The Tottori Sand Dunes, known for their sweeping views over the Sea of Japan, offer a wide range of hands-on activities to match the Golden Week travel season. Beyond simply taking in the scenery, visitors can glide down sandy slopes, soar above the dunes, pedal across the sandy terrain, and more. Here is an overview of the activities available at Tottori Sand Dunes.
Activity 1: Sandboarding — Sliding Down a Golden Slope Overlooking the Sea of Japan
One of the most iconic experiences at the sand dunes is sandboarding, where participants ride a board down sandy slopes. The Tottori Sand Dune Sandboard School operates sandboarding and sand slider sessions within the nationally designated Tottori Sand Dunes park area. The roughly 30-degree slope delivers a genuine sense of speed, and the sand slider option allows parents and children to enjoy the activity together — making it a fitting choice for Golden Week family visits.
Activity 2: Paragliding — Taking to the Skies Above the Dunes and the Sea
Paragliding is also available at the sand dunes through Zero Paraglider School, which offers beginner-friendly sessions suited to those new to the sport or less athletically inclined. The open sandy terrain allows for unobstructed landings, and practice slopes are selected according to wind direction. A half-day school course is available with AM and PM sessions, and equipment rental is included in the course fee.
Activity 3: Fat Biking — Riding Across the Sand on Wide-Tire Bicycles
Camel Cycle Club runs guided bicycle tours through the Tottori Sand Dunes national park area using fat bikes — bicycles equipped with extra-wide tires capable of riding over sand. Participants can pedal through the vast landscape under instructor guidance, making it accessible even for first-time riders.
Activity 4: Camel Riding — An Exotic Experience at the Dunes
Camel riding is one of the most recognizable experiences at Tottori Sand Dunes. Rakudaya offers rides on real camels, an unusual sight in Japan, allowing visitors to walk around the area atop the animals against the backdrop of the dunes. Note that sessions may be suspended in poor weather such as rain or strong winds. During the Golden Week period, rides may be limited to children only, depending on the camels' condition.
Activity 5: Sand Dune Segway — Exploring the Western Area on an Off-Road Segway
An off-road Segway tour is available for those looking to cover more ground across the dunes. The course spans approximately 6.5 kilometers and includes elevated viewpoints and the quieter western sections of the dune area. Tours are led by Segway Japan-certified instructors who also hold qualifications as sand dune guides and Tottori Tourism Meisters.
Activity 6: Photo Guide Tour — Capturing the Dunes with a Smartphone
A photo guide tour lets visitors explore the dunes alongside a guide while learning how to capture striking images with a smartphone. The guide leads participants to lesser-known spots within the dunes, and the photos taken during the tour are shared with participants at the end, making it easy to post directly to social media.
