Mt. Daisen

Mt Daisen, 1709m, the tallest mountain in western Japan

Friday, 21st March 2008
鳥取県と岡山県の県境にある展望台からの大山だ！

It was another beautiful clear day although the temperature was still a little low to go out in a t-shirt but was perfect for a drive out. I decided to go to Chiya Onsen (hot spring) in the neighbouring Okayama Prefecture, one that I have not been to yet. I must have gone past it because I entered a kilometre long tunnel and came out of it with the sign up above telling me I had just entered Tottori Prefecture! As soon as I noticed this mistake, I approached the bend ahead of me and was treated to this spectacular view from the lookout. The last time I went past Daisen, I couldn't even see it because of the poor weather and visibility so this was actually the first time for me to see this mountain that rises up steeply pretty much from the coastline of the Japan Sea.


The restaurant located at the outlook and the amazing view from my seat!


The restaurant, run by a quiet old lady offering value for money!

The Beautiful Coastline of the Japan Sea - HINOMISAKI - Shimane Prefecture

a peaceful place to relax under the shade overlooking the Japan Sea.


8th March 2008, HINOMISAKI, Shimane Prefecture
島根県出雲市日御碕

I headed 100km north from Tojo to Izumo City located approximately 30km west of Matsue City on the coast of the Japan Sea for the weekend to meet a friend. Izumo is well known for what is one of the largest and most sacred shrines Izumo Taisha. Thousands and thousands of people head to the shrine each year especially over the New Year period to perform Hatsumade - first visit to a shrine to pray for the year ahead. I have been to the shrine in the past so I decided to do a little sightseeing around the area. Naomi suggested going to Hinomisaki as we didn't go there the last time and that is what I decided to do. The weather was perfect, clear blue skies and a warm start to spring. The 8km stretch of road from Izumo Taisha weaves its way along the rocky coastline showing off its beauty. I stopped along the way to take it the warm sunshine and take a few photos as well as watch the fisherman fishing out on isolated rocks making me wonder how they actually got there without a boat!


the road along coastline heading towards HINOMISAKI.


At the end of the road there is a car park where the lighthouse which to my luck was full when I arrived. I drove around in circles waiting for someone to leave! The whole area is undergoing a beautification stage so the place isn't looking its best at the moment with road, footpath and drainage works going on. The lighthouse itself is an interesting structure. It is the only lighthouse to have been built from stone and has one of the strongest lens allowing its light to be seen 39km out to sea. It is also one of the few lighthouses that can be climbed by those who can endure the steep 160 steps up to the top! The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking, well worth it!


HINOMISAKI lighthouse


the view from the top of the lighthouse


the rock formations below the lighthouse