The Daisen Summer Opening Festival is a traditional event celebrating the arrival of the climbing season at Mount Daisen (1,729m), the highest peak in the Chugoku region. Historically revered as a 'Fire God Mountain,' the festival features sacred rituals to pray for safety. The highlight is the 'Torch Procession' during the eve festival, where a line of torches creates a mesmerizing 'river of fire' along the mountain path.
Highlights & Experiences
There are two main ways to experience this extraordinary event:
*Torch Procession (Eve Festival)**: Walk the 1km stone-paved path guided by the light of sacred torches. The sight of the flames illuminating the darkness is a breathtaking spectacle often called a 'river of fire.'
*Summit Ritual (Mountain Summit)**: A sacred ceremony is held at the summit (Myosen) to pray for the safety of all climbers. It is a spiritual moment to show respect to the mountain gods against a backdrop of stunning views over the Sea of Japan.
*Gourmet & Stage Events**: At the eve festival venue, enjoy a food festival featuring local delicacies from the mountains and sea of the Daisen area, accompanied by live musical performances.
Schedule
The event takes place over two days.
*Daisen Gourmet Festival & Stage**: 12:00–21:00
*Torch Procession Departure**: Starts around 19:30
*Summit Sacred Ceremony**: 10:00~
Venue & Access
Venues differ depending on the part of the event.
Item
Details
Venue Name
Daisen Boroza Special Venue (Daisen Boroza Parking Lot)
Item
Details
Venue Name
Mount Daisen Summit (Myosen)
*By Car**: Please use the Kenritsu Daisen Parking (No. 1 or 2) or the Nanko-gahara Parking. If the main lots are full, use the Makihara Parking and take the free shuttle bus.
*By Public Transport**: Take a bus from Yonago Station and walk from the Daisen-dera bus stop.
Participation Tips
To participate in the Torch Procession, you must purchase a 'Torch Exchange Ticket' in advance via the online platform (Asoview!). No same-day tickets are sold. As this is a sacred ritual involving fire, please respect safety rules and the solemnity of the ceremony.
What to Bring & Etiquette
*Clothing**: The mountain area gets very cold at night. Bring a warm jacket or outer layer. For the Torch Procession, wear sturdy walking shoes (sneakers, etc.) as the path is uneven stone. Avoid high heels or pumps.
*Essentials**: To join the Torch Procession, you must have your purchased QR code ready (on your smartphone or printed).
*Etiquette**: The procession is a sacred ritual. Please do not block the path for photography and avoid occupying space for long periods. Bringing your own torches is strictly prohibited.
*Payment**: Please check the official site for details regarding food stall payments and ticket purchases.
