).

✦ Must-Visit Highlights:

▸ Monumental 50-Meter Umanose Ridge: Ascend the colossal 'Horse's Back' dune for breathtaking aerial vistas over the Sea of Japan.

▸ Shifting Wind Ripples & Camel Rides: Marvel at delicate natural ripple patterns across golden sands or enjoy iconic camel rides.

▸ Dune Sand-Cooked Eggs & Pear Ice Cream: Taste traditional eggs roasted in hot volcanic sand, sweet pear ice cream, and crab buns.