Daisen

Thursday, August 29, 2019 Updated

Countless Volcanic Activity | Tottori

Mt. Daisen is the largest volcanic mountain on the Daisen volcanic belt, a series of mountains in Tottori. Standing at an elevation of 1,729 meters (5607 ft), Mt. Daisen is the tallest mountain in the Chugoku region and is listed in Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Mt. Daisen was formed from the result of countless volcanic activity that occurred over the last 1.8 million years. The mountain today is a result of volcanic eruptions during 50,000 to 10,000 years ago that formed on top of Old Daisen. Depending on the season and where you view the mountain, the landscape of Mt. Daisen varies. In fact, Mt. Daisen is often called Hōki Fuji and Izumo Fuji depending on the side you're viewing the mountain from.

Stunning Fall Foliage & Winter Holiday Sports

The mountain's colors change with the season, being covered in brilliant shades of red and orange during the autumn months and covered in beautiful snow during the winter. The fall koyo leaf viewing along the mountain is one of Tottori's best spots to appreciate the changing seasons. The snow is so well regarded on Mt. Daisen that it's actually considered one of Japan's top ski slopes. During the warmer months of Spring and Summer, Mt. Daisen is home to a variety of trails hikers can enjoy. The trails do require a certain degree of fitness and experience, so some courses are not advised for beginners. Please note, due to collapses caused by the Great Tottori Earthquake in 2000, Daisen's highest peak Kengamine is prohibited access. However, hikers can still access other high peaks such as Misen Peak at 5,608 ft.

Daisen-ji & Stunning Views

There's also Daisen-ji, a Buddhist temple, located halfway up the mountain as well as the Ogamiyama Shrine just a little ways up the trail. Daisen-ji is well known for it's beauty and has earned status as a National Treasures of Japan. Mt. Daisen is well-revered for it's beauty, and has been chosen as the third greatest summit in Japan behind Mt. Fuji and Mt. Yari according to The Japanese Greatest Summits Ranking held by NHK. Thanks to the beauty of the temple nestled gently along the slopes of Mt. Daisen, the amazing nature and Japanese wildlife, and the exciting winter holiday sports makes Mt. Daisen a popular attraction for travelers of all ages. Ask your travel agent about Japan Deluxe Tours affordable range of custom or private tours to expore Mt. Daisen at your leisure with your own personal tour guide in Japan.