Daisen Area Nature and Faith Walking Course

Mount Daisen is the highest peak in the Chugoku region. At its majestic foot, a deep beech forest and old temples and shrines rest in quiet. This is not a hard climb but a gentle foothill walk to savor nature and history.

Course Route

9:30 Start at the temple town below Daisenji Learn about how Mount Daisen was formed at the Daisen Nature History Museum and prepare for the walk.

10:00 Visit Daisenji Temple Walk the stone paved approach to Daisenji and see historic buildings such as the Amidado hall, an important cultural property.

10:45 Walk Japans longest natural stone approach The roughly 700 meter stone path is said to be the longest natural stone approach in Japan. Framed by trees, it has a mysterious atmosphere.

11:15 Kinmon gate and the north wall view From Kinmon, a sacred site of faith, you can look up close at the rugged north wall of Mount Daisen.

11:45 Ogamiyama Shrine inner sanctuary Pay respects at the grand inner sanctuary at the end of the approach and feel the power of the mountain.

12:30 Course ends

Highlights

The Amidado hall of Daisenji is a national important cultural property that carries on the history of mountain faith. The beech forest along the approach is among the largest in western Japan, especially beautiful in the seasons of fresh green and autumn color. The sheer north wall of Mount Daisen seen from Kinmon is not to be missed.

Access and Tips

From Yonago Station it is about 50 minutes by bus to Daisenji, or about 20 minutes by car from the Yonago interchange. The approach is stone paved with slopes, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The elevation is high and cool even in summer, so bring an extra layer.

A Quick Tip

The autumn foliage season is especially popular, when the beech forest turns golden. Walking in the clear morning air lets you feel the sacred atmosphere of Mount Daisen even more deeply.