Mt. Tsurugi — Shikoku's Second Highest Peak

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Mt. Tsurugi — Shikoku's Second Highest Peak

Mt. Tsurugi — Shikoku's Second Highest Peak 2

Mt. Tsurugi — Shikoku's Second Highest Peak 3

Mt. Tsurugi (剣山, 'Sword Mountain,' 1,955m) is Shikoku's second-highest peak, featuring alpine meadows, dwarf bamboo slopes, and 360-degree summit views across the Shikoku range. A chairlift ascends the first 830 meters, reducing the hike to a moderate 40-minute climb through bamboo groves to the summit shrine. The mountain holds sacred status in Shugendo (mountain asceticism) and hosts an annual July festival where pilgrims in white robes climb to worship.

In autumn, the mountain transforms with fall foliage; in spring, alpine flowers bloom above the tree line. The summit's Tsurugi Shrine offers mountain hut-style meals and emergency shelter.

Opening Hours

Chairlift: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Apr-Nov) | Closed Dec-Mar due to snow

Closed: Chairlift closed December-March | Open Apr-Nov

Entrance Fee

Chairlift round-trip: ¥1,900 adults | Hiking (no chairlift): Free | Parking: ¥500

Best Season

April-May (alpine flowers) | October (fall foliage, clear skies) | Avoid June (rainy season)

Visit Duration

3-4 hours (chairlift + summit) | Full day (full hike + Jirogyu extension)

Getting There

Access Information

Chairlift: Minokoshi Station, Miyoshi City. Operating hours: 9:00–16:30 (Apr–Nov), closed Dec–Mar due to snow. Round-trip: ¥1,900 adults. Hike from top station: 40 min to summit. Full hike from base (skipping chairlift): 3 hours one-way. Parking: ¥500.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Chairlift vs. full hike:** The chairlift (見ノ越駅–西島駅, Minokoshi–Nishijima) saves 1 hour and 400m elevation gain, making the summit accessible to casual hikers. Purists skip the lift and hike the full