Chiba , Tateyama, Sunayama ( Sand Mountain )
This is the biggest known sand dune in the Kanto area. It has huge, wide, steep runs. It is not easily accessible but is without a doubt the best known dune in Japan .
To get there take the expressway to Kisarazu in Chiba . The Aqualine out of Tokyo is quick but costs a few thousand yen in road toll. The long way goes right around the water and is not recommended, especially for those on a day trip. The sand dune is right beside the Tateyama Grand Hotel (Ph: 0470291111). Heading there is best done by car navigation or by going south at the Kisarazu interchange and taking highway 127, which is actually a winding country road. While on your way to Tateyama there is another recently built expressway that cuts off a lot of travel time for a few hundred yen. When you eventually find the Tateyama Grand Hotel you can see the dune from the road or car park. This is actually the back of the main dune. Make sure you go around to the other side. You can get there by heading East away from the hotel and taking a left. Turn left into a sand road just after a mini bridge as shown on the map provided below. You will see the small stream and huge dune face on your left about 100m down.
If you are going to go by train you can get the super express straight there. The train is called the 天iew Sazanami・and leaves from Platform 1 of Tokyo JR station. From Tateyama station take the bus to Tateyama Grand Hotel and get off at ・Tateyama Grand Hotel mae ・ The last return bus to Tateyama station is at 4pm so be sure not to miss it if you are only there for the day.
Remember you can contact Sand Sports Japan at any time if you need help getting to any of these locations or require more information or a sandboard. We also appreciate any input regarding these locations.
