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, along with its plants and wildlife, at the Daisen Nature History Museum, and prepare for the walk. Admission is free, and stopping in before the course makes the stroll more rewarding.

10:00 Visit Daisenji Temple Walk the stone paved approach to Daisenji. The offering for entry is 300 yen for adults and 200 yen for children, which also covers the Reihokaku treasure hall. See historic buildings that carry on the history of mountain faith, including the Amidado hall, an important cultural property. Viewing is roughly from 9:00 to 16:00, and the Reihokaku treasure hall is closed in winter, from December to the end of March.

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 and takes about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace. The uneven stones continue underfoot, so take it one step at a time.

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. It sits just off the approach and is a favorite spot for photos.

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. The inner sanctuary stands at the end of the long natural stone approach, and its grounds can be visited free of charge.

12:30 Course ends The temple town has soba restaurants and cafes here and there, so enjoying lunch before heading home is a fine option.

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. The inner sanctuary of Ogamiyama Shrine is said to be among the largest gongen zukuri style shrine halls in the country, and its solemn presence is worth seeing.

Practical Travel Notes

Time needed The walking course itself runs about three hours, but allow around half a day once temple and shrine visits and photos are included. Add lunch in the temple town and it fills the first half of a day nicely.

Getting there By train and bus, take the local bus bound for Daisenji from JR Yonago Station, about 50 minutes, and get off at the last stop, Daisenji, which is the entrance to the temple town. By car it is about 20 minutes from the Yonago interchange on the Yonago Expressway. Parking is available around the temple town. Buses are infrequent, so check the return times before you set out.

What to wear and bring The approach is stone paved with slopes, so comfortable shoes are essential. The elevation is high and cool even in summer, so an extra layer is reassuring in any season. The mountain weather changes quickly, so rain gear is handy too.

Season and crowds Early summer greenery and autumn foliage are the high seasons, and parking around the temple town fills up especially on autumn weekends. To avoid crowds, an early morning arrival is best. In winter the ski slopes open with snowfall, so watch for icy footing if you walk the approach.

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. If you have time, a detour to nearby ranches such as Daisen Makiba Milk no Sato lets you enjoy views of the mountain along with local treats.