A Journey to Discover the Allure of Mount Daisen – 4 Must-Visit at Japan’s Sacred Mountain

Japan is home to many world-famous and scared mountains recognized by everyone in the country, such as Mount Fuji, Mount Ontake, Mount Asama, the Yatsugatake Mountains, and Mount Aso. Among them, Mount Daisen, the iconic spiritual peak of the San’in region, has been revered as a divine mountain from the age of the eight million gods up to the present day.
Beloved not only by the local community but also by mountain climbers, practitioners of Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism), and countless tourists, Mount Daisen continues to captivate hearts with its mystical beauty and cultural significance. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the allure of Mount Daisen and introduce must-visit tourist attractions centered around this sacred peak.

1. Daisen: Ranked Among Japan’s Top 3 Famous Mountains

Standing at an impressive 1,729 meters, Daisen is a majestic volcano beloved by hiking enthusiasts across Japan and recognized as one of the country’s treasured natural heritage sites. In 1936, it became Japan’s third national park. In the national broadcast ranking of Japan’s famous mountains, Daisen proudly took third place, following Mount Fuji and Mount Yari.
What makes Daisen so captivating? From the Miho no Seki side along the Sea of Japan, the mountain’s silhouette, framed by the blue ocean and the graceful arc of a white shoreline, resembles a picturesque painting. From the Nanbu Town side, Daisen displays the elegant cone shape that has earned it the nickname “Hōki Fuji”. In contrast, the Daisen Town side reveals rugged rock faces that stand tall and dramatic. Few mountains in Japan offer such diverse views from different angles.
In summer, Daisen is lush with greenery; in winter, it transforms into a ski paradise. The mountain’s base is also home to natural hot springs, offering relaxation after outdoor adventures. Its towering height directly faces the northwesterly seasonal winds, resulting in heavy snow and strong winds during winter. As one of western Japan’s largest ski resorts, it draws countless visitors every year.

2. Daisenji Temple: 1,300 Years of Spiritual Heritage

Nestled in the embrace of Mount Daisen, Daisenji Temple is a historic site that both locals and travelers from across Japan visit for worship. It houses the revered Amitabha Triad, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, and features sacred halls such as the Amida Hall, Kannon Hall, and Goma Hall.
Founded in 718, the temple’s origin story tells of a man named Idō from Tamatsukuri in Izumo Province. While pursuing a golden wolf in the mountains, he prepared to shoot an arrow when the bodhisattva Jizō appeared before the arrowhead. Overcome with reverence, Idō abandoned his bow, and the wolf transformed into an elderly nun. Inspired, Idō became a monk named Kinren. From this event, Daisenji Temple was established.
Initially worshiped as Daisen Gongen and a center for mountain asceticism, the temple later became affiliated with the Tendai sect during the Jōgan era, maintaining its status as a prominent Buddhist temple. Although it declined after the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism, many of its historic features remain, making it a must-visit cultural landmark in Tottori.

3. Ōgamiyama Shrine Okumiya: A Place Where the Heart is Purified

Ōgamiyama Shrine Okumiya is a sacred sanctuary renowned for its breathtaking artistry and spiritual atmosphere. Inside the main hall, the walls are adorned with celestial maiden murals, while the ceilings feature exquisite floral, bird, and seasonal motifs that radiate a refined elegance. The vivid interior is crafted using the byakudan-nuri technique, resembling gold leaf. Historically, only Shinto priests and select individuals could enter this sacred hall, while ordinary worshippers were allowed only up to the long corridor.
The approach from the Daisen-ji Temple gate to the Okumiya spans about 700 meters, making it one of the longest natural stone-paved paths in Japan. Surrounded by towering beech and cedar trees, this serene walkway feels like a journey of the soul, gradually cleansing both mind and body.
In ancient times, Mount Daisen was called “Ōgamitake” — the Mountain of the Great God. People from all over Japan revered it deeply as a divine presence. This devotion has remained unchanged even into modern times. Like many sacred mountains across the country, Daisen has been a focal point of worship since antiquity.
According to the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki, there is a legend that “Ōgamitake” (also known as Hi-no-Kamitake) acted as a great stake securing the land, with the Yumigahama Peninsula as the rope binding it. Another tale says the gods stood atop Mount Daisen, gazing over the land from above the clouds as they planned the creation of the nation. While the exact date of the shrine’s establishment remains unknown, it is believed to have originated with a yōhaijo (remote worship site) located midway up the mountain, offering a view of the summit.

4. Daisen Onsen: A Gift from the Gods

At the foot of majestic Mount Daisen, numerous hot springs gush forth, offering a soothing retreat for travelers. Among them is the renowned Kaike Onsen in Yonago, as well as newly discovered gems such as Gōenyuin, Hinokamidake Onsen, and Nakayama Onsen.
The water of Daisen has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Famous Waters” for its exceptional purity and taste. This same pristine water also flows as natural hot springs—a true luxury of nature. After a day of hiking, skiing, or outdoor adventures, these rejuvenating baths wash away fatigue and refresh both body and mind, preparing you for another exciting day ahead. Mount Daisen truly stands as a treasure trove of blessings, a gift from the gods.

◎ Summary

While this guide focuses on Mount Daisen, the San’in region also shares a deep cultural connection with the Izumo area, offering countless historical and romantic spots to explore. Beyond its cultural richness, the region is a year-round paradise—perfect for forest bathing, swimming in the sea, skiing, and escaping the noise of daily life. Warm, welcoming, and brimming with nature’s charm, Mount Daisen in the San’in region is a destination you’ll want to visit at least once in your lifetime.

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A Journey to Discover the Allure of Mount Daisen – 4 Must-Visit at Japan’s Sacred Mountain