Diamond Sun Rising from Mt. Daisen

Feel a soft breeze on these rich green highlands

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Unexpectedly, I saw this phenomenon when I was driving toward Mt. Daisen...so majestic!

Gorgeous view of Mt. Daisen seen from the 'Kimendai observation deck'. Due to San-in region's high humidity and high altitude, the mountaintop area is often cloudy

In summer, the splash of these gypsy roses' purple adds color to the highlands covered with fresh green plants

Majestic view of Mt. Daisen seen from an another large observation deck at Kagikake Mountain Pass. The jagged ridge line of Mt. Daisen and its beech forests can be seen together from here

Awe-inspiring view of Mt. Daisen, which is also known as the 'Mt. Fuji of the San-in region'. No wonder people used to believe the gods resided in this mountain

Fresh verdure of Mt. Daisen's beech forests. In autumn, these green leaves turn gold

From Kagikake Moutain Pass, you have a clear view of Mt. Daisen's bare hillsides. The mountaintop is covered by umbrella clouds

European-looking cafe on the hillside of Mt. Daisen

The scenery viewed from a parking lot near Kagikake Mountain Pass. The sea of clouds veils the cityscape below

At the Kimendai Observation Deck I felt the fog sneaking up on me from below and the cold air enveloped my whole body within minutes

I make it a rule to visit Mt. Daisen, aka: Mt. Hoki Fuji, in the west part of Tottori prefecture twice a year. Mt. Daisen is the highest mountain in the Chugoku region, and depending on where you see it from, it changes its shape and looks quite different.

Last time, I went there in August, when green forests and the cool air were refreshing, and in mid November, when autumn leaves were beautiful on my way to Kagikake Mountain Pass on Hiruzen-Daisen Skyline through the 'First Stream', 'Second Stream' and the 'Third Stream'.

In this photo story, I will introduce the majestic views seen from the 'Kimendai Observation Deck': the best vantage point from which a 360-degree panoramic view spreads out in front of you, and other picturesque views from the 'Kagikake Mountain Pass Observation Deck': from which the southern hillsides of Mt. Daisen can be seen.

Nature of Mt.Daisen and Mt. Hiruzen at Daisen-Oki National Park 1. Diamond Sun Rising from Mt. Daisen 2. Autumn at Mt. Daisen's Beech Forest 3. Beautiful Gorge of Mt. Daisen