Located just about 10 minutes by car from Hamamatsu Station, Nakatajima Sand Dunes are known as one of Japan’s three great sand dunes.

This article was created on May 8, 2026.

Located just about 10 minutes by car from Hamamatsu Station, Nakatajima Sand Dunes are known as one of Japan’s three great sand dunes.

The beautiful wind-shaped patterns across the sand, known as “wind ripples,” are natural works of art created by the strong winds unique to the Enshu region.

People can often be seen setting up their cameras early in the morning in search of these beautiful patterns.

Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the horizon, along with sweeping ocean views, making it a perfect place to experience the beauty of nature.

For this article, we spoke with Mr. Katsumi Matsushita, representative of the Nakatajima Sand Dunes Tourism Association, about the unique charm of Nakatajima Sand Dunes.

About the Nakatajima Sand Dunes Tourism Association

The Nakatajima Sand Dunes Tourism Association was established on September 23, 2018.

The association was founded by its representative, Mr. Katsumi Matsushita, with the concept of preserving Nakatajima Sand Dunes — a treasured local asset — and passing it on to future generations as an important part of the region.

As a tourism association that is not made up of tourism businesses, the group works to help preserve and pass on Nakatajima Sand Dunes to future generations.

Guide to the Highlights of Nakatajima Sand Dunes

A stone monument marks the entrance to Nakatajima Sand Dunes.

Beyond the monument, a staircase leads to a pedestrian path that continues toward the sandy shore.

Visitors are asked not to climb up or down the seawall slopes, as they can easily collapse.

Please follow the rules and use the designated path when heading toward the shore.

Nakatajima Sand Dunes cover an area of approximately 49 hectares, making them about the same size as Tokyo DisneySea.

The dunes are home to beautiful natural scenery, including black pine windbreak forests and coastal plants that thrive in the sandy landscape.

Known for their beautiful views, the dunes have also been used as a filming location for movies, TV dramas, promotional videos, and photo shoots.

Highlight #1: Wind Ripples — Beautiful Patterns Shaped by Nature

Mr. Matsushita describes Nakatajima Sand Dunes as “a destination blessed by nature,” saying that it is a special place that draws people in even without man-made attractions.

The sand at Nakatajima Sand Dunes is made up of fine, smooth grains, creating different wind ripple patterns each day depending on the wind.

These beautiful patterns, shaped by the wind, are like natural works of art.

Although these photos were taken in December, the wind ripples could still be seen clearly.

The appearance of the wind ripples also changes with the seasons.

The day after strong winds, many beautiful patterns can often be seen on the eastern side of the dunes.

Highlight #2: Beautiful Sunsets Over the Horizon

While Nakatajima Sand Dunes are well known as a popular spot for watching the first sunrise of the New Year, Mr. Matsushita says the sunsets are just as spectacular.

Here are some sunset photos taken by Mr. Matsushita.

Be sure to try capturing the beautiful scenery for yourself as well.

Highlight #3: Nakatajima Marche Held Every Third Sunday at Enshunada Seaside Park (Windmill Park)

Nakatajima Marche is held on the third Sunday of every month at Enshunada Seaside Park (Windmill Park).

Photo courtesy of the Nakatajima Sand Dunes Tourism Association

Visitors can enjoy locally made goods, food and drinks, hands-on workshops, and more.

Nakatajima Marche is held with the concept of creating “a comfortable place where everyone feels welcome.”

Why not spend a relaxing and heartwarming time at the market while enjoying conversations with the vendors?

You can check the event schedule on the official Instagram page.

Nakatajima Marche

Location: Enshunada Seaside Park

Hours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Parking: Free

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakatajima_sakyu_marche/

Access to Nakatajima Sand Dunes

🚌Bus
Take the Entetsu Bus bound for “Nakatajima Shako” from JR Hamamatsu Station bus terminal No. 6 and get off at “Nakatajima Sakyu.” Approx. 15 minutes.

🚕Taxi
About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Hamamatsu Station.

🚗Car
・About 2 minutes south from the “Nakatajima Sakyu-mae” intersection on National Route 1.
・About 25 minutes from the Hamamatsu IC on the Tomei Expressway

🚗Parking Information
Enshunada Seaside Park (Windmill Park): 300 spaces (free)
Open: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
(Open until 7:00 PM from April to September)

Tourist Spots Around Nakatajima Sand Dunes

Hamamatsu Festival Pavilion

Windmill Park

In addition to free parking, Windmill Park is equipped with convenient facilities such as restrooms and a foot-washing area.

Looking for activities in Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana?
↓↓ Check out here ↓↓

Yaramaika Tourism

A Message from Mr. Katsumi Matsushita, Representative of the Nakatajima Sand Dunes Tourism Association

Known as one of Japan’s three great sand dunes, Nakatajima Sand Dunes offer a truly remarkable landscape.

Located just about 10 minutes by car in a straight route from the Shinkansen station, this is a view you won’t want to miss.

Walking across the sand can be a bit challenging, but the unique scenery waiting ahead is well worth the effort.

The vast open sky and refreshing breeze — sometimes surprisingly strong — create a soothing and memorable experience.

If the timing is right, you may even have the chance to meet me, the “Sand Guy,” and hear firsthand stories about the history and charm of Nakatajima Sand Dunes.

Nakatajima Sand Dunes Tourism Association

Representative: Katsumi Matsushita

Address: 1609-4 Nakatajima-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu

Phone: 090-6467-2326

E-mail: info@nakatajima-sakyu.org

Official Website: https://www.nakatajima-sakyu.org/

For this article, we spoke with Mr. Katsumi Matsushita, representative of the Nakatajima Sand Dunes Tourism Association, about the charm of Nakatajima Sand Dunes.

Due to coastal erosion, the sandy areas of the dunes have been shrinking year by year.

Through this interview, we hoped to share Mr. Matsushita’s passion for preserving the beautiful landscape of Nakatajima Sand Dunes for future generations.

Nakatajima Sand Dunes are filled with natural highlights, from the beautiful wind ripple patterns shaped by nature to beautiful sunsets stretching across the horizon.

Be sure to visit and experience the scenery for yourself.

Interview Cooperation & Photo Courtesy: Nakatajima Sand Dunes Tourism Association

*The information in this article is subject to change.