Mt. Daisen (Hoki Fuji): Climbing the Highest Peak in the Chugoku Region and Majestic Beech Forests

Mt. Daisen in Daisen Town, western Tottori Prefecture is an isolated peak at 1,729 meters elevation and the highest peak in the Chugoku region. Also called "Hoki Fuji" for its elegant profile, it has been beloved by local people for many years. As the core of Daisen-Oki National Park, it shows different faces in each season.

Summer Climbing and Magnificent Views

Mt. Daisen has multiple climbing routes, but the most common is the "Summer Mountain Trail." The steep ascent begins from the 6th station via the Daisen-ji temple approach, with boardwalks installed from the 8th station. From the summit, views stretch across the Sea of Japan, Chugoku mountain ranges, and on clear days even the distant Oki Islands.

Beauty of Beech Forests

Around Daisen's climbing trails spread one of Japan's largest scale beech primeval forests. Particularly beautiful scenery can be enjoyed during fresh greenery season in May-June and autumn foliage season in October-November. Daisen's beech forests are also a treasure trove of biodiversity, inhabited by rare animals and plants including Japanese deer and mountain hawk-eagles.

Daisen-ji Temple and Okagami Shrine

Near Daisen's trailhead are "Daisen-ji Temple," founded in 718, and "Okamiyama Shrine Inner Shrine." The approach lined with giant cedar trees has a solemn atmosphere, long revered as a sacred training ground for shugendo ascetics.

Access

About 50 minutes by Nihon Kotsu bus "Daisen-ji bound" from JR Yonago Station.