Audio Guide of Mount Daisen

Access to the mountain is open 24 hours a day, but transportation schedules apply. The easiest option is to take the bus from Yonago Station (Daisen Loop line), a journey of about 50 minutes; check the official Tottori tourism website for current frequencies.

Enjoying the natural scenery and hiking trails is completely free. You only need to pay a small fee (around 300 yen, about 2 euros) if you want to enter the main hall of Daisen-ji Temple, a tiny price for the history you will see.

If you plan to visit Daisen-ji Temple and walk around the base area, 3 hours is enough. However, if your goal is to reach the summit and do serious trekking, set aside the whole day (about 6 to 7 hours round trip).

Daisen is a sacred mountain where mountain asceticism (Shugendo) was practiced, and it was considered the home of the gods. For centuries, access was forbidden to ordinary people, which allowed its beech forest to remain pristine and spectacular.

Without a doubt, autumn (late October to early November) is stunning because of the changing leaf colors. If you enjoy skiing, visit in winter; and if you prefer lush greenery ideal for relaxing audio guides, come in summer.

To be honest, it is difficult; this is a mountain with many old stone steps and steep slopes leading to the temples. The visitor center area and the shopping street are accessible, but going deeper into the sacred area is challenging in a wheelchair.

A few kilometers away you will find the incredible Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park, one of the largest flower parks in Japan. I also recommend relaxing in the hot springs of Kaike Onsen after your walk.

Wear very comfortable footwear suitable for trekking even if you are not going to the summit, as the ground is uneven. Also keep an eye on the last bus back to Yonago; schedules in rural Japan are strict, and you will not want to get stranded on the mountain.