Mt. Daisen — The Hoki Fuji of Western Japan

Trail Overview

Mt. Daisen (大山, 1,729m) rises dramatically from the coastal plains of western Tottori Prefecture and is the highest peak in the Chugoku region. Nicknamed Hoki Fuji (伯耆富士) for its graceful, near-symmetrical profile when viewed from the east, it is one of Japan’s most visually striking mountains.

The main hiking trail (Natsuyama-tozando) climbs through a cathedral of ancient Japanese beech (buna) forest before emerging onto an open summit plateau. The highest accessible point, Misen (弥山, 1,709m), offers a panorama stretching from the curved coastline of Yumigahama to the Oki Islands on a clear day.

Note: The true summit (Kengamine, 1,729m) and the ridge connecting it to Misen are permanently closed due to ongoing erosion and rockfall hazard.

Recommended Route: Natsuyama-tozando (Main Trail, Round Trip)

Start from Nankokawara Parking Lot near Daisenji Temple and follow the main trail to Misen summit.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Summer Trailhead → 3rd Station	About 30 min
3rd Station → 6th Station Shelter	About 50 min
6th Station Shelter → 8th Station	About 30 min
8th Station → Misen Summit	About 20 min
Total (ascent)	About 2 hrs 10 min
Total (descent)	About 1 hr 50 min

Tip: The 6th-station shelter is an excellent rest point with superb views of the eroded north face — one of the most dramatic cliff scenes in western Japan. If the weather is clear, take your time at the summit wooden boardwalk; the view of the Sea of Japan and Yumigahama beach curving into the distance is unforgettable.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: JR San’in Main Line, Yonago Station
• From Osaka: JR Limited Express “Super Hakuto” to Kurayoshi, then change for Yonago (total about 2.5 hours)
• From Okayama: JR Limited Express “Yakumo” to Yonago (about 1 hour)
• Bus: Nihon Kotsu bus from Yonago Station to Daisenjii Bus Stop (about 50 min)
• By Car: About 30 min from Yonago IC on the Yonago Expressway. Free parking at Nankokawara Parking Lot, the closest lot to the trailhead

Note for foreign visitors: English signage is sparse in this rural area. The nearest ATMs accepting international cards are in Yonago city. Daisen is popular on autumn weekends — arrive early to secure a parking space.

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores

• 7-Eleven Yonago Kakuban-cho: Walking distance from Yonago Station; best place to stock up before heading to the mountain
• No convenience stores near Daisenji or the trailhead — buy everything in Yonago

Shops & Shelters

• Shops along Daisenji Approach Road: Souvenir shops and small restaurants near the temple
• 6th Station Emergency Shelter: A basic unmanned hut — emergency use only
• Misen Summit Shelter: Unmanned emergency shelter at the top; no food or drink sold

Restrooms

• Nankokawara Parking Lot: Public toilets available
• 1st Station: Toilets available
• 6th Station Shelter: Basic pit toilets
• No toilet at the summit — use the 6th-station facilities before the final push

Highlights

Spring (April–May)

• Cherry blossoms and fresh green foliage around Daisenji Temple at the base
• As snow melts, Kuroyuri (black lily) and Shojobakama bloom on the upper slopes

Summer (July–August)

• The ancient beech forest forms a cool green canopy — a welcome escape from summer heat
• Summit views of the Sea of Japan and the arc of Yumigahama beach are spectacular on clear days
• The rare Daisen-charaboku (yew) grove along the boardwalk is unique to this mountain

Autumn (October–November)

• Golden beech foliage is Mt. Daisen’s most celebrated season (peak: mid-October)
• The contrast between amber-yellow forest and the deep blue Sea of Japan below is extraordinary
• Wet autumn leaves can make the lower trail slippery — tread carefully

Safety Notes

• The ridge beyond Misen toward Kengamine is strictly off-limits — rockfall risk is severe
• Weather can change rapidly; descend early if clouds build
• Daisenji area has good accommodation options (ryokan, guesthouses) and a hot spring — highly recommended for an overnight trip

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking boots (high-cut, waterproof recommended)
• ✅ Rain jacket and pants
• ✅ Warm layer (summit is about 10°C cooler than the lowlands)
• ✅ Lunch and trail snacks
• ✅ Water (at least 1.5L)
• ✅ Trail map or GPS app (e.g., Yamap)
• ⬜ Trekking poles
• ⬜ Crampons or microspikes (spring snow / early autumn snowfall)