Sandboarding — snowboarding’s desert cousin — is one of the most fun and accessible activities at the Tottori Sand Dunes. You strap onto a board and slide down the steep slip-face of a dune, with the soft sand making for gentle, forgiving landings that suit total beginners and children. Local operators run guided lessons that include the board, basic instruction and the walk back up, on a slope steep enough to be genuinely exciting. No snow, no cold and no ski resort required — just a great slope of sand by the Sea of Japan, and a chance to try a board sport in an unusual setting.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Tottori City, Tottori |
| Hours | Lesson times vary; book ahead |
| Admission | Lessons roughly ¥3,000–4,500 |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Spring to autumn; not in rain or high wind |
What to Do
- Sliding down a dune slip-face on a sandboard.
- Beginner-friendly lessons with soft sand landings.
- Board, instruction and the climb back included.
- A board sport with no snow or cold required.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with a walk on the Tottori Sand Dunes .
- Pair with camel riding on the sand.
- Read our Tottori overview .
Getting There
- At the dunes: operators run lessons on the main dune slopes.
- Booking: reserve online or by phone in advance.
Tips
Book a lesson in advance rather than turning up, as operators run set sessions and provide the board and instruction, and expect a real workout — climbing back up the soft slope after each run is the tiring part. Wear clothes you don’t mind filling with sand, bring water and sun protection, and note sessions are cancelled in rain or strong wind.
