Nature and Activities
Nature's blessings:
The independent peak Mount Daisen and
the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark
Daisen, the mountain of blessings
Dominating the terrain of western Tottori, Mount Daisen is an independent peak facing the Sea of Japan. The beautiful mountain resembling the shape of Mount Fuji has been selected as one of 100 famous Japanese mountains. Regarded as a symbol of Tottori, the locals are grateful to Mount Daisen for the many blessings it gives to their land. The vast beech forest that extends out in the mountain serves to filter rainwater and offers quality water, which is vital for growing rice and vegetables as well as raising livestock such as cattle and chickens in addition to nourishing seafood. People also believe that the region is less prone to disasters such as typhoons, which allows them to live peacefully, thanks to the mountain.
From a mountain of faith to
a national park for everyone
Mount Daisen has long been worshipped as a mountain for Shugendo (Japanese Mountain Asceticism) training. During the 14th to 15th centuries, the mountain was dotted with some 170 monks' homes and temples. The access of ordinary people without permission was strictly restricted, especially women. In 1936, the mountain was designated a national park, allowing anyone to enjoy climbing and hiking. It still retains its nature and history while fully keeping in mind to let people visit the mountain safely. In June, the magnificent parade of torches is held to celebrate the official opening of the climbing season. Many people take part in appreciation for Mount Daisen and in prayer for a safe journey on the mountain.
A Japan heritage, Mount Daisen "gyuba-ichi"
At the center of the people's faith on Mount Daisen was Jizo Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha. Legend has it that he appeared on the summit and saved all living creatures, which inspired the faith of many. People visited the Daisen-ji Temple with their cattle and horses praying for their blessings. That initiated the trading of livestock, which eventually grew into Japan's largest “gyuba-ichi” livestock market. Today, only traces of those days can be found in a few locations such as on the approach to the temple, but it still gives you a glimpse of how people treated their livestock like their own children. The market has been designated a Japanese Heritage in recognition of its history and culture.
San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark: Enjoy the best of both land and sea adventures
Around 20 million years ago, the southwestern part of Japan was attached to the eastern coast of the Eurasian continent. The current islands of Japan were separated after several large crustal movements, forming a diversity of geomorphological and geological features. The waves and winds then created a dynamic and beautiful landscape over a long period of time. Within the trekking course along the coastline is the Uradome Coast. Its beautifully clear waters provide stunning views allowing visitors to explore the tunnels, caves and jagged rocks by taking a cruise or riding a kayak. You can also see squid being hung to dry at the fishing port and get a glimpse of people's lives in harmony with nature.
Activities to experience
the nature of Tottori
Visitors can experience a wide range of activities in the magnificent nature that shows you different views from season to season.
Select Area
Western/Central/Eastern
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Cultural Experience
Daisen Tourism Bureau
WEST Mount Daisen Opening Festival
The opening festival is a ritual held every year on the first weekend of June in prayer for the safety of climbers. The parade in which people come down the path to the shrine with a torch in hand on the eve of the festival is truly inspiring.
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Cultural Experience
WEST Daisen Japanese umbrella illumination
Daisen-ji Temple, a designated National Treasures of Japan within the Daisen-Oki National Park, gets illuminated with lights and more than 100 Japanese umbrellas for a limited time. The umbrellas brightly light up the entire area from the front approach to the Ogamiyama Shrine through the main hall of the temple.
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Cultural Experience
Central Mount Mitoku
Located in the center of the prefecture, Mount Mitoku is known as a sacred spot for mountain worship. The trail to the summit is quite thrilling with steep and narrow paths and occasional chains to support climbers. You can also climb wearing “waraji” sandals, which are made from straw ropes.
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Activity
WEST Morinokuni downhill cycling tour on Mount Daisen
(Daisen-Oki National Park)The bicycle tour offers leisurely courses that let you ride through forests and open agricultural fields surrounded by the rich nature of Mount Daisen, including a course that takes you down from about an 850 meters elevation to about 300 meters and a course that runs all the way down to the coast (0 meter altitude).
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Activity
WEST Daisen beech forest walk
(Daisen-Oki National Park)The guided hiking tour in the vast beech forest of Mount Daisen offers great entertainment to all family members. Enjoy walking along the paths and visiting historical sites designated as important cultural assets while learning about the area.
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Activity
WEST Daisen snowshoe tour
Explore the winter of Mount Daisen on snowshoes. Tours by experienced guides are also suitable for beginners, so why not immerse yourself in the magnificent nature of Mount Daisen blanketed in fluffy snow and the scattered light that filters through the trees?
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Nature
EAST Uradome Coast island cruise
(San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark)The leisurely voyage on a sightseeing boat provides a dynamic coastline view with many wondrous rock formations as well as the crystal-clear seawater of the Uradome Coast in the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark.
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Activity
EAST Clear canoeing along the Uradome Coast
(San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark)The clear canoe lets you see the underwater world of the Uradome Coast known for its stunningly transparent waters while offering a unique experience as if you are floating in the air.
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Nature
WEST Bier Hof Gambarius
(Daisen-Oki National Park)Located at the hillside of the Daisen-Oki National Park, the restaurant offers the local beer “Daisen G Beer,” which is brewed with subsoil water at an altitude of 300 m above sea level and offered in four different flavors. Fresh beer delivered from the brewery on site pairs perfectly with sausages and spare ribs.
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Activity
© tottori sanddunes yoga
EAST Sand dunes yoga
Yoga classes are held at a place and time recommended by a certified yoga instructor who is familiar with the sand dunes. Calmly tune into the natural rhythms of the planet, connect with your inner voice and discover your true self.
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Activity
EAST Uradome Coast stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
Explore one of the most transparent waters in Japan. As you stand on a large and thick surfboard and paddle through, it makes you feel as if you are walking on water thanks to the crystal-clear water of the Uradome Coast.
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Activity
EAST Tottori Sand Dunes paragliding
Go flying in the wind with a paraglider over the sand dunes. Anyone, even beginners, can enjoy a safe paragliding experience in half a day under an instructor's guidance and feel the power of nature for themselves.
Select Area
Western/Central/Eastern
-
Nature
EAST Uradome Coast island cruise
(San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark)The leisurely voyage on a sightseeing boat provides a dynamic coastline view with many wondrous rock formations as well as the crystal-clear seawater of the Uradome Coast in the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark.
-
Nature
WEST Bier Hof Gambarius
(Daisen-Oki National Park)Located at the hillside of the Daisen-Oki National Park, the restaurant offers the local beer “Daisen G Beer,” which is brewed with subsoil water at an altitude of 300 m above sea level and offered in four different flavors. Fresh beer delivered from the brewery on site pairs perfectly with sausages and spare ribs.
Select Area
Western/Central/Eastern
-
Activity
WEST Morinokuni downhill cycling tour on Mount Daisen
(Daisen-Oki National Park)The bicycle tour offers leisurely courses that let you ride through forests and open agricultural fields surrounded by the rich nature of Mount Daisen, including a course that takes you down from about an 850 meters elevation to about 300 meters and a course that runs all the way down to the coast (0 meter altitude).
-
Activity
WEST Daisen beech forest walk
(Daisen-Oki National Park)The guided hiking tour in the vast beech forest of Mount Daisen offers great entertainment to all family members. Enjoy walking along the paths and visiting historical sites designated as important cultural assets while learning about the area.
-
Activity
WEST Daisen snowshoe tour
Explore the winter of Mount Daisen on snowshoes. Tours by experienced guides are also suitable for beginners, so why not immerse yourself in the magnificent nature of Mount Daisen blanketed in fluffy snow and the scattered light that filters through the trees?
-
Activity
EAST Clear canoeing along the Uradome Coast
(San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark)The clear canoe lets you see the underwater world of the Uradome Coast known for its stunningly transparent waters while offering a unique experience as if you are floating in the air.
-
Activity
© tottori sanddunes yoga
EAST Sand dunes yoga
Yoga classes are held at a place and time recommended by a certified yoga instructor who is familiar with the sand dunes. Calmly tune into the natural rhythms of the planet, connect with your inner voice and discover your true self.
-
Activity
EAST Uradome Coast stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
Explore one of the most transparent waters in Japan. As you stand on a large and thick surfboard and paddle through, it makes you feel as if you are walking on water thanks to the crystal-clear water of the Uradome Coast.
-
Activity
EAST Tottori Sand Dunes paragliding
Go flying in the wind with a paraglider over the sand dunes. Anyone, even beginners, can enjoy a safe paragliding experience in half a day under an instructor's guidance and feel the power of nature for themselves.
Select Area
Western/Central/Eastern
-
Cultural Experience
Daisen Tourism Bureau
WEST Mount Daisen Opening Festival
The opening festival is a ritual held every year on the first weekend of June in prayer for the safety of climbers. The parade in which people come down the path to the shrine with a torch in hand on the eve of the festival is truly inspiring.
-
Cultural Experience
WEST Daisen Japanese umbrella illumination
Daisen-ji Temple, a designated National Treasures of Japan within the Daisen-Oki National Park, gets illuminated with lights and more than 100 Japanese umbrellas for a limited time. The umbrellas brightly light up the entire area from the front approach to the Ogamiyama Shrine through the main hall of the temple.
-
Cultural Experience
Central Mount Mitoku
Located in the center of the prefecture, Mount Mitoku is known as a sacred spot for mountain worship. The trail to the summit is quite thrilling with steep and narrow paths and occasional chains to support climbers. You can also climb wearing “waraji” sandals, which are made from straw ropes.
How to Get There
Tottori Prefecture can be reached via Tottori Airport and Yonago Airport, which can be respectively accessed from Tokyo in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. In addition, the area is easily accessible from Osaka and Hiroshima by land using highways and JR trains, which lets you enjoy great views of rural Japan. Why not spend your trip to Japan in Tottori and discover an entirely enchanting side of Japan?
Accommodations can be booked through the ANA WORLD HOTEL website.
By Air
- From Haneda Airport to Tottori Airport: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
- From Haneda Airport to Yonago Airport: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes
By Land
From Osaka:
- Approximately 3 hours by bus
- Approximately 3 hours by train
From Hiroshima:
- Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes to
5 hours and 30 minutes by bus - Approximately 3 hours by train
