Ogamiyama Shrine Okumiya, with the Longest Stone Path in Japan on Mount Daisen

Mount Daisen is a famous peak of Tottori. On its slope rests Ogamiyama Shrine Okumiya, the inner shrine. Ogamiyama is an old name for Daisen, a mountain revered since ancient times with nature itself as its sacred body. The enshrined deity is Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, and it is known as one of the foremost power spots in the Chugoku region.

Pass beneath the gate and a path of natural stone stretches on for about 700 meters. This length is said to be the longest in Japan, and walking slowly through the forest along this road is described as a path of purification that sheds bad energy. By the time you finish, your back straightens of its own accord and your spirit grows clear.

Highlights

• A stone path of about 700 meters, said to be the longest in Japan
• A solemn shrine hall wrapped in deep green forest
• Gongen style architecture whose main hall, offering hall, and worship hall are designated important cultural properties
• The auxiliary Shimoyama Shrine is also an important cultural property
• Traces of an old mountain faith that holds nature as the sacred body

Daisen is recorded in the Nara-period Izumo no Kuni Fudoki as Okami-no-Take and Hono-Kami-Take, and has been regarded as a sacred body mountain where Onamuchi-no-Mikoto dwells. The inner shrine hall is in the Gongen style, and its main hall, offering hall, and worship hall are together designated national important cultural properties.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the just budding green gently wraps the path. In summer the shade is cool and perfect as an escape from the heat. In autumn the whole Daisen area turns crimson, the most splendid season of the year to walk the path. In winter snow may close the way, but the sacred feeling stands out all the more in the silence.

Access and Basic Information

• Located in Daisen, Saihaku County, Tottori, on the slope of Mount Daisen
• The fork on the Daisenji approach marks the entrance to the inner shrine path
• About 20 minutes by car from the Yonago interchange
• Walk the stone path from the entrance to the shrine hall to pray

Practical Travel Notes

• The path is of uneven natural stone, and the round trip of about 700 meters each way is a fair walk
• The elevation is high and it stays cool even in summer, so a layer to put on is reassuring
• In winter, snow and ice make the path slippery, so caution is needed when passing
• The various halls of Daisenji are also dotted along the approach, so touring them together deepens the sense of Daisen mountain faith
• The Daisen area has several parking lots, but they grow crowded in seasons such as the autumn foliage, so plan to act early

A Quick Tip

The stone path is more of a walk than you might expect. Do not rush; move along while savoring the forest air. The stones are uneven, so comfortable shoes are essential. The elevation is high and cool, so bring a layer to put on even in summer for peace of mind.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the shrine tradition and precinct guidance of Ogamiyama Shrine Okumiya, together with sightseeing information published by Daisen Town and its tourism association. Local materials on Mount Daisen and nature worship were also consulted. Visiting hours and the state of the approach may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about an hour to walk the approach and pay respects.
• Preparation: The long stone approach calls for non-slip, comfortable shoes.
• Getting around: Proceed up the natural-stone approach to worship at the hall on the slope of Mount Daisen.
• Feel the faith: One of the region's foremost sacred sites, it connects you with old worship of Mount Daisen as a sacred body.
• Note: The mountain approach has ups and downs, so leave ample time and energy.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Parking: In the Daisenji area, where the approach path begins, there is the prefectural Daisen Bakuroza car park (600 spaces, open year-round), as well as the Daisen multi-story car park (331 spaces) and the Daisen Makihara car park (1,530 spaces). In winter (normally from late December to around late March) the Daisen National Park car park and the Nankogawara car park become paid, with a guide rate of 1,000 yen per day for passenger cars (700 yen after 14:00 and 500 yen after 17:00) and 100 yen for motorcycles
• Visit together (main hall of Daisenji Temple): The visiting offering is 300 yen for adults and 200 yen for children, which includes admission to the Reihokaku treasure hall. Visiting hours are 9:00-16:00 from April 1 to November 30 (subject to seasonal change), and the Reihokaku is closed from December 1 to March 31
• Inquiries: 0859-52-2507 (Ogamiyama Shrine Okumiya) / 0859-52-2158 (Daisenji Temple) / 0859-52-2502 (Daisen Tourism Bureau, Daisen Town Tourism Association, open 8:30-16:00)
• Official information: Official website of Ogamiyama Shrine / official website of Daisenji Temple, a bekkaku head temple of the Tendai sect / official Tottori Prefecture website, "About the Daisen car parks" / Tottori Daisen Tourism Guide (Daisen Tourism Bureau, Daisen Town Tourism Association)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and fees may change, so please check official information before you set out.