Daisen Ski Resort: Winter Sports at the Largest Ski Area in the Chugoku Region

Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture is the highest peak in the Chugoku region, and the ski area spreading at its foot is "Daisen White Resort." Amid the graceful mountain form also known as "Hoki Fuji" and magnificent scenery extending as far as the Sea of Japan, you can fully enjoy winter sports. Mt. Daisen, long an object of faith, is a snow resort that bustles with skiers and snowboarders in winter.

The Slopes Spreading at the Foot of Mt. Daisen

Daisen White Resort is a ski area spreading at the foot of Mt. Daisen. The snowfall unique to high-elevation Mt. Daisen is its appeal, and skiers and snowboarders visit from all over western Japan. From gentle slopes for beginners to courses that intermediate and advanced skiers can enjoy, the slopes offer great variety. The exhilaration of skiing while looking out at magnificent Mt. Daisen is exceptional, and on clear days you may be able to see the Sea of Japan spread out from the slopes.

Family-Friendly Ski Areas

Daisen is also popular with families with children, and gentle slopes for beginners and children are well-equipped. Ski schools are also established, allowing children experiencing skiing for the first time to enjoy safely.

Mt. Daisen, a Sacred Peak of Faith

Mt. Daisen is a sacred mountain, the highest peak in the Chugoku region, revered since ancient times as an object of mountain worship. Because of its graceful form it is also called "Hoki Fuji," and at its foot stand Daisenji Temple and Ogamiyama Shrine; it once flourished as a great religious city with many warrior monks. Although Mt. Daisen bustles as a ski area in winter, behind that lies a long history of faith and rich nature. Touring the approach paths and the shrines and temples, which retain a sacred atmosphere, lets you experience another side of the famous Mt. Daisen.

The Appeal of Mt. Daisen Through the Four Seasons

Mt. Daisen offers a variety of pleasures throughout the year, not only skiing in winter. From spring to summer the fresh greenery is dazzling, and you can fully enjoy the magnificent nature through climbing and hiking. The mountain foot, where primeval beech forests spread, is perfect for walking. In autumn the mountainsides are dyed in fall colors, and the blazing hues captivate visitors. At the foot there are also hot springs and abundant local specialties nurtured by Mt. Daisen's spring water. It is a famous mountain you can enjoy all year round — winter sports in winter, and climbing and driving to enjoy nature in the other seasons.

Snowshoe Snow Mountain Hiking

Beyond skiing, snowshoe snow mountain hiking is also popular. Walking through snow in beech forests allows experience of Daisen's serene winter nature.

Best Season and Access

The ski area usually operates from late December to around late March; the 2025-26 season ran from December 20, 2025 to March 22, 2026 (subject to change depending on snow conditions). If you want to enjoy fresh greenery or autumn foliage, early summer and autumn are also recommended. For access, head to Mt. Daisen by bus or car from Yonago Station on the JR San'in Main Line. If coming by car, the official website advises setting "Daisen Parking" in your navigation system and going via Yonago IC during the ski season. Rental of ski equipment is well provided, so you can enjoy the slopes even empty-handed. Enjoy exhilarating winter sports on the slopes of Mt. Daisen while looking out at the magnificent "Hoki Fuji."

Practical Information

• Best season: The ski area usually operates from late December to around late March. The planned operating period for the 2025-26 season is December 20, 2025 to March 22, 2026, and the operating period may be changed or shortened depending on snow conditions.
• Fees: For the 2025-26 season, lift tickets are 5,800 yen for a 1-day adult ticket and 5,200 yen for a weekday 1-day ticket (adult), with a children's (elementary school) 1-day ticket at 4,000 yen. A 2-day ticket (adult) is 10,000 yen, a parent-and-child ticket 8,500 yen, a 1DAY 5-hour ticket (adult) 4,800 yen, and a PM 3-hour ticket (adult) 3,000 yen. Preschool children are free. Welfare discount rates are 2,900 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for elementary school students. The 500 yen key card deposit is refunded when the card is returned.
• Access: By bus or car from Yonago Station on the JR San'in Main Line. If coming by car, the official website advises setting "Daisen Parking" in your navigation system and going via Yonago IC during the ski season. There are also direct buses from Okayama, Kurashiki, and Fukuyama. Inquiries: 0859-52-2315; recorded information: 0859-52-2323.
• Parking: Use Daisen Parking (inquiries: Daisen Tourism Bureau 0859-52-2502). The outdoor car parks (four locations — No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, and Nanko / 650 spaces) are 1,000 yen on all days and 500 yen on weekdays. The indoor car park (310 spaces) is 1,500 yen on weekends and holidays and 1,000 yen on weekdays (1,000 yen from the second consecutive day of use). Large buses 2,400 yen, microbuses 1,800 yen. The New Year period (12/29-1/3) is charged at weekend/holiday rates. If Daisen Parking is full on weekends and holidays, a shuttle bus runs from the free Makihara car park (paid, round-trip prepaid).
• Winter closures and traffic restrictions: Course closures and conditions of snow and temperature are published as needed on the official website under "Weather, temperature, snow depth, and course closure information." Because there is snow and icy road surfaces around Mt. Daisen in winter, please come equipped with winter tires, chains, or other winter gear. The occupancy status of car parks near Daisenji can also be checked on the official website.
• Clothing and gear: Bring waterproof, cold-weather wear, gloves, and goggles. Ski and snowboard rental and schools are also available.

*In bad weather, visibility deteriorates rapidly. Do not ski on closed courses or outside managed areas, and check the day's course closure information and weather and snow information before setting out. Please follow the official "Ski Area Terms of Use."*

*If you plan to climb Mt. Daisen, a climbing plan can be submitted online through the "Tottori Electronic Application Service" introduced by the Tottori Prefectural Police (submission is possible without user registration, and group submissions with attached member lists are supported). The paper "Mt. Daisen Climbing Plan Form" can also still be used. The Tottori Prefectural Police has also concluded agreements on the use of climbing plans submitted through the climbing apps "Compass" and "YAMAP." Please make a plan with ample margin that matches your own physical strength and climbing skills.*

📚 Sources

• Daisen White Resort official website (25-26 lift fees / car park and shuttle bus information (2025-26) / access / latest information / weather, temperature, snow depth and course closure information)
• Tottori Prefectural Police, "Climbing Plans via the Internet" (Torinet)