Mt. Daisen is a dormant volcano in Tottori Prefecture on the Japan Sea coast. At 1,729 m, it’s the highest mountain in the Chūgoku region. The formation of the mountain began with eruptions around 1.8 million years ago. Repeated eruptions and collapses resulted in the classic stratovolcano shape seen today. 

Mt. Daisen is a popular destination for hikers. However, some of the peaks are on the verge of collapse, so it’s prohibited to ascend the highest peak, Kengamine (1,729 m). Climbers are able to access Misen peak (1,709 M). The most popular route is from Daisen-ji Temple to Misen, which takes about three hours. 

Daisen is an important centre for the Shugendō religion. Halfway up the mountain is a Buddhist temple, Daisen-ji, established in 718 in the Heian period. Originally, the mountain could only be climbed accompanied by one of the Daisen-ji monks, and until the Edo period, commoners were forbidden from the mountain. Just above the temple is Ōgamiyama Shrine, reflecting the syncretism of Buddhism and Shintō characteristic of Shugendō.