Daisen Okamiyama Beech Forest Trail

The Okamiyama Trail explores the western foothills of Mount Daisen, an area within Daisen-Oki National Park known for one of the largest natural beech forests in western Japan. Unlike the demanding Misen Peak ascent on the mountain's southern face, this route stays at a relatively consistent elevation between roughly 750 m and 950 m, making it a gentler, family-friendly alternative that still delivers a genuine forest hiking experience. Access is by rental car or taxi from JR Yonago or Daisen-guchi stations to the Kyoraku Valley trailhead area, about 30-40 minutes; public bus service to this specific trailhead is limited. The path follows a well-marked dirt track through mature beech woodland, with soft footing, dappled shade, and periodic clearings that open onto views of Mount Daisen's western slopes. Wildlife sightings, including Japanese serow and a variety of forest birds, are relatively common given the trail's lighter foot traffic compared with the main Misen Peak route. There are small rest shelters at a couple of points along the loop, though no potable water source, so hikers should carry their own. The forest floor turns a vivid carpet of undergrowth in late spring and blazing gold and red in autumn, when the beech canopy is at its most photogenic; this seasonal foliage draws day-trippers from Yonago and Kurayoshi in particular, though the trail remains far quieter than Daisenji's main approach even during peak color.