Ways to have fun at Tottori Sand Dunes even when it rains
There are many places near Tottori Sand Dunes where you can have a good time even on rainy days! Here are some ways to spend your time there.
Take a rainy day walk along the sand dunes
There are fewer tourists on rainy days, so you can enjoy the quiet sand dunes, unmarked by numerous footprints. If the rain is light, why not try walking with an umbrella? Many have the impression that the sand dunes become muddy when it rains, but the sandy soil actually drains water well. The sand, which is usually soft and powdery, hardens when wet, so it is actually easier to walk on than on sunny days. If you are concerned about wet feet, you can rent rubber boots or purchase shoe covers at nearby git shops.
■A pleasant discovery on rainy days!
On sunny days, the dry sand is quickly blown away by the wind, erasing animal tracks. However, when it rains, it becomes easier to spot tracks that are left behind by animals that live in the sand dunes, such as foxes, raccoon dogs, and deer.
■A chance to see a large oasis!
When it rains, the rainwater that falls on the sand dunes supplies water to the oasis beneath Umanose, causing it to expand. You can enjoy a different view of the sand dunes than on sunny days.
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Make good use of the convenient facilities nearby
On the east side of the sand dunes, there are gift shops and restaurants lining the road from the Sand Museum to the entrance of the sand dunes. Gift shops rent rubber boots for walking on the sand dunes and sell shoe covers, so please use these services if you are concerned about getting your feet dirty.
Foot washing facilities are provided at the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center and Tottori Sand Dunes Field House.
See, learn about, and experience the sand dunes in their usual state, through videos and exhibits (1)
Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center
The Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center serves as the base for visitors to the Tottori Sand Dunes. If you want to enjoy the sand dunes on a rainy day, we recommend coming here first. You can watch various views of the sand dunes on video, touch and play with wind patterns in the SUNAKURA section, and view specimens on display. It is a place where you can learn about the usual state of the sand dunes.
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Be sure to experience the wind tunnel device that generates wind patterns!
The Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center offers indoor guided tours. On rainy days when it is difficult to see the wind patterns in person, you can observe them using special equipment. Using the unique wind tunnel device that generates wind patterns, which can only be found here, you can watch the wind patterns form while listening to the guide's explanations. It has been designed to be a fun experience for both grownups and children.
The guide also shares various interesting facts about the sand dunes, making you want to explore the sand dunes even on rainy days and inspiring you to visit again in the future.
*Guided tours are available in Japanese only. Please contact the center in advance if you require an English-speaking guide.
See, learn about, and experience the sand dunes in their usual state, through videos and exhibits (2)
Tottori Sand Dunes Field House
The Tottori Sand Dunes Field House in San'in Kaigan National Park is a facility that opened in 2023 on the western side of the sand dunes. It features panel displays for understanding more about Tottori Sand Dunes and video presentations that recommend activities, so you can take shelter from the rain while learning about the sand dunes. Using the tablet devices provided, you can tap on various spots on the sand dunes to view 360-degree panoramic views of the landscape.
There are few tourists on the western side of the sand dunes where the Tottori Sand Dunes Field House is located, so there is a high chance of catching spectacular views of the vast sand dunes with no one else around. On rainy days, you may even get the sand dunes all to yourself.
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Ichirimatsu Pine Tree, which stands on the western side of Tottori Sand Dunes
When you visit the Tottori Sand Dunes Field House, the first thing you will see is a magnificent Japanese black pine tree that is more than 150 years old. Although it appears to be two trees, it is in fact a single tree growing from the same root beneath the sand. In the past, pine trees were planted every Japanese ri (approximately 4 km) to help travelers estimate distances. This tree has withstood the harsh winds and rain blowing in from the Sea of Japan and continues to stand majestically, watching over visitors to the sand dunes today, just as it has done in the past.
The Tottori Sand Museum
A place that you should definitely visit on a rainy day is the Tottori Sand Museum. It is the only place in the world with a permanent exhibition of sand sculptures, or “sand statues,” made from the sand of the sand dunes. When you enter the exhibition room, you will be greeted by impressive works created by sand sculptors from around the world.
The Sand Museum is an indoor facility so you can enjoy it even on rainy days.
Enjoy the sand dunes from indoors
This section introduces some spots you can enjoy indoors on rainy days.
■Recommended ways to have fun (1)
Panoramic views of the sand dunes from the restaurant on the 2nd floor of Tottori Golf Club
Located on an elevation in the Tottori Sand Dunes area, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sand dunes from this restaurant. It is open to the public, even if you are not playing golf.
We also recommend having lunch or tea here. It is a hidden gem that is not well known to tourists.
On wet days, the sand dunes exude a mystical beauty amid the rain.
◆Operating hours of the restaurant
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Lunch time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
*Light meals are only available outside of lunch hours
Details here (Japanese)
■Recommended ways to have fun (2)
Takahama Cafe, a new spot
Takahama Cafe opened in August 2022.
It is well worth visiting and admiring this unique building, inspired by the sand dunes and designed by architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed the National Stadium, the main stadium for the Tokyo Olympics.
Enjoy a menu of Tottori-style gourmet dishes such as Daisen Bacon Bikkuri Burger and 20th Century Pear Shake.
Details here (Japanese)
■Recommended ways to have fun (3)
Enjoy the open space of SAND BOX TOTTORI
This facility can also be used as a workspace. It is equipped with power outlets and free Wi-Fi.
There is a dining café on the first floor, which can also be used as a cafeteria.
We recommend taking breakfast or lunch in this stylish space while gazing at the sand dunes.
Details here (Japanese)
Fukube Sakyu Onsen Fureai Kaikan, Tottori City
There are also hot springs in the Tottori Sand Dunes area.
It is about 5 minutes by car from the eastern part of the sand dunes. You can enjoy bathing in the hot springs while gazing out at the magnificent Sea of Japan.
Both the men’s and women's baths offer breathtaking views, allowing you to refresh both your body and mind. Towels are available for sale, so feel free to drop by and visit.
San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, Museum of the Earth and Sea
This museum introduces the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, which includes the Tottori Sand Dunes.
It features fun and easy-to-understand exhibits on the formation of the San'in Kaigan coastline and the plants and animals that inhabit it.
In the water tank next to the entrance, you can observe common fish from the Sea of Japa, as well as rare species. The 3D video corner showcases the attractions of the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark through realistic, immersive videos.
The museum also displays samples of the sand dunes' geological layers, so visitors can learn more about the sand dunes from a perspective different from that offered by the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center and Tottori Sand Dunes Field House.
On rainy days, why not go a little further from the sand dunes to the museum?