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The Sand Museum: A World of Art in Sand

Experience the world's first indoor sand sculpture museum, featuring stunning, large-scale art that changes every year. A unique Tottori attraction!

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The Sand Museum, located near the Tottori Sand Dunes, is the world's first indoor museum dedicated to sand sculptures. Each year, international sculptors create intricate works based on a different theme, offering a unique and ephemeral art experience.

A brief summary to The Sand Museum

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for the current exhibition theme and opening dates, as it's closed for exhibit changes.
  • The museum is indoors, making it a great destination regardless of the weather.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking.
  • Visit the Tottori Sand Dunes and the Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center while you're in the area.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Tottori Station, take either the regular Sakyu Line bus or the Kirinjishi Loop Bus. Both depart from bus stop #0 in front of the station. The Sakyu Line bus takes about 20 minutes and costs ¥370. The Kirinjishi Loop Bus operates on weekends, holidays, and daily during August. A single ride on the Kirinjishi bus costs ¥300, or you can purchase a day pass for ¥600. Get off at the 'Sand Museum' (Suna Bijutsukan-mae), 'Sakyu Kita-guchi', or 'Sakyu Center Tenbo Dai' bus stop, all a short walk from the museum.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Tottori Station. The ride to the Sand Museum takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately ¥2,400 - ¥3,000. Alternatively, Tottori City offers a special 3-hour taxi tour for foreign visitors for ¥2,000 per person, available at the Tottori City International Tourist Support Center near the north exit of JR Tottori Station. Check availability and book in advance.

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Discover more about The Sand Museum

The Sand Museum in Tottori is a unique art space where the beauty of sand is celebrated through impressive sculptures. Opened in 2006 and later moved to a permanent indoor space in 2012, the museum has become a world-renowned venue for sand art. Each year, under the direction of executive producer Katsuhiko Chaen, the museum invites sculptors from around the globe to create detailed and large-scale works, using only sand and water. The museum's concept, "Travel Around the World in Sand," ensures a fresh experience each year, with themes focusing on different regions, countries, or historical periods. Past exhibitions have showcased regions like Asia, Africa, and South America, as well as countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. These sculptures are not permanent; at the end of each exhibition, the works are dismantled, and the sand is reused for the next theme, highlighting the beauty of impermanence. Located a short distance from the Tottori Sand Dunes, the museum offers visitors a chance to appreciate both the natural beauty of the dunes and the artistic creations within the museum. The museum provides a memorable experience, regardless of the weather, as the indoor setting allows for year-round viewing.

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