Origins of Mt. Daisen
Mt. Daisen was formed by volcanic activity that started about 1 million years ago and ended around 10,000 years ago. During the early stages of this formation, from about 600,000 to 400,000 years ago, large-scale volcanic activity created the peaks of Mt. Senjo, Mt. Kabutogasen, and Mt. Yahazugasen. Mt. Daisen then remained dormant for about 100,000 years but resumed volcanic activity about 300,000 years ago. During these later stages of mountain building, explosive eruptions discharged large amounts of pyroclastic flow, volcanic pumice and ash, covering the surfaces formed in the earlier period and shaping the huge mountain seen today. Around 17,000 years ago, large amounts of lava were pushed up from the heart of the mountain, resulting in the lava domes of Sankoho Peak, Misen Peak, and Mt. Karasugasen.