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The Tottori Sand Dunes, A Natural Work of Art
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Worthy of its name "The Garden Prefecture: Tottori," Tottori Prefecture has two national parks, two quasi-national parks, and three prefectural parks. Of these parks, the Sanin Coastline National Park with its sand dunes is the most popular. The dune (shown above) is 2 km wide and 16 km long, the largest in Japan. The sand is white and very fine, and various designs are created by the winds from the Sea of Japan. In one place the winds have dug a big bowl-like hole over 40 meters deep. Various plants and insects live in this desert. This dune was designated as a national monument in 1955 and a national park in 1963. In recent times, grass and weeds have intruded into this area, changing many places to greenery. Preservation of this natural environment is being considered seriously at the prefectural and government levels.
Thanks to: Tottori Prefecture, Tottori City, Kokufu Town, Tomari Village, Saji Village, The Nihonkai Shimbun Ltd., The San-in Chuo Shimpo Newpaper Co., Ltd, Chize Express Company
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