[Chugoku Mountains] Mt. Hoki-Daisen in midwinter. A record of a round trip to Misen on a day blessed with good conditions.

Introduction

Mt. Daisen (Misen) is a prominent independent peak in the Chugoku region, a mountain that completely changes its appearance in winter.
This time, I walked the classic route, a round trip from the Natsuyama trailhead to Misen on Mt. Daisen in midwinter.
It was a typical day for the Sea of Japan side, with clear skies in the lowlands and being enveloped in fog as I gained altitude.

This day was planned around the theme of "climbing + travel," combining winter Daisen, the flavors of the Sea of Japan, and a visit to Izumo.
I look back on a day where, even under harsh conditions, I was able to reach Misen through sound judgment.

In this article, I record the course conditions and equipment judgment criteria for a midwinter Daisen round trip,
as well as what Mt. Daisen is like on a day when it is climbable.

Overall Course Map

A classic midwinter round-trip route from Nankogawara Parking Lot through the Natsuyama trailhead, passing the 6th Station Shelter and the Daisen Summit Shelter to Misen.

Climbing Overview

・Mountain Name: Mt. Daisen (Misen)
・Mountain Range/Area: Chugoku Mountains, Tottori Prefecture
・Date: January 17, 2026 (Sat)
・Weather: Clear in the lowlands / Foggy at the summit
・Course: Nankogawara Parking Lot → Natsuyama Trailhead → Misen (Round trip)
・Distance: 6.5km
・Cumulative Elevation: +951m / -940m
・Activity Time: 3 hours 54 minutes (including breaks)

Reasons for choosing this mountain

・I want to climb Mt. Hoki-Daisen in winter
・I want to enjoy crab and sake from the Sea of Japan
・I want to visit Izumo Taisha Shrine

This plan started with "Let's enjoy crab and sake."
Since we were at it, we decided to also take on the midwinter Daisen, which is unique to this season.

Course Conditions and Impressions

Trailhead to 6th Station Shelter

When I arrived at Nankogawara Parking Lot around 6:00 AM, it was already almost full.
Since the days you can climb even in midwinter are limited, it seems people gather on days with good conditions.

At the start, there was a solid trail, so I proceeded without issues using just my boots and poles.
The slope gradually became steeper as I gained altitude, and I put on crampons near the 4th station.

The 6th Station Shelter is a valuable place to avoid the wind, and I had a snack break there that day as well.
Depending on the wind from here on, it is a decision point where I consider turning back.

6th Station to Misen (Ridgeline)

Once you pass the 6th station, the scenery changes completely to that of a winter mountain.
The fog was thick and there were times when visibility was completely white, but
blue poles were set up, so I never lost my way.

The wind at the summit of Misen was strong, and it was not a situation where I could stay for long.
While waiting for a slight break in the fog, I decided to return to the shelter without pushing it.

"I was walking silently, and before I knew it, I was standing at the summit."
It was a summit with that kind of quiet sense of accomplishment.

Descent

As I began the descent, the blue sky started to spread as I lost altitude.
Looking back, Mt. Daisen was once again hidden in the clouds.
Thinking that I had been walking through that, I felt the severity of winter mountains all over again.

When I returned to the Natsuyama trailhead, I found myself saying, "Thank you very much."

Course conditions and points of caution

・The trail was in excellent condition on this day
・Started in boots, put on crampons around the 4th station
・The 6th station emergency shelter is a key point for checking gear and deciding whether to turn back
・The ridgeline is prone to strong winds, so cold-weather protection is essential
・Difficulty varies greatly depending on weather, snow accumulation, and trail conditions

While I wouldn't call it beginner-friendly, I felt that there are days when it is relatively easy to walk if the conditions are right.

Gear notes

・12-point crampons
・Trekking poles
・Hard shell jacket
・Cold-weather gloves (including spares)

Reflections

The weather on the Sea of Japan side is unstable at this time of year, and
we traveled while saying, "Worst case, we might have to go with a different plan."

In the end, it was a climb during a precious window when the winter pressure pattern temporarily weakened.
Including the foggy Mt. Daisen, I think it was a day that truly felt like midwinter.

And the crab and sake from the Sea of Japan that we enjoyed after the descent.
Including the visit to Izumo Taisha the next day, it was a time where I could enjoy both the climb and the trip.

I look forward to visiting again in a different season, or perhaps to the snowy Mt. Daisen once more.
I am excited to see what kind of face it will show me next time.

Reference links

・Nankogawara Parking Lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BcRKvDf5E72jNdvU7

▶ Click here for this month's summary