đď¸ Things to Do Around Mount Daisen
If you're joining one of our Japanese Giant Salamander tours, why not explore some of the nearby landscapes? Mount Daisen & the surrounding area offer extraordinary natural beauty, fascinating wildlife, and cultural insights. Here are some recommended activities:
đ˛ Hiking & Nature Walks
Utopia Course
A varied and adventurous trail offering forested paths, alpine ridges, and panoramic viewsâperfect for hikers looking to escape the crowds.
Summit Trail (Natsuyama Course)
Well-maintained and easy to follow, this direct out-and-back route leads to the summit with spectacular views, ideal for those looking for a clear and straightforward ascent.
Ogamiyama Shrine Trail
Follow a quiet, mossy stone approach winding through ancient cedars up to the atmospheric Ogamiyama Shrine. A serenity-rich trail that connects nature with tradition.
Hiruzen Highlands
About an hourâs drive from Daisen, this pastoral region features rolling flower meadows, grazing cattle, and paths for walking and cycling under views of the Hiruzen Sanza peaksâa peaceful retreat into pastoral scenery.
đŚ Wildlife & Birdwatching
Local forest & streams may reveal Japanese weasel, tanuki (raccoon dog), and forest ratsnakes.
Birdwatching highlights include copper pheasant, Japanese green woodpecker, ruddy kingfisher, Japanese paradise flycatcher, and varied tit.
Early summer evenings (JuneâJuly) bring fireflies dancing along the rivers.
đż Birdwatching at Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary (approx. 45â60âminute drive)
Just south of Mount Daisen lies the Yonago Waterbird Sanctuary, a 28-hectare wetland and recognized Ramsar site near Lake Nakaumi. This sanctuary provides excellent birdwatching, featuring more than 130 bird speciesâwith seasonal peaks of up to 10,000 birds, including tundra swans, greater white-fronted geese, bean geese, herons, ducks, and even white-tailed eagles. From the sheltered Nature Center, visitors can use complimentary binoculars and telescopes to observe flocks resting on the water against the backdrop of Daisenâs peak. The center also hosts craft workshops, quiz rallies, and guided observation events for all ages yonago-navi.jp+9tottori-tour.jp+9japan.travel+9.
đ¸ Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Mountain cherry blossoms and delicate wildflowers.
Summer: Alpine blooms, lush greenery, and cool forest trails.
Autumn: Daisenâs forests blaze in late Octoberâideal for hikers and photographers.
Winter: Snowshoe through silent beech forests for a tranquil mountain experience.
đŻ Cultural Sites
Daisenji Temple & Ogamiyama Shrine
Visit the spiritual centers of Mount Daisen, with serene temples connected by moss-covered stone approaches. A small museum nearby shares the rich heritage of ShugendĹ mountain worship rituals.
Mount Mitoku & Sanbutsuji Temple (approx. 90 mins by car)
This sacred mountain ascetic site features the iconic NageireâdĹ Hall, clinging to a steep cliff. The pilgrimage path includes crossing Yadoiribashi bridge, walking beneath ancient cedars, and navigating steep, chain-secured sections on Kusari-zakaâa truly spiritual and adventurous visit experience. You can also view a short video tour of the climb and temple experience here: https://youtu.be/JOxzb6JuwsQ?si=Gajuuu46JZqOrYGs
đ´ Scenic Drives & Coastal Landscapes
Daisen Loop Road: A scenic circuit around the mountain featuring roadside shrines, nature viewpoints, and picnic spotsâexcellent for drivers and cyclists alike.
Sanâin Kaigan Coastline: A rugged coastal region just under an hourâs drive, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Enjoy dramatic sea cliffs, tidal rock formations, tidal pools, and coastal walking trailsâideal for seaside exploration and photography.
đ§âđ¨ Crafts & Art
Washi Papermaking in KĹfu Town (approx. 30 mins from Daisen)
Create your own piece of handmade Japanese paper in a traditional mill using spring water and local mulberry fibers. The workshop includes hands-on sheet forming, pressing, and drying. Family-friendly and by reservation.
Adachi Museum of Art (approx. 60 mins by car)
Widely regarded as one of Japanâs top private art museums, Adachi is famed for its immaculate Japanese gardensâdesigned to be viewed from inside the gallery as living artâand its collection of modern Japanese paintings. A peaceful, artful highlight of the region.
đ˝ď¸ Local Dining Tip
We recommend Restaurant Mikuri, located next to Mikuriya Station, where our tours gather. Their set-course meals highlight seasonal ingredients from the region in a refined setting. Weâd be happy to help with reservations or translations for guests.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikuri_daisen