Hino, Tottori Prefecture
A drive to Akechi Pass A sleepy morning became an unforgettable one
At dawn in November, what I wanted to see from Akechi Pass was a sea of clouds covering the valley and Mount Daisen beyond it. I was so sleepy I’d been hiding my mouth in my sleeve, but when the morning light touched the mountain’s snow, I was wide awake. I took my time enjoying the happiness of having got up early and come all this way.
This is my story of watching the sea of clouds at dawn in early November. Let your eyes follow the view all the way to distant Mount Daisen.
AutumnDawn in early November
After a yawn, Mount Daisen beyond the clouds
When I arrived at Akechi Pass at dawn, clouds filled the valley. There was a clear line between the visible mountain ridges and the clouds covering the land beneath them. In the distance stood Mount Daisen, still holding some snow. My heavy, sleepy eyelids opened as soon as I spotted it. If this was the morning waiting for me, setting the alarm early had been worth it.
Standing at the viewpoint, I pulled my scarf up to my chin. Even in a fleece, the morning air was cold against my cheeks. I hid my mouth in my sleeve for a little yawn. In front of such a view, it seemed my body was the only part of me still missing my bed. When the yawn passed, I looked once more at Daisen’s summit.
Beyond the trees below me, the edges of the clouds slowly changed shape. The mountain’s shoulder, hidden from view just a moment ago, peeked out briefly before disappearing behind the clouds again. I raised my phone to take a picture, but even in that short time the view changed. For now, I lowered my hands and decided simply to watch the valley before me.
Emperor Go-Daigo is said to have crossed this pass on his way to Oki. I wondered whether people passing here long ago had looked up at Daisen too. With that thought, the viewpoint I’d chosen on a map suddenly felt like a stop on a long journey. As I slowly traced the mountain’s shape with my eyes, I even forgot my cold fingertips.
As the morning light spread, the mountains rising above the clouds became easier to see. I’d meant to pause briefly before leaving, but I stopped again. Lowering the sleeve I’d used to hide my yawn, I took a deep breath. I wanted to remember this sleepy morning along with the view. The next time I got up early, I thought I’d be able to recall today’s Daisen.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialities I’d like to taste on the trip
Ōshū, an autumn pear
Tottori’s different pear varieties come into season one after another, and Ōshū can be enjoyed from late October to late November. After a morning looking at the mountains, I find myself wanting a sweet taste of autumn to take home.
Highlights
Clouds filling the valley, with Daisen above
From the viewpoint, you can see a sea of clouds covering the valleys at the foot of Daisen. Seeing only the mountain ridges emerge above the clouds left me speechless for a while.
A pass with a story of an earlier journey
Emperor Go-Daigo is said to have passed here on his way to Oki. Looking at Daisen, I found myself imagining the mountain as travellers long ago had seen it.
Road and location details
Akechi Pass viewpoint
- Distance from Neu Station
- 10km
- Elevation of the viewpoint car park
- 650m
A pass on the prefectural boundary between Hino in Tottori and Niimi in Okayama. Arriving at the place overlooking the valley makes me look forward even more to the morning view.
These are the distance from Neu Station and the elevation of the viewpoint car park given in Hino’s guide. I’d been sleepy that morning, but the moment I spotted Daisen, I was wide awake.
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