Oogamiyama Shrine: A Sacred Mountain Sanctuary Hidden in the Forests of Tottori

Discover the Mountain Where the Great Gods Dwell

Mt. Daisen, the highest peak in western Japan’s Chūgoku region, has long been revered as “Oogaminotake” — the Mountain of the Great Gods.
This sacred mountain has inspired awe and devotion since ancient times, and at the heart of this spiritual heritage lies Oogamiyama Shrine, a hidden gem quietly nestled on the forested slopes of Mt. Daisen.

Even today, locals speak of “Daisen-san no okage” (“thanks to Mt. Daisen”) with reverence and gratitude, paying homage at both the main shrine at the base and the inner shrine (Okumiya) halfway up the mountain. To visit both is to walk in the footsteps of generations who have long sought protection, blessings, and peace in these hallowed grounds.

Torches of the Gods: A Night of Sacred Fire

Every first weekend of June, Oogamiyama Shrine comes alive with the Daisen Summer Mountain Opening Festival, a Shinto ritual that marks the official start of the hiking season.
One of the most spectacular parts of the celebration is the Torch Procession (Taimatsu Gyoretsu) held the night before the main ceremony.

Hundreds of people holding flaming torches descend the ancient stone path from the shrine to Bakuroza, forming a river of fire that flows through the darkness of the forest.
The solemn atmosphere, combined with the flickering light and mountain silence, leaves a lasting impression. Visitors from across Japan and abroad gather to witness this unforgettable spiritual performance.

On the following day, a summit ritual is held at the peak of Mt. Daisen to pray for the safety of all climbers in the coming season.

Experience the Majesty of the Mountain in All Seasons

Located at approximately 1,000 meters elevation, Oogamiyama Shrine (Okumiya) is deeply embedded in nature. Mt. Daisen is one of the snowiest regions in western Japan, and the shrine itself often lies beneath a deep winter blanket.
In winter, the shrine becomes a vision of silent beauty in white — a true sanctuary where nature and spirit unite. The snow-covered torii gate and stone path create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan.

While the shrine is open year-round, winter visits require proper snow gear and warm clothing, as conditions can be severe.

A Spiritual Luxury Retreat for the Discerning Traveler

Oogamiyama Shrine offers more than just sightseeing — it’s a chance to reconnect with something profound.
The 700-meter-long stone-paved path, the stillness of the mountain forest, the quiet power of the shrine architecture — these are not attractions, but experiences of depth and authenticity.

For luxury travelers seeking a meaningful escape, a journey to Oogamiyama Shrine is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and breathe in the sacred.
It’s not just a visit — it’s a retreat for the soul.