In Japan, which is abundant in water and greenery, the only place you can see dry, beige-colored scenery is at the Tottori Sand Dunes. Most people who stand before the 545 hectares of beige sand are amazed, exclaiming "Is this really Japan?!" However, many people may also assume that the façade of sand is all there is, and that the scenery is always the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. Throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter, the dunes exhibit many faces.
In spring and autumn, the windprints - created by seasonal winds - are the thing to see. They can be seen occasionally year-round, but spring and autumn are the time when they appear most often. In spring, it's the southwestern "land wind", and in autumn, it's the northwestern "sea wind", but both blow strongly, carving breathtaking designs on top of the sand. Add to this beauty the misty feel of spring or the breezy feel of autumn, and the dunes present a different atmosphere through the seasons.
Wind isn't the only force of nature that works its wonder on the sand canvas. There are myriad works of sand art that appear, including the "sachu", or sand spouts that tend to appear after monsoonal rains, as well as the "saren", or sand screens that appear due to the delicate balance of falling sand on dune slopes. In winter, the purest white snow sleeps atop the dunes, giving them a soft look.
In summer, the sand dunes take on a romantic mood with the "isaribi", or fishing fires. Isaribi refers to the fires or lights used to attract squid when fishing offshore in the Sea of Japan. They are best viewed after the sun dips into the sea, and before the veil of night completely descends. While the evening glow remains in the sky, these lights sparkle as though stars have fallen onto the sea surface. As the sky darkens and the wind cools, the lights become brighter, and a quiet, peaceful air flows in.
Finally, there's one thing you've got to try if you visit: Walk on the dunes with your bare feet (but watch out, it can be hot - evening is best in summer). The sand of the dunes is finer than beach sand, and it feels nicer and nicer as it falls between your fingers and toes. As you walk with bare feet, you'll be able to feel the delicacy of the dunes. Indeed, there are many ways to experience not only the grandeur, but also the contrasting faces of the dunes by looking, feeling, and touching them throughout the seasons.
Reference Website
▽Tottori Sightseeing Association
http://www.torican.jp/
