石鎚山

Mt. Ishizuchi is the highest mountain in western Japan, with an elevation of 1,982 meters. The name “”Ishizuchi”” collectively refers to the peaks of Tengu-dake, Misen, and Minami-senpo. The mountain is said to have been opened for worship and ascetic practice in the 7th century by En no Gyoja and has long been known as a training mountain. There are two main climbing routes: the Joju Route and the Tsuchigoya Route. Traditionally the Joju Route was the standard, but the Tsuchigoya Route has become more popular because it is easier for beginners. From Tsuchigoya, it takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Tengu-dake. Near the summit there are challenging chain sections, but beginners should use the bypass path. Up to Misen (before Tengu-dake), the trail is generally more beginner-friendly. Via the Joju Route, you can take a ropeway and lift up to near the 7th station, close to Ishizuchi Shrine’s Joju-sha. In winter, the area around the lift becomes the slopes of the Ishizuchi Ski Resort. The main hiking season is July–August, but due to historical traditions of women being prohibited on the sacred mountain, on July 1 women are not allowed to climb above Joju-sha and the Tsuchigoya worship hall area—please take note.