Tottori Prefecture: Slow Travel in Mt. Daisen’s Foothills and the Hino River

Mount Daisen, a symbol of the Daisen foothills and the Hino River basin and one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, stands as a defining presence of the region. Across the north-south expanse shaped by the mountain range and the Hino River flowing at its foot, there are rural landscapes, satoyama woodlands, and tranquil villages, creating a distinct scenery where rich nature and history intertwine.

Picture courtesy of PIXTA

The Daisen area is blessed with nature in every season, enjoyed in various ways including hiking, hot springs, walks on the beach, and local festivals. Its pure water has fostered a thriving sake culture and breweries, while a wide variety of local dishes has evolved over time.

In this article, we introduce a wide range of attractions, from classic spots to lesser-known hidden gems. While there is an appeal to lively destinations, why not step away from the crowds and momentarily forget about the rush of daily life in tranquil surroundings? Enjoy a restorative day off surrounded by nature, that will leave you fulfilled.

Daisen: Seasonal Landscapes of the Daisen Mountains

Picture courtesy of PIXTA

Daisen is a town where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, autumn leaf viewing, and skiing throughout the year around the majestic Mt. Daisen. The area offers highlights including the mountain’s foothills and coastal area scenery.

If you’re looking for a base for your trip, we recommend Daisen White Resort, the largest ski resort in the Chugoku region. The surrounding area is home to many accommodations and hot springs, and you can enjoy hiking and incredible scenery, so you’ll have a rewarding stay in any season you visit.

Picture courtesy of Daisen White Resort

The biggest draw of Daisen White Resort that sets it apart from other ski resorts is the stunning view of the Sea of Japan as you ski. Ski resorts with an ocean view are extremely rare in Japan, and what awaits you is an unforgettable experience you can’t have anywhere else.

The ski slopes are divided into four areas by difficulty level: Goenzan, Nakanohara, Uenohara, and Kokusai. Everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers, can enjoy skiing to their heart’s content at their skill levels.

Daisen White Resort
Address: 689-3318 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Daisencho, Daisen 96
Hours: 8:30 - 17:00
Official Website: https://www.daisen-resort.jp/

Picture courtesy of PIXTA

Mikuriya Station, the oldest station building in the San’in region, is nationally designated as a Tangible Cultural Property, retaining its retro charm.
Its retro appearance has also made it a popular photo spot.

Mikuriya Station
Address: 689-3205 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Daisencho, Nishitsubo

Picture courtesy of PIXTA

Daisenij Temple’s Main Hall, located midway up Mount Daisen, was rebuilt in 1951 on the site of Dainichi Hall, originally destroyed in a fire in 1928. The hall is built in the style of a medieval temple and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property by the national government.

Daisenji Temple Main Hall
Address: 689-3318 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Daisencho, Daisen 9
Hours: 9:00 - 16:00
Official Website: https://daisenji.jp/

Picture courtesy of PIXTA

Walk down a 700-meter-long path from the entrance of Daisenji Temple and you’ll be led to Ogamiyama Shrine Okumiya. This path, paved with natural stones, is said to be Japan’s longest natural stone shrine approach.

Ogamiyama Shrine Okumiya
Address: 689-3318 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Daisencho, Daisen 1
Hours: 9:00 - 16:00
Official Website: https://www.oogamiyama.or.jp/en/

The main shrine at the very end of the approach is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The tranquil, mystical atmosphere created by moss-covered stone paths and deep cedar forests will cleanse your soul just by walking through. It’s highly recommended to visit the shrine together with Daisenji Temple.

Picture courtesy of PIXTA

To the east of Mount Daisen is Mount Senjo, with towering cliffs that resemble a folding screen, and Daisen Falls, selected as one of 100 Best Waterfalls in Japan, which create a largely untouched landscape. The area is ideal for hiking from spring to autumn, and is where you can see a side of Mount Daisen distinct from its main peak.

Kofu: Oku Daisen’s Pristine Landscapes and Cuisine

Picture courtesy of PIXTA

Kofu, located in a mountainous area known as Oku Daisen, preserves tranquil and largely untouched landscapes that are extremely rare in Japan. From Kagikake Pass, you can take in a close-up view of the rugged, yet majestic sight of Mount Daisen’s southern face, making it a spectacular sight not to be missed.

The area is known for having exceptionally pure water. The crystal-clear streams, so clear that a major beverage manufacturer sources their water from it, have nurtured a regional food culture.

Picture courtesy of PIXTA

The Mitsukue Thatched-Roof Hut, an impressive hut with a traditional thatched-roof, stands alone in the countryside as a photo spot. The contrast with Mount Daisen’s southern face, towering in the background, is striking and creates breath-taking scenery. The untouched Japanese landscape, which feels as if you’ve stepped back in time, captivates many photography enthusiasts.

Mitsukue Thatched-Roof Hut
Address: 689-4424 Tottori Prefecture, Hino, Kofu, Mitsukue
Official Website: https://www.town-kofu.jp/kanko/8/1/3/

Picture courtesy of Kofu Town General Affairs Department

The Kitanizawa Mountain Stream is known for its whimsical scenery formed by crystal-clear waters, moss-covered stones, and trees. Due to a stable water temperature throughout the year, its clear waters can be enjoyed in any season. It’s the perfect place for those who want to immerse themselves in nature while surrounded by the murmuring sounds of the stream and birds chirping.

Kitanizawa Mountain Stream
Address: 689-4424 Tottori Prefecture, Hino, Kofucho, Mitsukue 837-13
Official Website: https://www.town-kofu.jp/2/spot/r681/r154/

At Roadside Station Okudaisen, you can try Daisen Okowa, a regional dish made using locally grown glutinous rice. The station also offers many other dishes made with local ingredients like soba, rice, and miso produced in Oku Daisen. It’s always bustling with locals and visitors, serving as a community gathering spot.

In this spot, abundant in simple local ingredients, you can experience the authentic everyday life of Oku Daisen.

Roadside Station Okudaisen
Address: 689-4431 Tottori Prefecture, Hino, Kofucho, Sagawa 908-3
Hours: 8:30 - 17:30
Official Website: https://okudaisen.org/

Nanbu: Unwind Amid Rolling Hills and Hot Springs

Picture courtesy of Tottori Prefectural Flower Park

Nanbu, located on gentle hilly terrain, is a town enveloped by a serene, open atmosphere. Scattered throughout town are flower-themed spots where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while connecting with nature.

Picture courtesy of Tottori Prefectural Flower Park

Tottori Prefectural Flower Park is Japan’s largest flower park. Its covered gallery allows visitors to stroll around the park regardless of the season or weather, and also enjoy the seasonal flowers alongside views of Mount Daisen. The flower fields, which change with the seasons, will bring new delights with every visit.

In winter, a large-scale illumination event is held, turning it into a standout nighttime sightseeing spot in Nanbu. The flower gardens, bathed in light, are fantastical, and on some nights depending on the schedule, fireworks are launched, adding even more dazzle to memories of your travels.

Tottori Prefectural Flower Park
Address: 683-0217 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Nanbucho, Tsuruda 110
Hours: Varies by the season. Please check this link for more details.
Official Website: https://www.tottorihanakairou.or.jp/en/

Picture courtesy of Nanbu Town Future Creation Department

Hosshoji Onsen, which opened in June 2022, is known for its soft, weak alkaline waters sourced from 1,200 meters underground. The hot springs are said to help in alleviating fatigue and promoting beautiful skin. The facility itself has a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

There are three large baths: Yama-no-Yu, Sakura-no-Yu, and Saki-no-Yu, each with indoor and open-air areas. Saki-no-Yu is also available for private use by reservation. The facility was built on the former site of a high school and its school anthem is engraved on the walls of the open-air bath. It’s a unique feature that you can’t take your eyes off.

After your bath, head to Yabu Katsu, a soba restaurant in the facility. The restaurant serves freshly made soba noodles every day using carefully selected buckwheat flour from Bhutan, grown in the Himalayan nature and milled at the neighboring flour mill. The soba, fragrant with a firm bite, is excellent. The restaurant offers table seating, tatami mat seating, and a private room for up to 30 guests, making it convenient for families and groups.

Picture courtesy of Nanbu Town Future Creation Department

The facility also features a nostalgic cheap candy corner, capsule toy machines, and a manga area that visitors of any generation can enjoy. After your bath, take a break with a coffee or buy some homemade tofu, thick fried tofu, or other side dishes at the kiosk.

The annex also has a GoGo Curry, a curry chain restaurant, and lodging facilities, making it a cozy place that will make you feel like saying, “I’m home.”

Hosshoji Onsen
Address: 683-0351 Tottori Prefecture, Saihaku, Nanbucho, Hosshoji 516
Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/hosshoji_onsen/

Hino: Enjoy Spiritual Spots and Nature Experiences

Picture courtesy of Hino Town Industry Promotion Department

Hino, located in the middle stretch of Hino River, is a historic mountain town. It is home to a shrine with an auspicious name and is filled with activities that take advantage of its abundant nature.

Kamochi Shrine, whose name means "rich person", is believed to bring financial luck. It has become a popular place of worship in the region, attracting visitors from all over Japan who place their wishes on ema plaques in hopes of good fortune. Its small, yet quaint appearance is memorable and, even now, is beloved as one of Hino’s foremost spiritual spots.

Kamochi Shrine
Address: 689-4512 Tottori Prefecture, Hino, Hinocho, Kamochi 74
Hours: 10:00 - 16:00
Official Website: https://www.kamochijinja.jp/

Picture courtesy of Hino Town Industry Promotion Department

Hino isn’t just home to a shrine, it is also where you can experience the changing seasons through nature activities. In winter, you can watch mandarin ducks nestled together along the river, making it a serene sight that soothes the heart.

In summer, you can challenge yourself to canoeing or rafting on Hino River. Feel the thrill of nature with your entire body as you’re splashed by the cool, refreshing water!

Nichinan: Highland Vegetables, Tamahagane, and Fireflies

Picture courtesy of Nichinan Town Community Development Department

Nichinan, situated at the southernmost edge of Tottori Prefecture along the borders of Okayama, Hiroshima, and Shimane, lies in a highland area. The water from Hino River, home to many Japanese giant salamanders, along with Nichinan rice and tomatoes grown with large day-night temperature differences, are exquisite local products, making the area truly a treasure trove of ingredients. Tatara ironmaking has thrived here since ancient times, producing the finest tamahagane steel, the material for the National Treasure Dojigiri Yasutsuna, and shaping a distinct satoyama landscape through the kanna-nagashi (iron sand gathering) method.

Roadside Station Nichinan Hinogawa no Sato offers a selection of local specialties from Nichinan and Hino. Fresh vegetables and processed products line the shelves, making it a fun place to walk and browse.

The adjacent restaurant serves cuisine made generously with local ingredients including Nichinan rice and Daisendori chicken.

At Shop Marugoto Tomato, a tomato-themed specialty shop, they sell juices and soft serve ice cream made from locally grown tomatoes. The rich yet refreshing flavor lets you enjoy the essence of the highlands.

Roadside Station Nichinan Hinogawa no Sato
Address: 689-5211 Tottori Prefecture, Nichinancho, Shoyama 386
Hours: 8:00 - 18:00
Official Website: https://nichinan-hinogawanosato.jp/

Picture courtesy of Nichinan Town Community Development Department

Nichinan’s Firefly Kingdom in Fukumaki is one of Japan’s largest firefly viewing spots. Every year in early summer, Genji fireflies dance in a frenzy above the river, while Hime fireflies blanket the mountain slopes, inviting you into a magical nighttime world.

Enjoy Popular and Hidden Spots on a Relaxing Mountain Trip

Sightseeing spots in Mount Daisen’s foothills and the Hino River basin are spread across a wide mountain area, so renting a car is recommended to allow for greater flexibility. Some areas can be reached by the JR Hakubi Line or route buses, but since services are limited, it’s a good idea to check timetables beforehand.

While enjoying popular spots, occasionally take a detour from the usual sightseeing routes to experience the tranquil mountain nature and historic shrines and temples. Would you like to try this kind of slow-paced travel yourself?