Mount Tsurugi

Mount Tsurugi (剣山, Tsurugi-san) is the second-highest mountain on the island of Shikoku, rising in the rugged interior of Tokushima Prefecture. Despite its name — "sword mountain" — its summit is a broad, grassy plateau rather than a sharp peak, and the gentle top makes it one of the more accessible of Japan's "100 Famous Mountains" to climb. The mountain has long been a place of religious significance, with shrines on and around the summit and a tradition of pilgrimage; it stands within the Tsurugi Quasi-National Park.

For travellers, Mount Tsurugi is above all a hiking and nature destination. A chairlift carries visitors much of the way up, after which a relatively short walk reaches the summit, where panoramic views extend across the deeply folded mountains of central Shikoku. The surrounding region includes the remote Iya Valley, known for its vine bridges and steep-sided gorges.

The usual climbing season runs from late spring through autumn; autumn foliage is a particular highlight. In winter the high country is cold and snowy, the access road and chairlift may be closed, and conditions can be hazardous — check seasonal status before travelling. Even in summer the summit is considerably cooler than the lowlands, so carry a warm layer.

By Car / Road

Mount Tsurugi is most practically reached by car along the mountain roads of inland Tokushima, with a trailhead at the Minokoshi area where the chairlift begins. Seasonal buses also serve the trailhead.

At the mountain itself, a chairlift carries visitors a substantial part of the way up from the Minokoshi trailhead; from the upper chairlift station, walking trails lead to the summit plateau in a relatively short hike. There is no urban transport here — exploring means walking the mountain trails.

• Mount Tsurugi summit plateau — The broad, grassy top, reached by a short walk from the upper chairlift station, with sweeping views over the mountains of central Shikoku. Free.
• Tsurugi-san Hongū Hōzō-ishi Shrine — A shrine on the mountain associated with its long history as a sacred peak.
• Minokoshi trailhead — The base of the chairlift, with the main visitor facilities.

The defining activity is climbing Mount Tsurugi — riding the chairlift and then walking to the summit, an outing manageable for reasonably fit visitors of most ages. Longer ridge walks connect toward neighbouring peaks for experienced hikers. Autumn-foliage viewing and photography of the mountain panoramas are major seasonal draws.

• Mid-range: There are mountain lodges near the trailhead and chairlift area.

• Iya Valley — A remote gorge region famous for its vine bridges and steep scenery.
• Ōboke and Koboke — Dramatic gorges on the Yoshino River with sightseeing boat rides.
• Mima — A historic town with the preserved Udatsu merchant townscape.
• Tokushima — The prefectural capital, home of the Awa Odori dance.
• Miyoshi — A mountain city and gateway to the Iya Valley.