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Mt Ishizuchi 石鎚山

Hiking up the sacred Shintō mountain

Along the edge

Western Japan’s highest mountain at 1982m, Ishizuchi-san is one of Japan's seven sacred peaks and an extremely rewarding climb.

It will take a bit of effort to get to the trailheads - then allow 5-6 hours return from the top of the Ishizuchi Ropeway - or around 4hrs return if you’ve driven to the Tsuchigoya trailhead. Both are best reached with your own wheels, though there are bus options.

Near the top of Ishizuchi-san are stretches of kusari, heavy chains draped down steep spots that pilgrims use to test their mettle - don’t worry, if hauling yourself up the chains isn’t appealing, there is also a normal track to follow to the shrine at the peak.

Expect to meet all sorts of interesting hikers here, including yamabushi ascetics in full-on mountain priest outfits. From 1 to 10 July, tens of thousands of Shugendō practitioners turn up to climb to the summit.

Hiking

Shikoku 四国

Shikoku In-10-Days

Off the beaten track with a rental car

Text © Craig McLachlan

Image by George N