Tottori Sand Dunes Shaped by Nature and Human Ingenuity
History and Cultural Significance of Japan’s Iconic Landscape
Tottori Sand Dunes, located in Tottori Prefecture, are famed as a scenic landmark that draws approximately one million visitors annually. Formed around 100,000 years ago, the dunes originated from sediment carried by the nearby Sendai River flowing into the Sea of Japan, gradually accumulating along the coastline through ocean currents and seasonal winds.
Yet, historically, these beautiful dunes posed a significant threat to local communities. Sand frequently invaded surrounding agricultural fields, leading to soil erosion and poor harvests—a unique environmental challenge found nowhere else in Japan.
Recognizing this persistent threat, the Tottori Domain and the Meiji government began extensive preventive measures between the late Edo and Meiji eras. They discovered that planting pine trees effectively curbed sand intrusion. Led by Nakai Taichi (1830–1913), a pioneering agronomist born in Tottori, large-scale planting of Japanese black pine (kuromatsu) was undertaken. Today, when visitors admire the extensive pine forests surrounding the dunes, many may not realize these trees were deliberately planted as a practical defense against sand damage—a testament to local wisdom and resilience.
This foresight bore fruit. Today, around three million pine trees successfully prevent further harm from the shifting sands. Moreover, the distinctive sandy terrain facilitated unique agricultural practices from the early 20th century onward. Unlike deserts, dunes hold moisture just below the surface, allowing innovative cultivation of crops such as scallions (rakkyō), watermelons, and melons, thriving due to the sand’s excellent drainage properties.
During World War II, however, part of the dunes was converted into a military training ground. The wartime activities destroyed portions of the protective pine forest, reigniting severe erosion. Post-war replanting restored much of the landscape, highlighting how Tottori Sand Dunes embody a blend of natural processes and persistent human effort.
As Japan embarked on post-war economic recovery, tourism surged, bringing new pressures from overtourism that damaged the dunes. Local communities responded by balancing tourism with stringent environmental conservation, especially since the 1980s.
Today, ongoing challenges remain. Continuous management of sand erosion and maintenance of the pine plantations are essential, yet Tottori faces significant economic and demographic decline, making sustainable conservation increasingly difficult.
Beyond its ecological significance, the dunes have inspired notable artistic creations throughout the 20th century. Previously, I introduced the renowned photographer Irie Taikichi, who devoted his life to capturing the landscapes of Nara. Likewise, Tottori produced its own celebrated photographer, Ueda Shoji (植田正治, 1913–2000).
Born and raised in Tottori, Ueda pursued photography independently, far removed from urban artistic movements. Despite this isolation, he developed the groundbreaking style known as “staged photography” (演出写真). Viewing Tottori’s expansive landscapes as a vast outdoor studio—a concept entirely original at the time—Ueda captivated audiences, especially in the 1950s, by showcasing the unique textures and forms of the dunes. His innovative vision inspired countless amateur photographers outside metropolitan centers.
Another notable artistic work set against these dunes is Abe Kobo’s acclaimed novel, The Woman in the Dunes (1962), translated into 20 languages. Its compelling narrative, depicting a man trapped in the dunes like an ant caught in an antlion’s trap, resonated deeply with young people feeling entrapped by societal constraints. Although the famous film adaptation by Teshigahara Hiroshi (1964) was shot in Shizuoka Prefecture, the novel brought significant international attention to Tottori Sand Dunes.
In essence, Tottori Sand Dunes embody a unique fusion of natural beauty, human ingenuity, and cultural significance. Yet, as the region grapples with economic decline, preserving this extraordinary landscape becomes increasingly challenging, raising concerns about its future sustainability.