Beautiful Gorge of Mt. Daisen

Freezing cold pure water of Kidani Gorge

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

The gorge was swollen with a large volume of snow-melt water. Every life form on this mountain is living on this 'Water of Life'

These moss-covered, deep-green rocks in Kidani Gorge look somehow like flattened spherical moss

A ski resort near Kidani Gorge; two months from now they will change in color from gold to white

In the depth of the water the color of the green trees is reflected

Silver grass fluttering in the wind with golden leaves shining from the late afternoon sun in the background

When you park the car at Oku-Daisen Ski Resort and go over to the opposite side, you'll find this smaller gorge, which is the entrance to the larger Kidani Gorge

Mt. Daisen viewed from a ski resort. Kagikake Observation Deck is at the edge of this ski resort

At the end of my journey, I appreciated the grand sunset from Kimendai Observation Deck...this is my favorite 'Blue Moment'!

I visited Mt. Daisen in Tottori prefecture in early November, 2012, to enjoy the fabulous autumn foliage there.

I "oohed!" and "aahed!" over the beautiful multi-colored leaves around Kagikake Mountain Pass and in the beech forests. When the area began to get crowded, I left Daisen Beltway, drove over to the opposite side of Oku-Daisen Ski Resort and entered the Kidani Gorge to witness the snow-melt water of Mt. Daisen with my own eyes. Mt. Daisen's natural water is pretty famous and has even been merchandised. In the beech forests of Mt. Daisen, the largest beech forest in west Japan, the snow-melt water permeates deep into the nourishing ground, which filters the water and returns it to above the ground. Mt. Daisen plays the role of one gigantic filtering machine, which provides the finest natural water to us humans. What a wonderful natural cycle and an amazing gift from mother nature!

Nature of Mt.Daisen and Mt. Hiruzen at Daisen-Oki National Park 1. Diamond Sun Rising from Mt. Daisen 2. Autumn at Mt. Daisen's Beech Forest 3. Beautiful Gorge of Mt. Daisen