Daisen

Daisen feels like a secret that locals have been keeping for centuries. This small city at the base of Mount Daisen, Japan's tallest peak west of Tokyo, moves at the pace of temple bells and seasonal rice planting. You'll wake to the smell of cedar forests mixed with wood smoke from traditional irori hearths, and spend your days walking ancient pilgrimage paths where monks have trod for over a thousand years. For couples seeking culture and food, Daisen offers intimate temple stays, hands-on soba noodle making, and hot springs with views of the sacred mountain. The real magic happens when you realize this isn't just a mountain town, it's a living Shugendo Buddhist practice site where spirituality flavors everything from the architecture to the local cuisine. By the end of your stay, you'll understand why this place is considered one of Japan's most important spiritual landscapes.