Hiking Through the Foothills of Mount Daisen

Explore Mount Daisen's sacred sites along a scenic walking course

This hiking course visits some important historical and religious sites in the foothills of Mount Daisen (1,729 m). These include Daisenji Temple, an old-growth beech forest, and Ogamiyama-jinja Okumiya Shrine.

Along the path to Daisenji Temple, turn toward Daisenji Bridge to visit the Amida-do Hall—the oldest structure in the Daisenji Temple complex. As you continue along the route, you'll walk through a beech forest and across the mostly dry riverbed of Nankogawara. Here you can pay a visit to Daisenji Temple’s main sanctuary.

Next, follow a natural stone path to Ogamiyama-jinja Okumiya Shrine. Along the way, stop by Kinmon Gate, a sacred spot that provides one of the best views of Mount Daisen’s north face. After visiting Ogamiyama-jinja Okumiya Shrine, you will pass through another beech forest and down a slope toward the Nakanohara Grassland, a ski resort in winter. Stop for a break at Daisen National Park Centre, which offers fine views of the Sea of Japan.

Highlights

Views of the Sada River Valley and Mount Daisen's north face from Kinmon Gate

Spectacular views of Mount Daisen’s north face from Kinmon Gate

Kinmon Gate (Golden Gate) is a sacred spot that provides an uninterrupted view of the Sada River Valley and the rugged north face of Mount Daisen. In the past, Daisenji Temple's warrior monks conducted physical and mental training here.

The chikaraishi stone

The "lifting stone" on the path to Ogamiyama-jinja Okumiya Shrine

This stone is called the chikaraishi, or "strength-testing stone." It is similar to the natural stones used to construct the cobbled path to Ogamiyama-jinja Okumiya Shrine. Legend holds that 500 years ago, Daisenji Temple's 3,000 warrior monks would try to lift this rock to see who was the strongest.

The approach to Ogamiyama-jinja Okumiya Shrine

Walk along a stone path under a canopy of beech and cedar trees

The Miyuki Sando Path stretches 700 meters from the entrance of Daisenji Temple and all the way to Ogamiyama-jinja Okumiya Shrine. It is believed that this path was constructed in the late 18th century. Among the cedar trees that line the path are the ruins of priests' living quarters.

Trail Map

Hiking Through the Foothills of Mount Daisen

Click to Expand Map