Japan's Crazy Desert Revealed: Tottori Sand Dune Adventure ★ ONLY in JAPAN

Yes, Japan has a desert compete with camels, sane dunes and ... a world class art museum with sand sculptures! This time, John heads to this barren wasteland devoid of vending machines for a taste of the Sahara - in Japan.
100,000 years ago, this area turned into a desert because sand flew in from the sea accumulating over many millennia. The result is a 16 km by 2 km wide desert that was growing until about 50 years ago when the city residents decided enough was enough.
MORE HISTORY:
After World War 2, a barricade was built to prevent tsunami and residents planted trees to stop the desertification. Now the desert area is shrinking and because of its uniqueness and lure for domestic and international tourism, the residents no longer want to stop it. In fact, 6000 volunteers in 2015 come out every few months to put pull out the vegetation all in the name of ecology!
History and problems aside, this place rocks!
50 meter high sand dunes overlook the beautiful Sea of Japan to the horizon.
THE SAND MUSEUM:
I didn't just come here for the sand dunes.
The SAND MUSEUM is a world class art museum produced by Chaen Katsuhiko who tells us his story and the reason why the Tottori Sand Dunes are so special in the world today.
Indeed, it's become a center of sand sculpting with a massive indoor enclosure housing dozens of sand sculpture displays created by guest artists from around the world and a place of pride for the city to Tottori.
Every year THE SAND MUSEUM has a major theme with new designs, reusing the sand to make a new world for visitors. This year's theme is South America and it's history with a special emphasis on Rio DeJanaro which hosted the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
URL: www.sand-museum.jp/en/
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)
Closed between exhibits from January to Early April.
Entrance fee: 600 yen *Info in English
The Tottori Sakyu (Sand Dunes)
URL: sakyu.city.tottori.tottori.jp/ (Japanese only)
HOW TO GET TO TOTTORI CITY FROM TOKYO:
There are daily flights to Tottori Conan Airport from ANA and JAL from Haneda in Tokyo.
It's best to book as far ahead as possible since the price is cheaper in advance. Foreign tourists may get a discount on the JAL and ANA English websites.
FROM OSAKA:
There are buses and trains but flying is still the fastest and easiest.
Daily flights from Itami Airport and Kansai.
FROM TOTTORI CONAN AIRPORT TO THE SAND DUNES:
There is a bus that goes directly to the sand dunes.
The sand dunes and museum are between the airport and central train station.
There are buses for 300 yen departing JR Tottori Station for the Sand Museum every 15-20 minutes.
MUSIC CREDIT:
Thank you always TEKNOAXE
"Thirst for Water"
/ teknoaxe

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thanks for watching! Get updates on INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/onlyinjapantv/ and scenes from the next episode. Would love to hear your feedback on this episode. What did you think? Too much sand? -john

[@awesomejess]

I think it's awesome. Very fascinating view, I've never been there but visiting the sand museum sounds interesting to visit. Next time, I go to Japan, I'll come and see it. Thanks for showing it John!

[@Syrephine]

I think this is so cool, I learned more about Japan's sand dunes. Wait .......John your were suppose to get on that camel for us!! LOL So is there like local food that you can eat there while admiring the dunes or do you need to bring like a picnic type lunch? Sand, beach, eater nope just perfect!

[@TrueMexico]

What! No vending machines in sight?!! Seriously, this was a great a video. I never imagined sand dunes like this in mainland Japan.

[@iamjonyboi1335]

Finally the QnA I cannot wait I will check every day for this video

[@Wytchlord]

In the beginning when I clicked on the video I thought it was a stupid topic. I mean, come on, that is supposed to be a desert? But then during the wathing of the video my feelings changed, especially after seeing the sand sculptures. They look awesome. And having a minidesert in your country is probably quite nice actually ^^

[@Michael.Cocchiaro]

I am 64 years old and I am a long time viewer. I would like to tell you, John, how much I enjoy your videos. Your enthusiasm, style of presentation, personality and skills of imparting fascinating information are exemplary. My brother has been to Japan but I doubt that I will ever get to visit Japan due to financial considerations. So, your videos are especially significant and meaningful to me. Thank you for all your work. Sincerely, Gerard Cochario

[@shiroeschulz4515]

Yay new video thanks!

[@thereisnoname8144]

"Devoid of all vending machines"😁 Another great video. Loved it!! Thankyou so much for your effort!

[@JimJones-999]

Very interesting show, please keep on working on more great episodes.

[@gewglesux]

So many ideas i get from this series! thanks again John.

[@zeldainspace]

I love watching these videos! Thank you so much for doing them!💞😄

[@MrDcseltzer]

Loved it John !!

[@rewmoto]

Great video, as usual, thank you for bringing these happy slices of Japan to me in South Carolina.

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

If you'd like to add subtitles to this video, I'd really appreciate it! A lot of tourists, esp from Taiwan and East Asia come here so Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese / Thai would really help other viewers. I did the English subtitles as clean as possible to help. kzbin.info_video?ref=share&v=LgaeKIo0-qc -john

[@user-xz8my2ht5u]

I waited expectantly your new video! And I added JAP subs right now. Thanks this video, john. I'm weak in English hearing, but your English pronunciation is easy to understand to me.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+夜盗エメラルド awesome!! I'll approve them right away.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+夜盗エメラルド Really appreciate it :) 本当にありがとうございました m(_ _)m

[@user-xz8my2ht5u]

I'm sorry, John. JPN subs of #32 (sunrise IZUMO ep) was truncated in the middle. Would you like confirm it once again?

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+夜盗エメラルド Okay! I'll do that now. Thank you for explaining and fixing it! -John

[@pedrofaba]

Another great video,thanks

[@damien_t]

Great episode!

[@undefinegravity]

I love the sand sculptures Awesome video!

[@user-hp2wn9wc5r]

Thank you for your great movie! I am from Tottori and very happy to see this.

[@jerryeng17]

good job. john, this is great video... i love it...

[@nobutaaaaaaaaa]

Those sand sculptures are amazing! Very talented. Interesting take on giving sand back to nature every year

[@MaraWaka]

I didn't know about this! This is really cool! Thank you for posting this!

[@sevenpawsomepets]

Whoa, That's so cool!! Awesome video John! :)

[@robertl8429]

another good video, great job man

[@ASHERUISE]

Thanks for sharing! I would roll down the dunes. The museum is very cool.

[@danielyachi4724]

Thank you so much I love your vids

[@leodalitz6885]

Another great video from Only in Japan. =D

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

Chaen has a wonderful philosophy, what a labor of love

[@deadby15]

Many people talk deep but few can present the philosophy so clearly/concretely.

[@muhammadfirdauskosnan126]

great video..thanks for the adventures you shared

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I can't thank you enough for watching and joining me. THANK YOU!! So much adventure yet to come! -John

[@jvarona3057]

Nice episode as always John! Machu Picchu in the sand was breathtaking! So amazing to know you were in my country. Hope you enjoyed it, and got to see more than Lima and Cuzco!

[@ffirzadiq]

You're soo lucky to live in Japan.. hopefully I can visit Japan soon

[@Jaybi_Haider]

Me too.

[@SUPERGENKI]

Me too..... erm......

[@pierre_gaston]

He's not lucky, he worked hard for it.

[@marbyyy7810]

Fiqa Firzadiq I hope to live in Japan someday

[@samcruzznick]

+Pierre Gaston nah hes half japanese so he can live there

[@ThatOneSceneDude]

Still one of the best channels on KZbin!

[@kyotocoversjimanderson782]

I went to the sand dunes yesterday! Wonderful sight, and a wonderful salmon donburi lunch too!

[@machiavellimd3901]

Please upload videos more often. Love them!

[@sailorninja]

Thank you John for making such amazing, nice and interesting videos :)

[@buzzfeedv2375]

Keep up the good work!

[@psygn0sis]

Amazing artwork!

[@sellishalockyer4765]

I literally checked your page two hours ago thinking hmmmm must be a new video soon .... Check again and boooom! There it is 😄

[@BlindGuardian050]

thanks again that was amazing, love your content keep it up you are awesome

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thank you so much for watching! Awesomeness all around!! -john

[@Joycejoplin]

I loved this episode...I'm so grateful to have found your channel..

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I'm so glad you found the channel too, Joyce! Thank you! -John

[@user-ty4kb7xs5b]

I can't wait for the next video

[@AbdulHisyam]

_nice tour_

[@Navimumbhai]

😍 yay another video

[@tthanhtamae86]

Love this channel! Someone sign this guy up for a TV show or something!

[@skauter1]

dude you are one of mine favorite youtubers keep on the great work !!!

[@StrangeThingsHappenInAmerica]

Very nice place to visit, love the museum! :)

[@taborkyla3927]

Nice videos man keep up the good work 😀😊

[@Christine12372]

this is amazing!

[@giginovak8027]

Chaen san is really good looking. ..and that smile is to die for!

[@courtneyhall7140]

john,after stumbling across your channel a few days ago,i have been watching all of them.i just wanted to let you know how much i have enjoyed them.i was a sailor stationed at the marine corp base at iwakuni between 1967 and 1968.i got to see several places,but the hiways were very remote in those days.your videos bring back many happy memories,thank you.

[@tenoriomaya]

great video

[@EezeeListen]

Stunning.

[@leodalitz6885]

Can't wait for the Q and A

[@slnphil]

I really wish you would put out videos more often! lol I know it's a lot of work but I love them!! :)

[@MuscleAL]

Look like a very interesting place! Thank for sharing! I am visiting this place next year in a package tour, and hope it will be as interesting as you shown us! 😉

[@StrikeFreedom1920]

That looked sandtastic X-)

[@gewglesux]

Nice one!

[@moistsquish]

Ahaha very clever hats of to you sir👌

[@yitzchaksviridyuk932]

lol no...I don't know whether to laugh or cry. X'D

[@jamesmansfield1885]

Cool video

[@Master-Mo]

Wow, that's impressive! I just love this channel. Every episode is so well made!

[@supeerbauii]

ive been here this month only..i fell in love with japan #whenintottori

[@YSFmemories]

detective conan had an episode recently featuring this place :D

[@applekid02]

That's because the writer of Detective Conan was born in Tottori prefecture. plus his museum is there in it.

[@SayantanDatta07]

among your all only in Japan video, i liked it most...

[@leftyfourguns]

The scale and detail in those sculptures is absolutely incredible

[@hijack69]

Another great video and FINALLY...the QnA ..also great idea to make it 360°..when are you gonna upload it btw?????

[@brandonkalyan]

absolutely in awe

[@msspears8915]

Amazing.

[@ILordSpawnI]

I like how there is a museum for everything.

[@MyLifeJapanTV]

John, your production went up like a friggin' THOUSAND percent on this episode! Cheers!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thanks Alan! -J

[@bartman898]

another great video Thanks. Great camera work especially if you do it all yourself.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Shooting in 4K with Panasonic's GH4 then editing it in HD size gives a lot of flexibility to make panning shots as though a cameraman is there :) THANKS! -J

[@GilGoldshlager]

Great video, love the view of the ocean, the museum looks really cool! may visit there this November, thanks :)

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

YesX loved the view from the top! I sat there for a while. Was actually wondering how long it might take to sail to China or Korea from here ... and life as we know it ;) -J

[@darkroronoa]

That museum looks amazing!

[@vskbm1]

Very Nice

[@ShaunDreclin]

amazing sculptures! I love the idea of them returning the sand every year and starting new with a new exhibit. very natural. also it must be fun to get to smash them all haha like stomping on a big sand castle

[@DoncasterA1Music]

Japan= shake Sand dunes= whipped cream Sand sculpture museum= cherry on top The perfect Japanese sundae!

[@LongPham-sf1po]

So cool

[@MsAustralopitecus]

Awesome museum, its unique and beautiful. Xoxo from Mexico.

[@rouleigh]

I love how Japan has museums everywhere you go, I think it's just wonderful and I'm sure educational too!

[@markplott4820]

roule - Tokyo even has a Ramen Museum, great place to eat.

[@ScienceDiscoverer]

@@markplott4820 DON'T EAT EXHIBITION ITEMS!

[@kellykegler9511]

Awesome

[@ChristianJiang]

The sculptures are amazing! Didn't expect this kind of landscape in Japan!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Freaked me out. Didn't know where I was for a bit -- just sat there for a while looking at the sea fro the sand dune. Very cool! -- and hot, too. -John

[@ChristianJiang]

ONLY in JAPAN Whaaaa, I'm afraid of hot temperatures xD Had a bad time during a trip in the US...

[@jrh5974]

Awesome new video! How are you able to visit so many places?

[@JajaPiamonte]

@I ❤️all your videos. Keep updating! 👌🏽👍🏾👏🏼👏🏼Godbless

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thanks for the love :) here's some right back from Tokyo ❤-️John

[@iamjonyboi1335]

First one thanks for the new video

[@andyhuang769]

good video

[@ohpoorcricket6904]

I ah no idea that Japan had a desert! Too awesome!!

[@maggyfrog]

wow i had no idea there is such a place in japan. this is really awesome :3

[@myronkotaishi2536]

One more GREAT video!!! Congratulations!!! Best Regards from Greece!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Greetings from Tokyo! Thanks for the message! :) -John

[@myronkotaishi2536]

Mr John stay forever healthy, smiling and postive like now! I can't wait to watch your next video! Japan is the most beautiful country! Myron:)-

[@ayumexicali]

love your videos!!! saludos desde Mexico!!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Greetings from Tokyo. Muchas gracias! ARIGATOU!! THANK YOU!! -john

[@carmcam1]

ooohhh i will definitely go here this coming december.

[@zcvxs]

too cool....

[@alexisbanuelosnunez8634]

amaizing 👍👍👍👍👍

[@brokenredflag]

sooo cool!!! viva la god i guese lolo . my favoret epesode so far is the manga one and the field of blue flowers.

[@masakithai]

Tottori is not only Sand Dune. Tottori's 20th century pear is so juicy and good.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Tottori pears are awesome! I love Mount Daisen which will celebrate its 1300th anniversary soon around the Sanin area! The best water and air in Japan! Kaike Onsen is also really nice. Wish I could do more in Tottori. Really love it there. -John

[@suriahagumi]

When you half-awake and trying to stream youtube video "ohh crazy DESSERT"...and...yeah it DESERT!! well keep it up John!! still need to fix my notification.. it's not pop up again!!...

[@girlonpurpleyoshi2225]

i visited japan to visit my dad there he let me go there it was pretty hard to climb up lol but the view of the ocean was worth it!

[@luvsuneja]

This is fantastic! It'd be great to do something like this here in Dubai.

[@trunks6928]

About time

[@rebeccasabet2802]

Reminds me of the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan in the USA.

[@deemon710]

Nice closing line.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

We have the Dunes here in Illinois/ Michigan/ Indiana. They are amazing. wish we could get sand castles here

[@ClydeinJapan]

Waaah, and I thought *regular* Japan was humid, lol! Great vid, keep em' coming! (^^)v

[@karenlao3728]

i liked it

[@spoonman8828]

I like these vids but idk why they always get me sleepy asf

[@TrueMexico]

I'd love to see you & *Peter Barakan* in the same video one day. I am just trying to decide who is cooler...you or Peter! That Peter is one suave man.

[@adanmacias1954]

That cool

[@gaurimahajan8410]

"Where you can see the whole horizon and contemplate life as you know it..." xD There are deserts mostly where there is sea or previously there used to be one. Loved this place. Looking forward for your next video. 😄