Japan — Yonago
Ascend Mount Daisen, Japan's "Matterhorn," on this demanding 9km route. This 6-8 hour volcanic ascent in Tottori Prefecture offers a varied landscape, from dense forests to alpine meadows and rocky ridges. Reach the 1,721m summit for breathtaking panoramas of the Chūgoku region. A truly rewarding hike for experienced walkers.
Distance: 9.0 km
Elevation Gain: 1100 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 6-8 hours
Mount Daisen, the "Matterhorn of Japan," is an iconic stratovolcano located in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Standing at 1,721 metres, it is the highest peak in the Chūgoku region and a sacred mountain with a rich history of religious pilgrimage. The ascent offers a demanding yet rewarding day hike, traversing diverse landscapes from dense forests to alpine meadows and rocky summit ridges. Its distinctive, often snow-capped peak dominates the surrounding countryside, making it a prominent landmark visible from afar. The mountain is part of the Daisen-Oki National Park, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
The ascent of Mount Daisen is a classic day hike that provides a significant physical challenge coupled with breathtaking panoramic views. The trail begins in the verdant lower slopes, often passing through ancient cedar forests and alongside the historic Daisenji Temple complex. As you gain altitude, the vegetation transitions, opening up to alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers during the warmer months. The final section of the hike involves a steeper, more rugged climb over scree and rocky outcrops, culminating in a rewarding summit experience. The summit area itself is a series of peaks, with the true summit being Muro-no-uchi (1,721 m). From the top, on a clear day, you can see the Sea of Japan, the Shimane Peninsula, and even the distant peaks of the Japanese Alps. The descent offers a different perspective on the mountain's grandeur and the surrounding landscape.
Mount Daisen's geological history as a stratovolcano has shaped its dramatic topography. The mountain is not a single, smooth cone but rather a complex volcanic structure with multiple peaks and craters. This varied terrain contributes to the challenging nature of the hike, requiring good stamina and sure-footedness, especially on the upper sections. The mountain's cultural significance as a sacred site adds another layer to the experience, with numerous shrines and historical markers along the route, particularly near the base at Daisenji.
The hike is best undertaken during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months when snow has receded from the upper trails and the weather is generally more stable. However, mountain weather can change rapidly, and visitors should always be prepared for cooler temperatures, wind, and rain, even during peak season. The combination of physical exertion, stunning natural scenery, and cultural heritage makes the Mount Daisen ascent a memorable adventure for experienced day hikers.
Mount Daisen has been a sacred mountain for centuries, revered as a dwelling place of deities and a site for religious asceticism. Its history is deeply intertwined with Shugendō, a syncretic Japanese religion that combines elements of Buddhism, Shintoism, and folk beliefs, focusing on mountain asceticism. The Daisenji Temple, located at the mountain's base, is a significant Buddhist temple founded in the Nara period (710–794 AD). It has been a centre for Shugendō practitioners and a pilgrimage destination for centuries, attracting worshippers from across the region.
The mountain's name, "Daisen," is often interpreted as "Great Shrine" or "Great Mountain," reflecting its spiritual importance. Historically, access to the upper reaches of the mountain was restricted to ascetics and pilgrims. The trails were developed and maintained by religious orders and local communities to facilitate these journeys. The routes taken by pilgrims often followed the paths that are now used by modern hikers, though the infrastructure has evolved over time.
In the Meiji era (1868–1912), with the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, Daisenji Temple underwent changes, but its spiritual significance persisted. The mountain became a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers in the 20th century, especially after the establishment of Daisen-Oki National Park in 1936. The park designation helped to preserve the natural environment and promote responsible tourism. Today, Mount Daisen continues to be a place of spiritual significance and a premier destination for outdoor recreation in western Japan, drawing both religious visitors and hikers seeking a challenging ascent and spectacular views.
The hiking season for Mount Daisen typically runs from May to October. During this period, the trails are generally free of snow, and the weather is more conducive to climbing. However, it is crucial to remember that mountain weather is unpredictable.
Spring (May - June): As the snow melts, the lower slopes begin to bloom. Alpine flowers start to appear in the meadows, and the forests are lush and green. Temperatures are moderate, but higher elevations can still be cool, and late snowfalls are possible. This is a good time for hikers who prefer fewer crowds and enjoy the fresh greenery.
Summer (July - August): This is the peak hiking season. The weather is generally warmer, and the mountain is often clear, offering excellent visibility from the summit. However, summer can also bring humidity, occasional thunderstorms, and the presence of insects. The alpine meadows are in full bloom, creating a vibrant spectacle of colours.
Autumn (September - October): Autumn is a spectacular time to hike Mount Daisen, particularly for the autumn foliage. The forests transform into a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows. The air is crisp and cool, and the visibility from the summit is often excellent. However, temperatures can drop significantly, and early snow can occur towards the end of October.
Winter (November - April): Mount Daisen is a popular destination for winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding, in the lower areas. The upper trails are typically covered in deep snow and ice, making them accessible only to experienced mountaineers with appropriate winter gear and skills (ice axe, crampons, avalanche safety knowledge). For day hikers, winter ascents are generally not recommended due to extreme conditions and avalanche risk.
Weather Reality: Regardless of the season, always be prepared for rapid weather changes. Wind can be strong at higher elevations, and temperatures can drop significantly. Rain is common, and fog can reduce visibility to near zero. Checking the mountain forecast immediately before your hike is essential.
Early Morning (Approx. 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Arrival and Preparation
Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Forest Ascent
Midday (Approx. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Transition to Alpine Meadows
Afternoon (Approx. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Summit Push and Exploration
Late Afternoon (Approx. 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Descent and Return
Important Notes:
Mount Daisen is a popular day hike, and while no advance bookings are required for the trail itself, proper preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable experience. The closest major city is Yonago, which serves as a convenient base for accessing the mountain. From Yonago Station, the Daisen Loop Bus provides regular service to the Daisenji Temple area, the primary trailhead. The bus journey takes approximately 50 minutes. For those driving, limited parking is available near Daisenji Temple, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. It is advisable to check bus schedules in advance, especially if travelling outside of peak tourist times. Ensure you have a reliable way to get to and from the trailhead. Familiarise yourself with the trail route using maps or GPS devices, as mobile phone reception can be intermittent on the mountain.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation.
No specific permits are required for day hiking on Mount Daisen. The mountain is part of the Daisen-Oki National Park, and general access is permitted. However, it is important to adhere to park regulations and guidelines to ensure the preservation of the natural environment and the safety of visitors. Always stay on marked trails to avoid damaging fragile vegetation and to prevent getting lost. Respect any signage or closures that may be in place due to weather conditions or maintenance work.
While no permits are needed for the hike itself, if you plan to engage in activities such as camping (which is generally restricted to designated campgrounds outside the immediate hiking routes) or other specific recreational pursuits, it is advisable to check with the local national park authority or tourism information centre for any specific regulations or requirements.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Mount Daisen Ascent (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Mount Daisen Ascent, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The region surrounding Mount Daisen offers a variety of activities for visitors:
Pre-Hike Checks:
On the Trail:
Specific Hazards:
Daisenji Temple Complex: Before or after your hike, take time to explore the historic Daisenji Temple. Founded in the 8th century, it is a significant religious site with impressive temple buildings, pagodas, and statues. The surrounding area is also home to smaller shrines and historical markers that offer insights into the mountain's spiritual heritage.
Daisen Summit Area: The summit of Mount Daisen is not a single point but a small plateau with several peaks. The main summit is Muro-no-uchi (1,721 m). Other notable peaks include Kengamine (1,711 m) and Goryodake (1,709 m). Exploring the summit area allows for different vantage points and a sense of accomplishment.
Alpine Meadows: During the summer months, the meadows on the upper slopes of Daisen are carpeted with a variety of alpine wildflowers. These areas offer beautiful photographic opportunities and a chance to appreciate the mountain's delicate ecosystem.
Panoramic Views: On a clear day, the views from the summit are spectacular. To the north, you can see the Sea of Japan and the Shimane Peninsula. To the south, the rolling hills and mountains of the Chūgoku region stretch out. On exceptionally clear days, it is even possible to see as far as the Japanese Alps.
Daisen Loop Bus Route: The bus route itself offers scenic views of the mountain and the surrounding countryside. It passes through charming rural landscapes and provides a good introduction to the region.
Mount Daisen, as part of Daisen-Oki National Park, is a precious natural environment that requires careful stewardship. Practising Leave No Trace principles ensures that this beautiful mountain remains pristine for future generations of hikers and visitors.
Your responsibility as a hiker:
By adhering to these principles, you help to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Mount Daisen and its surrounding national park.
