Gift from Gods: The Unspoiled Landscapes of San’in
Discover the untold story of nature worship in Daisen-Oki National Park
Daisen, Scenery in the morningMinistry of Environment
Daisen-Oki National Park stretches across Tottori, Shimane, and Okayama Prefectures. With its majestic and varied landscapes and unique ecosystems, this area took center stage in myths and mountain worship in ancient times.
A lifestyle close to nature still exists even today, and an environment of abundant nature remains thanks to human efforts.
Japanese Cedar in Mount MitokuMinistry of Environment
A stage in the world of myths
The Kunibiki Shinwa is a myth recorded in the Izumo-no-kuni Fudoki (the gazetteer of Izumo Province), which was compiled in the first half of the 8th century, and in the myth, Yatsukamizu-omizunu no Mikoto, a gigantic god, created the Shimane Peninsula by dragging excess land from the Korean Peninsula, the Oki Islands, and the Hokuriku region.
The posts for the ropes used to pull this land are said to have become what is now Mt. Daisen and Mt. Sanbe. Also found in the myth, Daisen-Oki National Park is made up of four areas, and you can enjoy the majestic landscapes here that evoke images of ancient epic stories.
Jōdogaura CoastMinistry of Environment
The Oki Islands, where the history of the Earth remains
The Oki Islands, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark and located 40 to 80 km north of the Shimane Peninsula, were not only featured in ancient myths, but also feature the remains of an ancient drama created by the earth over hundreds of millions of years.
Sekiheki Red CliffMinistry of Environment
About 250 million years ago, the Oki Island were part of the supercontinent Pangaea, and after partially sinking to the bottom of lakes and the ocean, they became the remote islands they are today about 10,000 years ago.
The remnants of this time created spectacular precipices and geological formations. You can experience the large-scale art crafted by planet earth on the small island.
Oki Traditional SumoMinistry of Environment
Oki is known for its diverse ecosystems, where endemic species coexist with northern and southern species. Since about 30,000 years ago, the islands have prospered as production areas for obsidian, and a unique culture was developed here.
For example, it is said that the islanders began bullfighting to comfort Emperor Gotoba when he was exiled here about 800 years ago, and this continues today as Ushi-tsuki. Many other unique cultural events continue today, including Oki traditional sumo where participants stay up all night as a ceremonial offering to the gods.
Sunset (Fumishima)Ministry of Environment
The Shimane Peninsula, where many myths prevail
The Shimane Peninsula region shows up in Japan’s ancient myths, including the Kunibiki Shinwa, and ancient traditions and beliefs remain strong here. Religious ceremonies associated with myths found in the ancient Kojiki and Nihon Shoki texts continue to be passed down even today at Miho Shrine.
Izumo Taisha Kaguraden (Shimenawa)Ministry of Environment
Izumo Grand Shrine, said to be the place where the gods of Japan gather every year in the 10th month of the old lunar calendar, has become a symbol of Izumo, the land of the gods.
This is why the 10th month in the old lunar calendar was known as Kannazuki (“the godless month”) in other regions in Japan, but here, it was known as Kamiarizuki (“the month where the gods are present”).
Mt. Sanbe and Ukinunoike PondMinistry of Environment
Mt. Sanbe, with its band of 6 peaks
Also making a debut in the Kunibiki Shinwa, the Mt. Sanbe region is located roughly in the middle of Shimane Prefecture, and its six peaks create a continuous ring as if encircling the central basin, known as Muro no Uchi.
Scenes rich in variety spread out in all directions, from the Muronouchiike Pond to nearby lakes and marshes, and the grasslands at the foot of the mountain. The many activities here are popular, and the hot springs here have flourished as places for healing since ancient times. The area is busy with people seeking to relax among nature.
Daisen summer seen from the lock passMinistry of Environment
The Mt. Daisen, Hiruzen and Mt. Mitoku Region,
centered around Japan’s oldest sacred mountain
The Mt. Daisen, Hiruzen and Mt. Mitoku region is dominated by Mt. Daisen, the highest peak in the Chugoku region of Japan. This mountain appears in the Izumo Fudoki as Hinokami-dake (“Mountain of the Fire God”) and has been a place of worship since ancient times.
Mt. Daisen features western Japan’s largest beech forest, and you can enjoy the seasonal spring greenery, autumn leaves, and more here. The mountain is unique in that it offers different impressions when viewed from different angles: from the west, a gently sloping mountain, and from the northern and southern foothills, a rough, rocky surface.
Daisen-ji Temple, Yoshimochi-jizoMinistry of Environment
Shugendo and Mt. Daisen worship
Through Mt. Daisen’s history, we can catch a glimpse of the relationship the people here had with the mountain’s nature. Sometimes harsh and sometimes gentle, Mt. Daisen inspired a sense of intimacy and reverence from the people in this area.
This natural environment has been protected as a place of mountain worship in the past and as an area of advanced environmental protection in modern times.
Ogamiyama Shrine Okunomiya Shinmon (Sakamon, Ushiromukimon)Ministry of Environment
Shugendo is a fusion of Buddhism and mountain worship that reveres mountains themselves as gods, and practitioners, known as yamabushi (“mountain monks”) or shugenja (“mountain ascetics”), aim to achieve enlightenment on the rugged mountain.
Shigeaki Yatagai, director of the Daisen Museum of Nature and History, says that “Mt. Daisen has been worshiped since ancient times as a holy place, and entrance into the mountain was once strictly forbidden.”
Daisen Museum of Nature and History, Director of Museum Mr. YatagaiMinistry of Environment
“Nowadays it’s a popular mountain for climbing, but prior to 1889, entrance to the sacred mountain by ordinary people was forbidden. The monks of Daisenji Temple, who live an ascetic life on the mountain today, strictly observe rules against cutting even a single tree. This nature has been protected throughout history.
Japanese Painting of DaisenMinistry of Environment
“The temple was founded over 1,300 years ago in the Nara period (710 to 794 AD), and in 718 AD, Daisenji Temple was opened as a place of mountain worship.
“During the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD), many more Buddhist temples were built on the mountain. The belief that Jizo was enshrined in the mountain by Saint Kinren and that Mt. Daisen is related to mountain water said to offer long life has spread widely across the San’in region and into the Sanyo and Shikoku regions, as well.”
Daisen-ji Temple, HondoMinistry of Environment
Daisenji Temple flourished from the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333 AD) through the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573 AD), and at its peak, it employed 180 monks and over 3,000 warrior monks. During the Edo period (1600 to 1868 AD), it even managed administration, legislation, and the economy.
The entourage of mountain ascetics were forced to disband as part of the modernization policies of the Meiji period (1868 to 1912 AD), but 4 worship halls and 10 sub-temples remain today, and you can still experience the nature worship that has been passed down on Mt. Daisen.
Daisen-ji Temple, Assistant Priest Mr. Koyu OdateMinistry of Environment
What has been passed down at Mt. Daisen is of faith in Jizo, a deity who rescues all things. It is said that everything - not just humans, but also the animals, insects, and even vegetation on the mountain - are under the protection of Jizo.
In a mountain ecosystem, blessed water is carried to the foot of the mountain, raising crops and livestock, and bringing water to people living there. Koyu Odate, the acting chief priest of Daisen-ji, says that the nature of Mt. Daisen has been protected out of Mt. Daisen has been protected out of gratitude for nature.
“Visit Mt. Daisen and experience the plants and water here. Even if they can’t use words to communicate, you should still be able to experience their spirit, inherited from the mountain.”
Mount Mitoku Sanbutsu-ji Temple NageireDouMinistry of Environment
Japan’s most dangerous National Treasure
Mt. Daisen, Mt. Senjo, and Mt. Mitoku are collectively known as the Hoki Sanrei (“The Three Summits of Hoki”). Mt. Mitoku is also known as a place of mountain worship, and the temple here has more than 1,300 years of history. Here you will find Nageiredo Hall at Sanbutsuji Temple, also called Japan’s most dangerous national treasure.
It stands in a cave on a sheer stone precipice, and it is still said that En no Ozunu, the traditional founder of Shugendo, used the power of Buddhism to throw the entire hall into the cave. Renowned Japanese photographer Ken Domon said that, “If asked about the best Japanese architecture, I’d say Nageire-do Hall without hesitation.”
Mount Mitoku Sanbutsu-ji Temple,Priest Mr. Ryochu YonedaMinistry of Environment
Ryochu Yoneda, chief priest of Mt. Mitoku Sanbutsuji Temple, said, "I feel it is very significant that the entire Mt. Mitoku area was incorporated into Daisen-Oki National Park in 2014. I talk to everyone about the blessings of nature, history, and culture of Misasa Onsen." If he has time in between his duties, he may accompany you and guide you on your pilgrimage to Nageiredo Hall.
Mount Santoku, Kusariba on Ascetic TrailMinistry of Environment
Plenty of psychical strength and courage are needed to reach Nageire-do Hall. It takes one hour to climb up the rocky surface from the base of Mt. Mitoku. The building then suddenly appears before you, standing in a cave on a sheer rock precipice. It is still unclear how they built it on the steep mountainside.
Buddhist Cuisine at SanrakuSo, Daisen-ji Temple Pilgrim's LodgingMinistry of Environment
Mt. Daisen’s unique cultural customs
The ancient roads stretching in every direction from Mt. Daisen were known as Daisen Michi (“Mt. Daisen Roads”), and they were heavily trafficked by worshipers and tradesmen. Along these roads, stone paths recalling the bustle of the past, lodging, scenes of farming villages, and unique culture and customs still remain.
Buddhist Cuisine at SanrakuSo, Daisen-ji Temple Visitor's Lodging, Bamboo Shoot boiled with Sansho PepperMinistry of Environment
You can enjoy vegetarian meals, made from the bounty of Mt. Daisen, including Mt. Daisen tofu made from soybeans and used as a precious source of protein for vegetarian monks, wild vegetables, and bamboo shoots.
Buddhist Cuisine at SanrakuSo, Daisen-ji Temple Pilgrim's Lodging, Oyama OkowaMinistry of Environment
Another allure of the area is the traditional food culture, which includes Daisen soba noodles produced locally on land enriched by clear water and Daisen Okowa, steamed rice with ingredients mixed in and valued as a portable meal for worshipers at Mt. Daisen.
Mt. Daisen SummitMinistry of Environment
An area of advanced natural protection
Supported by faith, Mt. Daisen’s nature remained close to its natural state, but this has changed in modern times.
During a mountain climbing craze in the 60’s and 70’s, many mountain climbers visited, and the delicate volcanic summit was trampled by an increasing number of climbers each year, leading to a rapid clearing of the land. Shigeaki Yatagai talks about that time, saying, “At one point, all vegetation had been lost from the summit.
Green Movement of Mt. DaisenMinistry of Environment
“In 1985, the “One Tree, One Stone” project began. Climbers each take one stone that has fallen from Mt. Daisen and carry it while climbing. They are then asked to leave the stone at the summit drop-off spot.
“The collected stones are buried in the eroded soil and seedlings are planted, continuing greening efforts. This program is still going on now, and plant life at the summit is being revived. To reduce the burden on nature, sludge from the toilets at the summit is also carried down by volunteers without the use of helicopters.
“Since ancient times and continuing today, the nature of Mt. Daisen has been protected through the efforts of people who love and respect the mountain.”
Oku-Daisen, Mizukue no Kayabuki-GoyaMinistry of Environment
The relationship between the Japanese people and nature
If you travel to Mt. Daisen, you’ll surely hear people say, “thanks to Mt. Daisen” many times. The people here still remember their gratitude for the mountain in their everyday lives. They consider the delicious water and food they acquire and the stable climate of the villages at the foot of the mountain to be gifts from Mt. Daisen.
HorsetailMinistry of Environment
In Japan, a sublime presence has been found in all sorts of natural things, being honored as a myriad of gods. Behind this belief is an intimacy and reverence for nature, which offers abundant blessings while also showing a rugged side in times of disaster.
The relationship between people and nature which has been passed down in Japan since the time of myths and it continues to exist in many forms in Daisen-Oki National Park.
Cooperation with:
Shimane Prefecture Tourism Federation
Izumo Taisha
Daisen Museum of Nature and History
Daisen-ji
Okumiya, Ōgamiyama Shrine
Nageire-do Hall at Mt. Mitoku Sanbutsu-ji
Shukubo Kanshoin Temple Sanrakuso
Tokorogo Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings
MORINOKUNI
Photo: Shinsaku Yasujima
Text: Masaya Yamawaka
Editor: Saori Hayashida
Production: Skyrocket Corporation
The content and titles are those at the time of the interview (2024).
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