Mount Ishizuchi

photo by キアラア · CC0

photo by キアラア · CC0

You climb on chains, the longest of them 68 metres: it is one of the seven sacred mountains of Japan.

With Tengu Peak at 1,982 metres, it is the highest point in Shikoku and in all of western Japan. It is counted among the seven sacred mountains of Japan, together with Fuji and Tateyama. The most direct ascent crosses four sections of iron chain fixed to the rock – the ‘trial chain’ (67 m), then the first (33 m), the second (65 m) and the third (68 m) – alongside less exposed alternative routes. Four Ishizuchi shrines stand on the mountain, where a rite is held that lets you touch the statue of the god, the only case of its kind in Japan.

A mountain massif on the border between Saijō and Kuma Kōgen, and for centuries a destination of ascetic pilgrimage.

ℹ️ The ropeway to Jōju (成就), the starting point of the most frequented route, runs from late April to late November, with breaks in winter; out of season the climb requires snow equipment. The chains cannot be used in snow or ice. Official sources give no up-to-date price: check ishizuchi.com before you set off.

🚉 Ishizuchiyama · 11 min walk

Sources: ishizuchisan.jp · ishizuchi.com

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