Yokotemichi Trail

Enjoy a stroll through a beech forest and observe panoramic views from the Masumizu Highland Observatory

This gentle hiking course takes in Masumizu Highland and the stone shrine gate of Ishi-no-Otori. The Yokotemichi trail runs parallel to the peaks of Mount Daisen (1,729 m), traversing the western side of the mountain. It features 10 stone Jizo Bosatsu statues–deities who watch over travelers and children. The road also passes through forests of beech and oak.

Follow the Yokotemichi trail through several mountain passes before arriving at Daisenji Temple. Yokotemichi was considered a vital road in the past because it connected Daisenji Temple to Kyoto, Japan's capital during the Heian period (794–1185). Hikers taking this route will walk in the footsteps of countless pilgrims that took this path to Daisenji Temple.

Highlights

A Daurian redstart perched on a tree branch

Kotori-no-Michi (The Path of Little Birds)

The Kotori-no-michi is a path that passes through forests of beech and oak and is home to many different types of wild birds. These include common cuckoos, lesser cuckoos, Japanese bush warblers and Daurian redstarts. Listen for their different songs as you pass through the forest.

Three different Jizo statues

Jizo Bosatsu—the guardians of travelers and children

In the past, Jizo statues stood at 100-meter intervals along Yokote-michi Road. Now only about 10 remain. Each statue is carved with the name of the person who donated it. Every statue has a different facial expression, and they are all made from different types of stone.

A daylily in bloom on the Masumizu Highland

The seasonal attractions of Masumizu Highland

You'll have impressive views of Mount Daisen and its foothills from Masumizu Highland. During spring and summer, this area is a fine spot for picnics and for spotting bright yellow blooms of daylilies. In fall, come here to see beech and oak trees with red, orange and brown leaves. Masumizu Highland is also a good area for skiing in winter. The Tenku chairlift takes you to the Masumizu Highland Observatory. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Yumigahama and Shimane peninsulas. After taking in the scenery, head north toward Daisen-ji Temple along Yokote-michi road.

Trail Map

Yokote-michi Trail

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