Mt Fuji of West Japan Daisen
Mt Fuji of West Japan Daisen
Overview
John Daub travels to Tottori Prefecture to showcase Mount Daisen (大山), a majestic mountain often called the "Mount Fuji of the West." Standing at approximately 1,800 meters—about half the height of Mount Fuji—Daisen holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the western region of Japan. The video captures John's arrival at the mountain's base, where he was filming the opening segment for an NHK World television program called Journeys in Japan, set to air the following month.
The footage reveals Daisen's dramatic landscape: rapidly shifting clouds, lush green pastures, and grazing cattle that have become local celebrities. John demonstrates how quickly weather changes in this mountain environment—clouds race across the summit in minutes, creating constantly shifting views. From the tourist viewpoint area near the base, the Sea of Japan stretches to the horizon, with Yonago City visible in the distance.
John's visit coincides with the upcoming Natsu Biraki (summer opening) festival, which he plans to participate in the following day, followed by a summit climb. The video offers a tantalizing preview of seven full days John will spend exploring this nature-rich region away from Tokyo, highlighting why Daisen and its surrounding area are considered one of Japan's hidden treasures.
Highlights
- 00:05 John introduces Mount Daisen, the "Mount Fuji of the West," filming an NHK opening with dramatic cloud movement
- 00:35 Explanation of Daisen's significance: 1,800 meters high, half the size of Mt. Fuji, culturally vital to western Japan
- 01:07 Introduction of the Natsu Biraki festival happening the next day, which John will participate in
- 01:39 Dramatic moment as clouds briefly part to reveal the summit peak
- 02:13 Weather patterns explained—Daisen creates fast-changing conditions and protects the region from typhoons
- 02:45 John shares he's in Tottori Prefecture filming Journeys in Japan for NHK World
- 03:50 Tourist area visit—plastic cow statue, mention of excellent local ice cream and cheese
- 04:23 Panoramic view reveals the Sea of Japan, Yonago City skyline, and celebrity grazing cows below
- 04:54 Cultural note: "Auld Lang Syne" playing signals closing time, used in Japanese establishments
Timeline / Chapters
00:00–01:30 | Introduction at Mountain Base John introduces Mount Daisen at the filming location. He reflects on rapidly moving clouds as a metaphor for life's changes. Establishes Daisen as the "Mount Fuji of the West" at 1,800 meters.
01:30–02:45 | Summit Views and Weather Cows normally grazing in front are noted as absent. John captures the moment clouds part to briefly reveal the summit. Explains Daisen's influence on local weather and typhoon protection.
02:45–03:50 | Context: NHK Filming Trip John reveals he's in Tottori Prefecture near Yonago City to film for NHK World's Journeys in Japan. Notes one hour spent in a green forest area. Anticipation for seven full days in nature away from Tokyo.
03:50–04:54 | Tourist Viewpoint Area Visits the scenic tourist destination with a plastic cow statue. Samples or notes local ice cream and cheese. Captures panoramic view spanning from pastures to the Sea of Japan to Yonago City.
04:54–05:57 | Closing and Departure Observes "Auld Lang Syne" playing (closing time announcement). Heading back to location van and hotel. Thanks viewers for joining the live feed.
Japan Travel Tips
- Getting There: Mount Daisen is accessible from Yonago City in Tottori Prefecture. Rent a car or use local bus services to reach the mountain area. From Tokyo, fly into Yonago Airport or take the Shinkansen to Okayama then connect.
- Best Time to Visit: Early summer (June–July) offers green pastures and clear views. Autumn provides stunning foliage. Check weather forecasts as conditions change rapidly.
- What to Eat: Don't miss the local dairy products—ice cream and cheese made from milk from Daisen's famous grazing cows. The area is known for quality dairy farming.
- The Cows: These black and white Holstein cows are local celebrities. Visit the pastoral areas to see them grazing against the mountain backdrop. Respect farm boundaries.
- Weather Preparedness: Mountain weather changes fast—bring layers and rain gear. Cloud patterns shift within minutes, creating dramatic views.
- Natsu Biraki Festival: If visiting in early summer, check local calendars for Natsu Biraki (summer opening) events, a traditional mountain celebration.
- Sea of Japan Views: The coastal road between Daisen and Yonago offers spectacular ocean views—plan time for scenic drives.
Japanese Language & Culture Notes
- Daisen (大山): Literally means "Big Mountain." Thekanji 大 (dai/ōkii) means "big" and 山 (san/yama) means "mountain." The name reflects the mountain's prominence in the region.
- Mount Fuji of the West (西の富士山): Daisen has been compared to Mount Fuji for its symmetrical shape and spiritual significance. It is part of the Daisen-Oki National Park.
- Natsu Biraki (夏開き): Literally "summer opening." A traditional festival celebrating the opening of the mountain climbing season, typically held in summer.
- Auld Lang Syne in Japan: This Scottish song, normally associated with New Year's Eve globally, is used in Japan as the closing anthem for shops and businesses—a unique cultural adaptation.
- Typhoon Protection: The Chugoku region (western Honshu) including Tottori is partially shielded from typhoons by mountain ranges, reducing direct storm impacts on coastal areas.
Food & Drink Guide
- Ice Cream (アイスクリーム): John specifically mentions the excellent ice cream available at the Daisen tourist area. Made from local dairy, this is a must-try when visiting. Try the soft-serve style common at mountain roadside stations.
- Cheese (チーズ): The Daisen region produces quality cheese from local cow's milk. Look for it at local shops and restaurants in the area.
- Local Dairy Products: Beyond ice cream and cheese, seek out fresh milk, butter, and yogurt from the region's pastures.
People
- John Daub: Host and creator of Only in Japan Go. American who has lived in Japan for over 25 years. Filming an opening segment for NHK World's Journeys in Japan program. Spending a week exploring Tottori Prefecture, participating in local culture and nature activities.
Key Takeaways
- Mount Daisen offers Mount Fuji-like grandeur with fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking authentic Japanese mountain experiences.
- Tottori Prefecture's Daisen area combines dramatic mountain scenery, pastoral landscapes, and coastal views of the Sea of Japan in a single destination.
- The mountain plays a protective role for the region, shielding it from typhoons—a practical reason for the area's relative accessibility.
- Local dairy farming has created a culture around the famous grazing cows, with quality ice cream and cheese as regional specialties.
- Weather on Daisen changes rapidly; patience and flexibility are rewarded with dramatic cloud reveals of the summit.
- Visiting during summer festivals like Natsu Biraki provides opportunities to participate in local traditions rather than just observe.
Notable Quotes
00:05 John Daub: "I'm watching how fast the clouds are, which is very symbolic because it's how fast life changes, right?"
00:40 John Daub: "To see it in person. So why not share it with you on Only in Japan. Go."
01:07 John Daub: "Many people consider this to be the Mount Fuji of the West. So Daisen is very important to this area, the west side of Japan."
02:13 John Daub: "The weather here changes really, really fast, and that's all a result of this mountain. It also protects this area of Japan from typhoons."
03:17 John Daub: "This area of Japan, Mount Daisen, it's just loaded with nature, which makes me feel really, really happy to be away from Tokyo."
04:23 John Daub: "The cows are like celebrities in this area of Japan."
Related Topics
- Only in Japan Go — other mountain and nature exploration episodes
- NHK World Journeys in Japan — similar travel documentary style content
- Regional Japan travel — exploring areas outside Tokyo
- Japanese mountain culture and shrine traditions
- Dairy farming regions and rural Japanese food culture
Search Tags
#only-in-japan-go #mt-daisen #daisen #tottori #yonago #mount-fuji-of-west-japan #sea-of-japan #nhk #journeys-in-japan #mountain #japan-nature #japan-mountains #pasture #cows #dairy #japan-travel #rural-japan #natsu-biraki #summer-festival #early-summer-japan #tottori-prefecture #cloud-watching #summit-climbing
Full Transcript
00:05 John Daub: Hello. So I'm at Mount Daisen here in Tottori Prefecture. This is at the base, and this is where the space where I was filming the opening for an NHK show that'll be on later next month. And I'm just looking at the peak right now, and I'm watching how fast the clouds are, which is very symbolic because it's how fast life changes, right?
00:35 John Daub: And I just wanted to take a minute or two to just show you what Mount Daisen looks like on a beautiful day like this, and how fast the clouds are, just because I can. And it's really stunning to see. To see it in person. So why not share it with you on Only in Japan. Go. Right now, Mount Daisen is about 1,800 meters high, about half the size of Mount Fuji.
01:07 John Daub: But many people consider this to be the Mount Fuji of the West. So Daisen is very important to this area, the west side of Japan. And tomorrow they'll be celebrating a festival called Natsu Biraki. And I'll be taking part in that festival, which is why I'm here. And the next day, I'll be climbing to the top and hopefully get a chance to live stream that as well.
01:39 John Daub: But just a little bit more. Maybe we can see the summit. If the wind can blow the clouds a little bit away, we can see something really spectacular. Normally, right here in the front, you'll see cows grazing. The black and white polka dot colors of the cows, which is really, really stunning. Oh, okay. The clouds are just moving, so maybe we get a chance to take a look at the summit.
02:13 John Daub: The weather here changes really, really fast, and that's all a result of this mountain. It also protects this area of Japan from typhoons, which is a really cool thing for this area anyways, because having a typhoon is never a good idea. Alright, there's the summit. Alright, we got a little glimpse right there. Boom. So that's how fast the clouds are moving.
02:45 John Daub: Crazy, right? It's pretty crazy, right? So I'm actually not hitchhiking. I'm here in Tottori Prefecture, near Yonago City, near Mount Daisen, which is right there, to film a show for NHK World called Journeys in Japan. And if you've been following on Instagram, you probably saw some of the live streams and pictures from the trip, which is really cool.
03:17 John Daub: Just about an hour ago, I was in the middle of a really green forest and this area of Japan, Mount Daisen, it's just loaded with nature, which makes me feel really, really happy to be away from Tokyo. For a coup of days, Actually, for a week, because I'll be here for seven full days. And now we're going to be heading back to the hotel, so I didn't have a lot of time.
03:50 John Daub: I just wanted to show you a little bit of daisen before we move. This area is famous for its cows and its pastures. And I think I can take you for one minute really quickly. This is a tourist destination with a beautiful view, so I'm just gonna take you to that view before I cut off. But you can see in front of me a plastic cow statue. And they have really good ice cream here.
04:23 John Daub: The cows are like celebrities in this area of Japan. And not often do you get a view like this. A stunning view. And you can see all the way down to the Sea of Japan. Do you see this right here in the distance? That is the Sea of Japan. See if I can zoom in a little bit. And there's the coast, and there's the city of Yonago in the distance.
04:54 John Daub: And if you look really close, you can see some of those celebrity cows just grazing. I wish I could go down there and just pet them, but I don't have that much time. It's such a beautiful day. Yeah, they have lots of cheese as well inside. It's actually closing. You can hear the Auld Lang sign playing, which we hear during New Year's. And that's the song that also in Japan represents when something is closing.
05:30 John Daub: All right, now I gotta go back to the location van, and we're gonna go back to the hotel. So I really thank you all for tuning in for this very short sudden live feed. Shimmer it.