Guide
Daisen Kanjō Dōro is a scenic driving route that circles the base of Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture. Known as "Hoki Fuji" (the Fuji of Hoki), the mountain reveals a different face depending on your perspective. The route offers a continuous display of natural beauty, from rugged rock faces reminiscent of the Southern Alps to elegant ridges and one of the most significant primeval beech forests in Western Japan. You can witness the dramatic changes in the landscape directly through your car window.
The area surrounding Mt. Daisen has long been a center for mountain worship. Daisen-ji, an ancient temple of the Tendai sect, was founded during the Yōrō era (717–723) and has flourished as a training ground for Shugendo (ascetic mountain worship). The region is also steeped in history, with local legends and topographical names tied to the historical battles of the Kamakura period, such as the Battle of Senjō-yama.
This route features several breathtaking landmarks. At Daisen-ji, you can admire the vermilion-painted temple buildings, the longest stone-paved approach in Japan, and the stunning view of the northern face of Mt. Daisen. At Masumi Plateau, the landscape opens up to a view of the Sea of Japan alongside the mountain range. Kagekake-toge Pass is a famous viewpoint where you can gaze up at the sheer cliffs of the southern wall of Mt. Dazen. For a high-altitude perspective, the Higashi-Daisen Grand Bridge offers an expansive view. Additionally, near Senjō-yama, there is a park where you can enjoy the