TottoriTravel

Climb the Horse's Back to a Sweeping Panorama of the Japan Sea

About this spot

Japan's largest coastal sand dunes, stretching approximately 16 km east to west and 2.4 km north to south, and the defining landscape of the Sanin Kaigan Geopark. The highlight is the massive sand ridge called the 'Horse's Back,' standing about 47 meters high. The climb up the fine sand is more physically demanding than expected, but the reward is a vast panorama overlooking the deep blue Japan Sea and expansive sand dunes. The wind-sculpted ripple patterns and funnel-shaped depressions in the sand—natural formations created by wind and sand—are also striking features. Walking barefoot allows you to feel the sand's pleasant texture, and both children and adults can become completely absorbed in this landscape meant to be experienced on foot.

Tips

Shoes that keep sand out or going barefoot is recommended (note that daytime summer sand becomes very hot). Bring a hat and water as there is no shade whatsoever. The round trip up the Horse's Back takes over 40 minutes, so allow plenty of time.