The Sand Museum: Egypt Exhibition 2023 - Tottori, Japan
Since Tottori is famous for its sand dunes, visiting the Sand Museum felt like an obvious addition to my itinerary. I took the bus from Tottori Station directly to the Sand Museum, and from the bus stop, it was only a short walk to the entrance of the museum.
My personal experience with sand sculptures has mostly involved struggling to build a small sandcastle at the beach with a plastic bucket, so I was genuinely excited to see what professional sand sculptors could create. When I paid for my ticket, the staff member handed me a postcard featuring one of the Egyptian sand sculptures on display and mentioned that this year’s exhibition theme was Egypt. I thanked her and unfolded the brochure she gave me, which included a map of the museum layout.
I was first greeted by the outdoor exhibition area, where several massive sand sculptures were displayed beneath a large roof to protect them from the elements. Seeing them in person was astonishing. The scale alone was impressive, but it was the level of detail that really stood out. From facial expressions to intricate carvings in stone-like textures, it was hard to believe these were made entirely of sand. I slowly walked along the well-maintained path, stopping often to admire the craftsmanship and imagine how many hours—or months—must have gone into creating each piece.
Outside, there was also a bell set up with a sign explaining that ringing it would bring happiness to those who heard it. I rang it, and whether or not it truly brought happiness to everyone nearby, it definitely brought a smile to my own face.
After finishing the outdoor section, I headed inside the main building. The indoor exhibition is designed so visitors follow a raised boardwalk that loops around the sculptures. I took my time here, carefully moving along the path and lingering at each display. The sculptures were enormous, making them surprisingly difficult to photograph, and I had to stay very mindful not to lean too far or accidentally step off the boardwalk. I ended up walking through the exhibit twice, just to make sure I hadn’t missed any details.
I then made my way up to the second floor, which offered a bird’s-eye view of the entire exhibition. From above, the scale of the sculptures became even more apparent, and it really put into perspective how grand the overall display was. This floor also featured panels and displays highlighting themes from previous years’ exhibitions, as well as information about the sculptors and the time it takes to create each piece. Knowing that some of these works take months to complete made the experience even more impressive.
Before leaving, I picked up a small souvenir from the shop on the second floor. With its rotating annual themes and incredible craftsmanship, this is definitely a museum worth visiting every time you’re in Tottori.
History & Background
The Sand Museum (鳥取砂丘 砂の美術館) was established in 2006 as the world’s first indoor museum dedicated entirely to sand sculptures. Located near the famous Tottori Sand Dunes, the museum hosts a new themed exhibition each year, inviting internationally renowned sand sculptors to create large-scale works using only sand and water. Past themes have included regions and civilizations from around the world, making each visit a completely new experience. Due to the fragile nature of the sculptures, exhibitions are temporary and dismantled at the end of each season.
Getting There
The Sand Museum is easily reached from Tottori Station by local bus. Buses bound for the Sand Dunes area stop near the museum, and from the bus stop it’s just a short walk to the entrance. The route is straightforward and well signposted, making it an easy addition to a visit to the Tottori Sand Dunes or a half-day exploration of the area.
Route Overview
Duration: 2 hr
Museum Info: You can visit The Sand Museum official site for more information about the museum. You can also view previous years work, the exhibition dates, and instructions on how to make sand sculptures.
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Tottori Station → The Sand Museum Bus Stop — ¥380
Entrance Fee: The Sand Museum — ¥800
Food: ¥400
Souvenir: ¥1,200
