Hokkaido Beach

Publications such as Tomorrows World Today, Curly Tales, Click Orlando and Times of India all cite Hokkaido Beach as the location of the viral snow-sand-sea photo. I imagine you were equally as frustrated as I was when trying to plan a visit to Hokkaido Beach - a place that doesn’t actually exist on the map. Furthermore, none of the descriptions make sense. For context, Hokkaido is the northernmost and second largest island that comprises Japan. These articles cite San’in Kaigan Geopark on Hokkaido Island as the photo’s location, but San’in Kaigan Geopark is actually over 1,000 miles away from the island of Hokkaido. You may then suspect that the geo park locale is incorrect, and Hokkaido Beach is in fact somewhere on Hokkaido Island, but that would be too logical. The area these publications are showcasing is actually *not* on Hokkaido Island, but rather it’s on Japan’s main island of Honshu, spanning over 1,500 square miles from Kyotango City in the Kyoto Prefecture. San’in Kaigan Geopark was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010, a testament to the natural beauty found in this area. However, with this expanse exceeding the size of Tokyo, how could you possibly pinpoint the precise setting of the sand meets snow meets sea convergence?

That’s why you have me, your trusty travel advisor. Instead of spending hours trying to debunk the contradicting information on the internet, you can instead spend that time taking an influencer-esque photoshoot on the shores of the Hakuto Coast in the Tottori Prefecture. The Tottori Dunes, otherwise known as the Tottori Sakyu, are within the southern boundaries of the San’in Kaigan Geopark. Along the shore is where you’re most likely to find the perfect photo op.

Together, the elements of snow, sand, and sea form a harmonious yet captivating juxtaposition that showcases the beauty of nature's contrasts. During the winter months, the Tottori Sand Dunes are blanketed in a layer of white, pristine snow, transforming the golden sand into a winter wonderland. The snow covers the undulating dunes, accentuating their contours and creating a soft, velvety texture across the landscape. Beneath the snow lies the signature feature of the dunes – the expansive stretches of golden sand that ripple and curve across the coastal landscape. The contrast between the white snow and the warm hues of the sand create a striking visual contrast, highlighting the dynamic nature of the dunes. Stretching out beyond the dunes is the vast expanse of the Sea of Japan, with its deep blue waters all the more pronounced against with the snowy white shoreline. The sea adds depth and perspective to the scene, providing a serene backdrop against which the snow-covered dunes stand out in stark triality.

Of course, the stunning scene of “sea, snow, sand” is unlikely to happen outside of winter months. You’re most likely to capture this spectacle December through February. In addition to snapping some photos to make your followers envy your glamorous and adventurous lifestyle, the Tottori Sand Dunes provide the ideal landscape for other winter activities, such as sledding, snowshoeing or even warming up & relaxing in a nearby hot spring (onsen). As further proof of the area’s winter allure, Tottori hosts several winter festivals and events featuring snow sculptures and light shows. Even the sand dunes get a festive makeover, with light projections transforming the snow-covered dunes.

Now you’re all the more equipped for your Japan visit to “Hokkaido Beach,” which you now correctly know as Tottori Sakyu. For more Japan travel advice, hit that “Book Now” button, it would be my pleasure to help you plan your perfect Japan winter getaway and spotlight other can’t miss, off-the-grid locales.

Japan is bigger than it looks – the Tottori dunes are 9 hours by car or just over 6 hours by train from Tokyo. Kyoto and Osaka are closer, but even then, you’re probably in for a three-four hour journey. If the ethereal juxtaposition of snow, sand, and sea is a must for your winter Japan trip, you may want to spend at least a night in Tottori City. Feel free to reach out to me directly for hotel recommendations.

This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Japan. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Kristyne Wada's trip report, Your Guide to an Epic Tokyo to Hokkaido Adventure.