Daisen-Oki National Park

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Mount Daisen (5,620ft/ 1,713m), in the eastern part of the National Park, also known as "Fuji of Hoki province" is the highest peak in the Chugoku district, Daisenji Temple, on the slopes of the mountain, was founded in 718 and was one of the leading centers of the Tendai sect, with more than a hundred subordinate temples and convents. Later, however, all the buildings were destroyed by fire, leaving only scanty remains. The temple contains a bronze statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, six other Buddhist sculptures and a fine miniature shrine. From here it is 3 ½ hours' climb (3 1/2mi/ 5.5km) to the summit, which affords fine views of the National Park, extending on clear days to the island of Shikoku to the south. In winter Mount Daisen offers ideal skiing conditions.

The Oki Islands, the most northerly part of the National Park, lie some 45 miles off the coast. Of volcanic origin, the archipelago comprises the two main groups, Dozen and Dogo, and a large number of smaller islands and islets. The 31,000 inhabitants of the islands live mainly by farming, forestry and fishing. The islands themselves offer the double attraction of beautiful and varied scenery and a number of historic old buildings dating from the period when they served as a place of banishment.