Tottori Sand Dunes

Tottori Sand Dunes

San’in Kaigan National Park was designated as quasi-national park in 1955 and was promoted to a national park in 1963.  As for Tottori Sand Dunes, 131 hectares, which has a good landscape of dunes were designated as a special protection area, where all harmful acts are strictly restricted. Moreover, in 1955, Tottori Sand Dunes were designated as a national natural monuments for its academic value, such as large undulations as a coastal dune, unique geographical features and plant cummunities peculiar to dunes, such as wind ripples, sand curtains, sand columns and roundleaf chaste tree (vitex rotund folia).

The difference between dune and desert

Dune is a mound or hill of sand piled up by the wind. Desert is an area where the annual precipitation is less than 250mm, or an excess of evaporation over precipitation, and is consistent with sand, gravel, and rocks.

Therefore, even if the surface of the dune apprears to be dry, wet sand soon comes out when it is dug. On the other hand, desert evaporation exceeds precipitation, only dry sand comes out even if it is dug.

Origins of the Tottori Sand Dunes

①The granite rocks on Chugoku Mountains have been weathered into sands.

②The sands are carried into the Sendai River by heavy rains.

③The sands are transported to the Sea of Japan by the river and were swept to offshore will be launched to the coast by the waves.

④Carried to the land by the strong wind blowing from the Sea of Japan.

Tottori Sand Dunes have been created by repeating the above over a long period.

Wildlife of the Tottori Sand Dunes

・The sand temperature exceeds 50℃ on hot summer days

・Blowing strong winds and flying sands

・Dry surface and lack of food (nutrition) due to the poor moisture retention of the sand

・The dunes are tough environment for animals and plants to live in, such as  the danger of being targeted by predators because there are no hiding places

However, various animals and plants live in the harsh environment in the Tottori Sand Dunes.

Protect the Sand Dunes by the Citizens

Today, Tottori Sand Dunes are the most popular sightseeing spot in Tottori Prefecture, more than 1 million tourists visit every year, and many citizens are conducting conservation activities in the sand dunes to protect the local treasure.

Volunteer activities at the Tottori Sand Dunes such as clean up the beach and weeding in the early morning and evening of summer are mostly held by local citizens. This is another major feature of the Tottori Sand Dunes.