Sandboarding at Tottori Sand Dunes

Last Updated on June 3, 2023

Sandboarding is widely practiced in the Tottori prefecture of Japan. The largest sand dune system in the country, the Tottori Sand Dunes, is where all the sandboarding fun is at.

At the site you can also enjoy many activities such as paragliding, camel riding, and going for a visit at the wonderful Sand Museum.

The Tottori Sand Dunes National Park (Tottori Sakyu in Japanese) is home to a 2 km long stretch of coastal sand dunes resembling those of a desert.

The area resembles a desert during summer, while it’s often covered by snow during winter and vegetation during spring and autumn.

You can enjoy great landscapes and recreational activities, and even find camels there – although they are mostly a tourist attraction rather than local wildlife.

Sandboard rental

You can book a sandboarding class in English with the Tottori Sakyu Sand Board School.

For ¥3,500 you will get 2 hours with an instructor and all the equipment you need, including a sandboard or sand sled (for sitting – up to two people and ideal for children).

Mind that the class will only take you to some of the smaller slopes, while you will need to bring your own board if you are planning to go sliding down the taller dunes.

When to go

You can go sandboarding at Tottori Sand Dunes during the summer, any time between the 15th of April and the 30th of November.

You may need to make a reservation by calling 0857-23-1749 (in Japanese) if you are going independently.

During winter, the slopes are often covered in snow or ice and sandboarding and sledding are not allowed, but you are still able to visit.

The Tottori sand dunes experience desert blooming every year from late October to early November. This is the best time to visit if you want to witness the purple scallion flowers blooming next to the dunes.

Other activities

Paragliding

The second most popular sport activity after sandboarding at Tottori is paragliding. This is particularly tempting because it will give you an incredible view of the Sea of Japan from the dunes.

You can arrange a 3 hours class with the Tottori ParaGlider School for ¥8000.

Camel rides

You can arrange to ride a camel through the Rakudaya store (Japanese only, sorry). Fare is ¥1300 for one person or ¥2500 for a tandem.

The Sand Museum

The Sand Museum is a must see during your trip at the Tottori Sand Dunes. It hosts a large number of incredibly stunning sculptures made entirely of sand, with a theme that changes every year.

The sand carving work is impressive and highly detailed, and sure to leave you amazed.

Getting There

From Okayama

From Okayama Station, take the “Super Inaba” Limited Express to Tottori Station → Tottori Sand Dunes Information Center Sandpal Tottori

Approx. 2 hours from Okayama

From the Keihanshin area

Take the “Super Hakuto” Limited Express to Tottori Station → Tottori Sand Dunes Information Center Sandpal Tottori

Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes from Osaka

Read also: Sandboarding in Japan

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Activities covered may change based on your destination and country of residence.

---

Sandboarding in Asia

---