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Museum · Tottori, Tottori
Sand Museum
Museum beside the Tottori dunes with large sand sculptures made by sculptors from several countries, in an exhibition on a world theme that changes each year.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Sand Museum in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Sand Museum
The Sand Museum, or Suna no Bijutsukan, is next to the Tottori dunes and was created to display sand sculptures in a covered pavilion for most of the year. The concept is a journey around the world in sand: each season focuses on a country or region, and invited sculptors from various countries spend weeks creating works from dune sand and water, with no internal supports or glue.
The sculptures are large, some several meters high and wide, and depict monuments, historical scenes, figures and legends of the chosen theme. The precision of details—faces, clothing and facades—impresses when you get close. Past exhibitions have covered Italy, South America, South Asia and Japan itself, among other themes.
Because sand does not last indefinitely, the museum closes in winter, usually from early January to mid-April, and the works are dismantled to make way for the next exhibition. The pavilion is covered and protects the sculptures from rain and wind. A mezzanine allows you to view the ensemble from above.
The museum is a few minutes’ walk from the dunes’ entrance and from a coastal overlook. Visiting pairs well with a walk on the sand, preferably before or after the hottest hours.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
From mid-April to early January, when the exhibition is open; check the season’s theme and dates. On summer weekends, arrive early.
How to get there
Bus from Tottori Station to the Sand Museum or dunes stop in about 20 minutes, plus a short walk.
Tip
Go up to the mezzanine to view the sculptures as a whole, then return to ground level for the details.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sand Museum
Is the Sand Museum open year-round?
No. It usually closes from early January to mid-April, when the sculptures are taken down and remade for the new exhibition.
Does the Sand Museum’s theme change?
It changes each season, focusing on a country or region of the world. Check the year’s theme before you go.
Do the Sand Museum sculptures use glue?
No. They’re made only with dune sand and water, with no internal structure.
Where is the Sand Museum located?
Beside the Tottori dunes, about a 20-minute bus ride from the station.
Beyond the guide
