Solo Expedition to the Tottori Sand Dunes

First Day in the Japanese Desert

Hello from Tottori! My solo expedition to the Tottori Sand Dunes has officially begun, and what a start it has been! Leaving behind the familiar landscapes of Heidelberg for the unique terrain of Japan's largest sand dunes, I'm already feeling a sense of awe and anticipation for the days ahead. The journey here was quite something, with the flight to Osaka and the subsequent train ride to Tottori. I must admit, I nearly forgot my Japanese phrasebook and portable phone charger in my rush to leave, but thankfully, I remembered just in time!

The weather is warm, typical for July, with the sun beating down, so I'm glad I packed plenty of sunscreen. The forecast predicts some rain in the coming days, but today was perfect for exploring. There is something so surreal about seeing sand dunes against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan. It feels like a world away from everything I know, a welcome change as I embark on this solitary adventure.

My first stop, naturally, was the dunes themselves. Stretching for miles along the coast, they are truly a sight to behold. The fine sand feels incredible underfoot, and the sweeping views of the Sea of Japan are breathtaking. I spent a good amount of time simply walking, taking photos, and soaking in the tranquility. I even saw a few people trying their hand at sandboarding! It looked like fun, but I decided to save that for another day.

The desert is a place of extremes, a place that tests the limits of what we can endure, and yet, it also offers moments of profound peace and beauty.

After working up an appetite exploring the dunes, I headed to SUNABA COFFEE for breakfast. I was intrigued by the story behind this local chain. Apparently, it was created in response to Tottori being the only prefecture without a Starbucks! The governor quipped that they might not have Starbucks, but they have the best 'sunaba' (sandbox) in Japan. I ordered a cafe au lait and some pancakes, and it was the perfect way to start the day. The coffee was strong and handcrafted, just as I like it, and the pancakes were delicious. It's always great to support local businesses, and this one definitely didn't disappoint.

Next on my list was The Sand Museum. I'd heard so much about it, and it exceeded all expectations. The museum features incredible sand sculptures created by artists from around the world. This year's theme is Japan, celebrating the country's history and culture. The level of detail in each sculpture is mind-blowing, and it's amazing to think that these intricate works of art are made entirely of sand and water. I saw sculptures of Nara Buddha and Oda Nobunaga, among others. The museum is indoors, which offered a welcome respite from the midday sun.

For lunch, I decided to try Sakyu Kaikan, a restaurant near the dunes. It's known for its seafood dishes and local products. I opted for the kaisendon, a rice bowl topped with fresh seafood. It was absolutely delicious, and the views of the dunes from the restaurant were stunning. I also browsed the shop, which sells local products such as pickled scallions and pears.

In the afternoon, I returned to the Sand Museum, but this time to visit the museum shop. I wanted to find a unique souvenir to remember my trip. I ended up buying a small sand sculpture kit, thinking it would be a fun way to try my hand at sand art back in Heidelberg.

As evening approached, I made my way to KaiyoTei for dinner. This seafood restaurant is located near the Karo Market, and it's known for its fresh seafood. I ordered the 'dancing squid' which was a unique culinary experience. The squid was served as sashimi while its tentacles were still moving! I also tried the tempura of the tentacles, which was crispy and flavorful. It was definitely a meal to remember.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit the Sakyu Center Observation Terrace for panoramic views of the dunes and try horseback riding. I'm also hoping to check out Shuvi du Bar in the evening. I am curious to see what the bar scene is like here.

All in all, it was an amazing first day. The Tottori Sand Dunes are truly a special place, and I'm so glad I decided to come here. It's a perfect blend of nature, culture, and delicious food. I'm looking forward to exploring more of this unique landscape in the days to come.

Before I turn in for the night, I am going to do some journaling. I am a little tired from the travel and from being in the sun all day. But I want to record all of my experiences from today while they are still fresh in my mind. Good night from Tottori!