Does Japan have a desert in the country? Japan has only one known desert located on Izu Oshima in Tokyo. Regarding sand dunes, there are three major ones, Tottori Sand Dunes, Nakatajima Sand Dunes, and Sakyu (Fukiagehama). They are known as the "Three Great Sand Dunes of Japan."
Dunes are different from deserts. Simply put, sand dunes are hills made of sand carried by the wind. Deserts are areas with annual rainfall of less than 250mm or where evaporation exceeds rainfall, consisting of sandy, gravelly, or rocky land. Therefore, even if the surface of a sand dune is dry, digging a little reveals moist sand underneath.
This article is about the Tottori Sand Dunes. I first visited the Tottori Sand Dunes in the winter of 2018. Located in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan, facing the Sea of Japan, it is one of the most famous sand dunes in the country and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument. It stretches about 16km east to west, with the widest point being about 2km and the highest point reaching about 50 meters.
On rainy days, the dunes become difficult to navigate because the water seeps from the surface of the sand deep into the layers beneath. This creates a sensation of your feet getting caught in the sand as you step, making it very hard to walk. Additionally, there's a significant distance from the parking lot to the shoreline, which is too far to cover by running without getting out of breath.
The Tottori Sand Dunes are characterized by various sand patterns formed by the wind and the beautiful landscape that changes with the season and time of day. You can enjoy nature's art created by the wind, such as ripple marks, sand dunes, and sand mountains. In winter, snow covers the dunes, creating a flat, silvery world. In summer, Tottori Sand Dunes are known for activities like paragliding and sand dune skiing.
When visiting the Tottori Sand Dunes, the Sand Museum is also recommended. It displays sculptures made of sand, introducing cultures and histories from around the world with a different theme each year. The exhibits are incredibly detailed, and it's surprising to see what can be made out of sand.
Environmental conservation efforts are made to protect this unique natural environment. The dunes were once a military training ground, but were left as natural sand land after the war. Later, trees were planted to prevent sand from moving, and settlements were built to secure farmland. However, the fixation of sand led to plants covering the dunes, promoting the spread of grasslands.
In the 1980s, weed removal activities on the dunes began. In cooperation with the citizens, volunteer weed removal at the Tottori Sand Dunes is carried out regularly. In 2011, 85 groups and about 3,500 volunteers participated in the Tottori Sand Dunes cleanup.
Visitors are encouraged to respect nature and act in an environmentally friendly manner. Many tourists love the Tottori Sand Dunes as a place where you can enjoy both natural beauty and unique activities.
If you're interested and learning more about the Tottori Sand Dunes, please visit the official website。
