What kind of place are Daisen-ji and Ōgamiyama Shrine Okumiya
Daisen-ji is an ancient temple said to have been founded in 718 (the 2nd year of the Yōrō era) during the Nara period by the monk Kinren Shōnin, and it ranks as a Bekkaku-honzan head temple of the Tendai school. Flourishing as the center of Mt. Daisen worship, it became—under the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism from the Heian period onward—a great sacred ground of Shugendō mountain asceticism that revered Mt. Daisen itself as a deity.
Enshrined deep along the approach to Daisen-ji, Ōgamiyama Shrine Okumiya boasts a shrine building in the gongen-zukuri style of the largest scale in Japan, and it is designated a National Important Cultural Property. The natural-stone, stone-paved approach that stretches roughly 700 meters from the Daisen-ji Bridge to the Okumiya was laid during the Edo period, and it is said to be the longest stone-paved path in Japan.
The surroundings are a hushed forest of beech and konara oak, and in autumn vivid autumn foliage colors the stone paving. Located within walking distance of the Daisen-ji bus stop, it is a spot many visitors take in together with climbing Mt. Daisen.
Highlights
- The natural-stone, stone-paved approach — Stone paving laid in the Edo period. It continues for about 700 meters and is said to be the longest stone-paved path in Japan
- The shrine building of Ōgamiyama Shrine Okumiya — A gongen-zukuri shrine building of the largest scale in Japan. It is designated a National Important Cultural Property
- The forest of beech and konara oak — The deep forest that envelops the approach. The very act of walking through the stillness becomes an experience in itself
- Autumn foliage — The autumn scenery of fallen leaves layering over the stone paving is said to be among the finest views on Mt. Daisen
- Daisen-ji — An ancient temple said to have been founded in the 2nd year of the Yōrō era. As a Bekkaku-honzan head temple of the Tendai school, it carried the heart of Mt. Daisen worship
Time required, fees, and access
Walking from the Daisen-ji bus stop to Ōgamiyama Shrine Okumiya and back takes roughly 2 to 3 hours as a guide. Combined with climbing Mt. Daisen, it becomes a half-day or more. Since the route partly overlaps with the mountain trail, I’d recommend visiting in shoes that are easy to walk in.
Access
- Within walking distance of the Daisen-ji bus stop (there is a local bus from Yonago Station)
Location: 1 Daisen, Daisen Town, Saihaku District, Tottori Prefecture
For the latest information on worship and seasonal conditions, please check the on-site information boards or the official Ōgamiyama Shrine website.
Who this is for
- Those who want to walk amid the solemn atmosphere of an ancient temple and shrine
- Those who want to make their worship visit while enjoying Mt. Daisen’s nature (the beech forest and autumn foliage)
- Those who want to extend their trip before or after climbing Mt. Daisen
Places to stop by nearby
The Ōgamiyama Shrine Honsha (Odaka, Yonago City), which serves as the satomiya (foot-of-the-mountain shrine) of Mt. Daisen worship, is a short distance from JR Hōki-Daisen Station. Visiting both the Okumiya and the Honsha together is said to be the proper form of Mt. Daisen worship.
For all the spots in the Mt. Daisen area, see the map. For the historical background, please also see Stories of history.
