Discovering Japan: on top of the world!

MT. DOGO

道後山

14th June 2008

Located in the very north eastern corner of Hiroshima Prefecture where a few steps north from the peak would place you in Tottori Prefecture, this is Mt. Dogo, one of the highest peaks in the prefecture rising up to 1268.8 metres above sea level (Mt. Osorokan is the highest - 1346m located in the Geihoku region in the west). On a clear day you can see the Japan Sea in the north and Tottori Prefectures Mt. Daisen - 1709m - the highest mountain in western Japan. Out to the west is Shobara, Miyoshi and beyond and to the south - Tojo. To the east is Yamaguchi Prefecture.

You can drive half way up the mountain which is a ski resort in winter and park the car. From there you can hike up the mountain along the well trodden track. There are two peaks to reach the first one Mt. Iwahi - 1271m (岩樋山), actually taller believe it or not than Mt. Dogo by a couple of metres! The climb is relatively easy although there are sections where your level of fitness and flexibility will be tested! The view from the top is breathtaking and I will say that again, absolutely breathtaking. The last time I came up this mountain I was still in my work clothes so I couldn't adventure off from the car park but I did take a couple of photos two of which are at the bottom of this entry. The visibility wasn't 100% but was good enough to sit on the peak and gaze at nothing but mountains, mountains and more mountains right as far as our eyes could see.