16 Mountains in Tottori worth your time

A 1,142-meter peak on the Tottori-Shimane border famous for its connection to the Susanoo myth and the Kusanagi sword.

What it is

• A 1,142-meter mountain located on the border of Tottori and Shimane prefectures.
• Part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and source of the Hii River.
• The mythological site where the deity Susanoo defeated the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi.

What to see

• A stone monument marking the discovery site of the legendary Kusanagi sword.
• Torigami Falls situated near the sixth station of the mountain trail.
• A designated natural monument Japanese yew tree growing on the Tottori side.
• Dogtooth violets blooming across the summit area during the spring season.

When to go

• Mid-April to early May to see the dogtooth violets in bloom.
• July 28 for the annual Senyo-sai festival held since 1930.
• The festival date features a traditional sword dance performed in Susanoo costume.

Read more about Mount Sentsū

A 920-meter mountain in Tottori offering multiple hiking trails and a summit observatory with views of the surrounding landscape.

What it is

• A mountain standing 920.6 meters tall also known as Jubozan or Washimineyama.
• The name refers to an eagle spreading its wings and relates to a site in India.
• The peak is the subject of a height competition legend involving Mount Daisen.

What to see

• A gazebo at the summit that serves as an observatory for visitors.
• The Kobessho climbing route which takes approximately ninety minutes to ascend.
• The Kawachi route which requires about two hours to reach the top.
• The Kobutadani route which serves as the longest path to the summit.
• The Obata climbing course where bears have been reported in the area.

Getting there

• Climbing trails start from the Shikano Sports Park area.
• Access to the mountain paths is available from Azura Forest Park.

Read more about Mount Jūbō

A 1,358-meter peak in the Chugoku Mountains offering hiking trails through a protected quasi-national park on the Hyogo border.

What it is

• The second highest peak in Hyogo Prefecture standing at 1,358 meters tall.
• A prominent summit within the Hyonosen-Ushironoyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park.
• One of the 100 Famous Kinki Mountains and 100 Mountains of Hyogo.
• A peak spanning the border of Shiso City and Wakasa Town.

What to see

• Views of the surrounding Chugoku Mountains from the high summit.
• A ridge line connecting to Mount Ushironoyama and Mount Daruga.
• Natural landscapes protected within the designated quasi-national park area.
• Nearby peaks including Mount Komanonoyama visible from the trail.

Getting there

• The main trailhead starts from the former outdoor activity center.
• Common access to the mountain is through the Shiso City side.

Read more about Mount Mimuro

A 1,255-meter peak on the Tottori-Okayama border offering 360-degree views and rare alpine plant colonies within a protected national forest.

What it is

• A 1,255-meter mountain located on the border of Tottori and Okayama prefectures
• Part of the Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park and a protected national forest
• Recognized as one of the 300 Famous Mountains in Japan
• A geological monadnock formation composed primarily of granite and rhyolite

What to see

• A summit providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding region
• Colonies of Enkianthus perulatus flowers growing naturally at the mountain peak

When to go

• Snow covers the mountain landscape from mid-November until early April

Getting there

• Accessible by a 25-minute drive from Chizu Station
• Public transportation access is available via the Koen bus stop

Read more about Mount Nagi

A sacred mountain and National Treasure temple built into a cliffside, offering a challenging climb for spiritual and scenic rewards.

What it is

• A sacred mountain standing 899.6 meters tall in Daisen-Oki National Park.
• Established as a site for ascetic training by En no Gyoja in 706.
• A designated National Scenic Spot and Historic Site featuring Sanbutsuji Temple.
• The mountain is composed of unique pyroxene andesite and tuff breccia rock formations.

What to see

• Nageiredo hall is a National Treasure built directly into a steep cliff face.
• Sanbutsuji Temple is located at the foot of the mountain for visitors to explore.
• Three distinct waterfalls named Fudo, Shinja, and Ryutokuin are located on the mountain.
• The endemic Mitoku Nadeshiko plant species grows within the mountain's ecosystem.
• A 900-meter climbing path leads visitors up the mountain to the Nageiredo hall.

Read more about Mount Mitoku

A 1,309-meter extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and prime backcountry skiing in western Japan.

What it is

• An extinct volcano standing on the border of Tottori and Hyogo prefectures.
• Part of the Hyonosen-Ushironoyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park system.
• A natural habitat for rare species including Asian black bears and golden eagles.
• A popular destination for backcountry skiing and mountain hiking.

What to see

• Panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen from the summit.
• A wooden two-story mountain hut located at the peak.
• The Amedaki Falls and the nearby Sugano Marsh area.
• A spindle-shaped volcanic bomb designated as a natural monument.
• A second-class triangulation point marking the 1,309.9-meter elevation.

Getting there

• The Kawai-dani Plateau serves as a major access point for hikers.

Read more about Mount Ōgi

The highest peak in Hyogo Prefecture, offering ancient volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and seasonal skiing within a quasi-national park.

What it is

• The highest mountain in Hyogo Prefecture reaching an elevation of 1,510 meters.
• A volcanic peak formed from andesitic lava approximately 2.5 million years ago.
• Part of the Hyono-sen Ushiro-yama Nagisan Quasi-National Park on the Tottori border.
• A protected habitat for Asiatic black bears and golden eagles.

What to see

• Extensive forests of beech and horse chestnut trees growing on the slopes.
• The summit view accessible via the Bunmawashi hiking course.
• Multiple ski resorts operating on the eastern and western mountain slopes.

Getting there

• Accessible via bus services departing from Yoka Station.
• Bus connections are available from Wakasa Station to reach the area.

Read more about Mount Hyōno

A 1,729-meter stratovolcano and ancient temple site offering the highest peaks and protected yew forests in the Chugoku region.

What it is

• A 1,729-meter stratovolcano located within the Daisen-Oki National Park
• The highest peak in the Chugoku region and one of 100 Famous Japanese Mountains
• Site of Daisen-ji Temple which was established on the mountainside in the 8th century
• A designated National Wildlife Protection Area also known as Hoki Fuji or Izumo Fuji

What to see

• The highest point of the mountain at the Kengamine peak
• The second-highest peak named Misen reaching 1,709 meters
• A protected Japanese Yew forest located around the summit area
• Ancient temple buildings belonging to the Daisen-ji complex

Getting there

• Buses run to the mountain trailhead from Yonago and Daishanguchi Stations

Read more about Daisen

A 204-meter mountain featuring a historic park, diverse forest, and ancient temple sites on the former grounds of Utsubuki Castle.

What it is

• A 204-meter mountain also known as Hakoniwa Fuji or Hoki no Kofuji.
• Site of Utsubuki Castle which was originally built during the Muromachi period.
• Utsubuki Park was established at the former castle site in 1904.
• The mountain is a designated part of the Chugoku Nature Trail.

What to see

• Hase-dera Temple and Kurayoshi Shrine are located on the mountain slopes.
• The Hiryukaku building was constructed in 1904 for the Crown Prince.
• Over 220 species of trees including evergreen broad-leaved Castanopsis sieboldii.
• Local wildlife including the Rhacophorus arboreus frog species.
• Geological formations consisting primarily of rhyolite from the Cretaceous period.

Read more about Mount Utsubuki

A 516-meter peak featuring a historic shrine and castle ruins, formerly used for Shugendo mountain worship practices.

What it is

• A 516-meter peak ranked among the 100 Famous Mountains of Chugoku.
• A historical site for Shugendo mountain worship that excluded women until World War II.
• Home to Misumi Shrine which is dedicated to the deity Sarutahiko-no-mikoto.
• Site of the Kageishi Castle ruins located on a northern ridge peak.

What to see

• The Misumi Shrine main hall which is a designated cultural property of Tottori.
• Kageishi Castle ruins recognized as a designated historical landmark of Tottori City.
• Panoramic views from the summit reached via a 40-minute hike from the trailhead.

When to go

• The annual mountain festival is held every year on July 23rd.

Read more about Mount Misumi

A 1,448-meter lava dome nicknamed the Matterhorn of Sanin, offering panoramic views of the Daisen mountain range from its summit.

What it is

• A lava dome formed approximately 20,000 years ago in the Daisen mountain range
• The peak stands at an elevation of 1,448 meters on the border of Kotoura and Kofu
• Local legend says Mount Daisen kicked the top off this mountain
• The mountain is nicknamed the Matterhorn of Sanin due to its distinct shape

What to see

• A 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain peaks from the summit
• Visible evidence of summit collapses caused by earthquakes in 2001 and 2016
• The Kagamiganaru area which serves as the base for mountain climbing

When to go

• The mountain is currently closed to climbers due to significant trail damage

Read more about Karasugasen

A 1,268-meter peak in the Chugoku Mountains featuring open grasslands, cattle grazing, and panoramic views of Mount Daisen.

What it is

• A peak in the central Chugoku Mountains standing 1,268 meters tall.
• One of the 300 Famous Japanese Mountains within a Quasi-National Park.
• A summit area featuring open grasslands traditionally used for cattle grazing.
• The location of the headwaters for the Nariwa River.

What to see

• Panoramic views of the Hiba Mountains and Mount Daisen from the peak.
• Colonies of Japanese azaleas and wild kousa dogwood trees.
• A first-class triangulation point located at the highest point of the summit.
• Forests containing wild chestnuts and various species of oak trees.
• The nearby Iwahi Mountain which stands at an elevation of 1,271 meters.

Read more about Mount Dōgo

A 751-meter parasitic volcano of Mount Daisen featuring significant archaeological ruins and natural springs at its base.

What it is

• A parasitic volcano of the Mount Daisen system standing 751.4 meters tall
• The site of the Mukibanda Yayoi remains located at the base of the mountain
• A location for modern communication towers including radio repeaters and TV reception points
• Known locally by the alternative names Karayama and Karayama

What to see

• The Mukibanda Yayoi archaeological remains situated at the mountain base
• Houki Ancient Hill Park located at the foot of the mountain
• Natural springs including the Amanomanai spring at the base
• FM radio transmission facilities equipped with Yagi-Uda antennas
• A community radio tower used by the DARAZ station

Read more about Mount Korei

A 1005-meter peak in Daisen-Oki National Park offering panoramic views of Mount Daisen and the Sea of Japan.

What it is

• A 1005-meter mountain located within the Hino and Kofu towns.
• One of the selected Chugoku 100 Mountains.
• A protected landscape within the Daisen-Oki National Park.
• A hiking destination with both ordinary and designated special areas.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Mount Daisen from the mountain summit.
• Vistas of Miho Bay visible from the peak.
• Natural landscapes preserved within a national park setting.

Getting there

• The standard trailhead is located near Neu Station.
• The path begins near the History and Folklore Museum.
• The ascent to the summit takes two and a half to three hours.

Read more about Mount Hobutsu

A coastal mountain in San'in Kaigan National Park featuring historic stone paths, sea cliffs, and a wartime observation post.

What it is

• A 314-meter mountain bordering Tottori City and Iwami Town.
• Part of the San'in Kaigan National Park at the eastern end of the Tottori Sand Dunes.
• A geological site composed of rhyolite, sandstone, and mudstone facing the Sea of Japan.

What to see

• A concrete air raid observation post located near the mountain summit.
• The Ana Kannon Burial Mound situated at the eastern foot of the mountain.
• A stone-paved path from 1811 at Shichiyama Pass recognized as a civil engineering heritage site.
• The Chugoku Nature Trail running along the northern mountainside.
• Dramatic sea cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan.

Read more about Mount Shichi

A historic 263-meter granite mountain featuring the ruins of Tottori Castle and diverse local wildlife for nature enthusiasts.

What it is

• A 263-meter granite mountain that served as the site for Tottori Castle.
• The castle was originally constructed here during the Muromachi period.
• The area was designated as a national historic site in 1957.
• A natural habitat for 120 bird species and over 170 types of mushrooms.

What to see

• Remaining stone walls from the former castle structures.
• Dense forests consisting of evergreen broad-leaved trees.
• The Hisamatsu hairstreak butterfly which was first discovered on this mountain.

When to go

• Visit in August to see the Buddhist Daimonji light display.

Read more about Mount Kyūshō