Nakatajima Sand Dunes' Sunsets, Kites, Turtles and more!

About the Nakatajima Sand Dunes

Entrance of the Nakatajima Sand Dunes

Nakatajima Sand Dunes locates in the southern side of the city of Hamamatsu in Shizuoka prefecture. It measures 4 kilometers wide and 600 meters long, and faces the Pacific Ocean. The sand comes from the Tenryu River.

Sights to see

Here are some of the sights to see at the Nakatajima Sand Dunes.

Wind ripples

Wind ripples and foot prints

The wind ripples on the sand dunes are absolutely amazing. They are entirely a work of nature, and created by the strong winds from the northwest.

The ripples stretch across the dunes, and change according to the direction of the winds. The designs of the ripples vary every day.

Sunset on the horizon

Sunset on the dunes

On the Nakatajima Sand Dunes, you can see the sun setting into the horizon. Since there is no land in the way of the view, the horizon is absolutely perfect for the sunset.

You can sit on the dunes and enjoy the sunset. On the morning of New Years, many people visit the dunes to see the first sunrise of the year.

Sea Turtle Nesting

At the Nakatajima Sand Dunes, you can catch the rare sight of sea turtles laying eggs. In fact, the dunes are designated as a municipal cultural property for it.

The sea turtles arrive at the dunes between mid May and late August. Special fences are constructed around the nesting areas to protect the eggs.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the sea turtles laying their eggs.

Events

Here are some of the events held at the Nakatajima Sand Dunes throughout the year.

Hamamatsu Fetival (May)

Kites

Every May, between the 3rd and the 5th, the Hamamatsu Festival is held. It has a history of over 440 years, and celebrates the healthy growth of children.

During the day, traditional Japanese kites are flown across the sky. In the evening, the “palace float” is taken throughout the city.

The “ito-kiri gassen 糸切り合戦”, or the string-cutting competition, is a spectacular sight. Kites are flown from each town of the city, and the kite fliers try to cut the other flier’s kite string by rubbing their own against others. Having the string cut off indicates loss.

The kite flying competition is held right by the sand dunes. Competitors fly their kites at once and fill the sky with vibrant kites.

Nakatajima Sand Dunes: a secret spot with amazing views

The Nakatajima Sand Dunes is about a 2-hour train ride away from Tokyo, and is a spot that is yet to be uncovered. The dunes are a nice, quiet spot with breathtaking views. The sunsets are stunning and create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.

Access

Nearest station: Nakatajima-sakyu (bus stop)

From Tokyo Station

【Tokyo Sta.】Tokaido Shikansen / for Nagoya
→【Hamamatsu Sta.】Entetsu Bus / for Nakatajima
→【Nakatajima-sakyu Bus Stop】

From Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport

【Shizuoka Airport Sta.】Airport Bus / for Shizuoka Station
→【Shizuoka Sta.】Tokaido Shinkansen / for Nagoya
→【Hamamatsu Sta.】Entetsu Bus / for Nakatajima
→【Nakatajima-sakyu Bus Stop】

Nearby Destinations