I recently climbed Mt. Daisen, the highest mountain in the Chugoku region of Japan’s Honshu mainland!

The landscape in February was a true winter wonderland with ice-laced trees and snow that heaped in piles on the ground.

Mt. Daisen can be climbed throughout the year, but generous snowfall and world-class powder make it a winter hotspot for hikers, backcountry snowboarders, and skiers.

This can be a dangerous time to climb, however, due to quickly changing weather and steep drop-offs on either side. If you plan to hike Mt. Daisen, keep reading to learn how to prepare for the climb! Or see the video below for an overview of the trip!
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Mt. Daisen
- Winter Hiking Gear
- Hiking Mt. Daisen
- Where to Stay: Daisen Basecamp
- Other Things to Do In Tottori Prefecture
- Visit Nearby Shimane Prefecture
- Final Thoughts
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How to Get to Mt. Daisen
My group drove to Mt. Daisen by car which took about 7 hours from Fukuoka with a few rest stops along the way.
There was a bit of snow as we passed by Shimane Prefecture and much more once we got to the Basecamp in Tottori Prefecture. If you will travel by car, prepare for driving in inclement weather.
Winter Hiking Gear
If you plan to hike Mt. Daisen, warm, adjustable layers, plus mountaineering boots and spikes are a must. Here are the items I used during my trip:
Clothing
During the hike, I adjusted my layers to keep from sweating. Even in the snow, I was pretty warm throughout the hike as long as I kept moving. Only at the very top where there was harsher wind and more snow did I feel a bit colder.
Torso:
- Long-sleeved UNIQLO HEATTECH shirt
- Long-sleeve dry-fit shirt
- Black Diamond fleece-lined zip-up shell
- Rain Jacket
Bottoms:
- UNIQLO HEATTECH leggings
- Fleece-lined, wind and waterproof winter pants
- Rain pants
- Socks – Thick winter socks. (The shoes I rented came with a thick pair of socks.)
Winter Footwear
Winter Alpine Boots
I rented a pair of heavy-duty hiking boots in Japan from the company Yamarent. The boots I got were made to fit the crampon spikes I rented as well. The boots and spikes were delivered a few days before the trip and I was able to ship them back to the company after use from the post office.

I’m generally a 7.5 US so I got size 24 according to the shoe guide. While hiking though, my big toe started to hurt from pressing against the shoe. With the thick socks, the shoe was a bit tighter than I wanted so if I were to rent again, I would go with a half-size larger.
Spikes/crampons
These are necessary to grip the snow and to keep from falling or siding. I rented a pair of spikes from Yamarent. Make sure that the spikes are compatible with your shoes and that the size is correct. I got the strap-on style.

Food and Drink
- Thermos of hot water – If you want to boil water at the top.
- Snacks – I had some sweets and chocolates to keep my energy up.
- Cup ramen – Light to carry and easy to make with hot water. A cup of ramen tastes most delicious on top of a mountain!
- Pocari Sweat – My choice of electrolyte drink.
- Water
- Onigiri – An easy snack that doesn’t require a fire.
- Gas Burner and Fuel – I have the super light Soto Amicus stove.
Other Items
- Gloves – I brought a pair of knitted gloves as well as a pair of waterproof winter snow gloves. The waterproof gloves were amazing as they kept my fingers warm and dry even in the heart of the snowstorm. For winter snow gloves, I recommend these.
- Balaclava – A warm head and face covering like this.
- Knit Hat
- Knit Scarf
- Pickaxe – Our guide brought these to help with climbing.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Chapstick
- Trash Bag
- Chopsticks for the ramen
Hiking Mt. Daisen
On this trip, I hiked to Mt. Misen, the second-highest peak of Mt. Daisen which is located at 1709 meters taking the same route out and back. (The highest peak is off-limits due to unstable ground.)

The hike took a total of 7 hours – about 4 hours up and 3 hours down with lunch and a few other rest stops along the way.

Climbing in the snow is a lot different than climbing on dirt, especially with heavy shoes and spikes. Our guide set a very gentle pace to keep our energy up and prevent excessive sweating during the climb.
We woke up at 6 am, had a light breakfast, filled our water bottles, and strapped on our mountain boots. We were out at the trailhead at 7 am. (The trail was located right next to our wonderfully convenient accommodation!)

After a few minutes of hiking in the snow, we stopped to strap on our spikes. Walking with the spikes took a bit of getting used to.

Throughout the entire journey, we were surrounded by a lovely winterscape. There were beautiful iced trees, towering snowy mountains, and a snow resort in the distance.

We enjoyed a bit of blue sky and sun until the 6th station. There was a rest hut at the 6th station but it was closed.
We stopped for a snack break and took advantage of the break in the clouds.


The hike was steepest after the 6th station until the 8th station. We carried pickaxes and followed the line of hikers heading up the mountain.

On a good day, there are supposed to be great views but unfortunately, we only had a snowy, windy whiteout.
The trail leveled out after the 8th station but was extremely windy. During this part of the hike my hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows froze!

We reached the summit rest lodge where we had lunch. Many people stayed on the first floor, but the second floor was more spacious and bright.
We heated hot water over a small gas burner and had a delicious lunch of noodles.

There was a bathroom in the lodge but it was very smelly.
Hikers are allowed to stay overnight in the lodge for free without reservations.
Less than 10 minutes from the lodge was the top of Mt. Misen! It was extremely cold and windy at the top.

Since we had no view, we quickly took a photo and started the hike down.
The descent was much faster than the climb up. Since it was steep though, we slid down rather than walked down.

It wasn’t long before we were back at the Basecamp!
Even though we didn’t get any views from the top, it was a great experience and I can now say I’ve climbed a winter mountain in Japan!
Where to Stay: Daisen Basecamp
During my trip, I stayed at a super convenient place called Daisen Basecamp.

This guest house recently opened at the beginning of 2024 and with its location right by the trail, I highly recommend it.
There were shared bunk rooms and private group rooms. The bunks were recently built and featured Japanese accents like washi paper screens.
There was also a large kitchen where breakfast and dinner were served.

In the evening, we ordered Korean food. The dinner of spicy hot pot and other dishes filled our ravenous stomachs and was a great way to end the day.

The Basecamp has a small public bath on the lower floor.
If you want to enjoy a larger public onsen, head to the village about a 10-15 minute walk away. I recommend Daisen Hinokami Goen Yuin which has wonderful indoor and outdoor baths.

Sitting in the hot water with snow falling all around was the best feeling – especially after the long hike.
The onsen complex also has a rest area, snack corner, and main dining space.
Other Things to Do In Tottori Prefecture
There are many other things that you can do in and around Tottori Prefecture! Here are some of the activities and places I recommend.
Tottori Sand Dunes
Sand Dunes in Japan? Yes! Here there are rows and rows of massive sand dunes. From the top of the dunes, look out onto the Sea of Japan.

On the hunt to find Pokemon lids throughout Japan? You’re in luck since there are several in Tottori Prefecture. See my friend go Sandboarding at the Tottori Sand Dunes in search of Sandshrew Pokemon lids!
Hike up Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple
This temple is built into a cave’s mouth on the steep face of a mountain. The hike up requires some big scrambles but there are chains and ropes to help as you climb. Solo hikers are not allowed and shoe checks are carried out.


Chinese Garden Enchoen
This large Chinese-inspired garden is filled with ponds, pavilions, and bridges. Stop by to feel transported out of Japan and into China!

Visit Nearby Shimane Prefecture
Shimane borders Tottori prefecture and is full of other places to visit including interesting museums and a famous shrine.
Izumo Taisha Shrine
One of Japan’s most ancient and important Shinto Shrines. It is said to be the place where the Gods convene each year in October and is decorated by Japan’s largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope).


Nearby is a small shopping street with Shimane’s famous soba noodles and other snacks. Two soba restaurants I recommend are Arakiya and Ippuku Soba!

Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography
Not only are the black and white photos lovely to see, you can also view Mt. Daisen from the museum’s second-floor windows!

Adachi Museum of Art
The Adachi Museum of Art is famous for its spectacular Japanese Garden which is like an art piece itself. There is a tea shop and cafe inside as well.

Yuushien
Yuushien is another lovely Japanese garden with bridges, ponds, and seasonal flowers.

Final Thoughts
Even with the crazy weather and less-than-optimal views at the top, I still enjoyed my time climbing Mt. Daisen and being surrounded by the pristine winter landscape.
This hike requires more preparation and caution than other hikes, but it is so worth it! I can’t wait to visit again and hopefully get some of the famed views.

Check Mt. Daisen out in the book Hyakumeizan (One Hundred Mountains of Japan) written by Japanese author, Kyūya Fukada.
Looking for more adventures to have in Japan? Check out these other posts!
- Kurokawa Onsen Village: Onsen Hopping and Overnight Stay – A wonderful place for onsen lovers in the mountains of Kyushu.
- Solo Hiking the Nakasendo Trail: Complete Guide and Itinerary – Hike a part of the old walking route from Edo to Kyoto.
- Shirakawa-go Village – Visit a beautiful village in the Northern Alps of Japan.
- Bike ride and cafe hopping in Itoshima! – The perfect activity to explore the coast of Itoshima, Fukuoka.