Known by the locals as “the stone hammer,” thanks to its jagged rocky peak, Mount Ishizuchi is a nature lover’s paradise. This massive mountain is 6,503 feet (1,982 meters) in height, and it is located near the central region of Ehime Prefecture. The mountain was designated as a national park in 1955, and it welcomes millions of tourists each year. Mt. Ishizuchi is considered to be a spiritual place to the Japanese people and is identified as one of the seven sacred peaks in the country. From just about any point on the mountain, visitors are treated to remarkable views as well as the opportunity to check out an abundance of native flora and fauna and wildlife. Mt. Ishizuchi is a place where you can go on a relaxing nature hike and spend the day reflecting on life.
Best Times to Visit Mt. Ishizuchi
Mt. Ishizuchi is a place where you can have a lot of fun all year long; there are no particularly bad times of year to visit. Each season presents new and exciting adventures to be had. In the winter months, the mountain opens up for skiing, snowshoeing, and a host of other snowy-day activities. Take a hike through the wilderness during the fall months to capture photos of the beautiful autumn colors. During the spring months, the cherry blossom trees and native flowers are in full bloom showing off their beautiful colors. Summer around Mt. Ishizuchi is warm and sunny and is the perfect time of year to seek out all of the hidden gems the mountain has to offer.
Temperatures around Mt. Ishizuchi vary dramatically, depending on what time of year you visit. During the winter months, the average temperatures hover around 30°F while in the summer months, the average temperatures are around 80°F. If you are planning to visit during the fall or spring months, you will experience temperatures that average between 50°F to 60°F.
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Things to Do at Mt. Ishizuchi
Mt. Ishizuchi is a recreational playground for real outdoor enthusiasts. For those who love an adventure, the mountain is dotted with secret monuments and shrines. See how many you can find while visiting! Add a visit to Mt. Ishizuchi onto your itinerary when visiting Japan, and learn why locals hold this place in such high regard.
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UFO Line
Jump in a car and head out on a scenic drive along the UFO Line through the mountains that crisscross through both Kochi Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture. The scenic byway is out-of-this-world but has a way of completely grounding you in its beauty. While on the 16-mile (27 km) drive, you will take in spectacular views of the meadows, cherry blossom trees, the Pacific Ocean, and of course, the jagged hammer peak of Mt. Ishizuchi.
UFO Line is regarded locally as Chodo Kamega-mori Line and has a way of making you feel like you are driving though the heavens. The route generally is open from May to October each year, but the time varies according to the weather, so it’s a good idea to make sure it is open before you travel.
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Mt. Ishizuchi Ropeway
Take a scenic journey up to the ski resort area of Mt. Ishizuchi via the famous Mt. Ishizuchi Ropeway. The peak has been revered by Buddhists and other religious groups for centuries and provides visitors a bird’s-eye view of the valleys and meadows below as well as the Pacific Ocean.
Mt. Ishizuchi Ropeway opened to the public in 1968 and runs a distance of approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km). Along the journey, visitors are treated to picture-perfect views that are completely unobstructed. Once you arrive at the ski resort station, you can hike the rest of the way up to the peak of the mountain. The trip is about eight minutes in total, and the cable car view enhances the region’s vibrant colors.
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Ishizuchi Shrines
Nestled in among the forest of fragrant cherry blossom trees, bamboo, cypress trees, and native fauna are four sacred shrines devoted to the spiritual realm of Mt. Ishizuchi. The main shrine, located at the base of the mountain, is Ishizuchi Shrine Kuchinomiya, a small complex that is decked out in ornate Japanese architecture. On the sides of Mt. Ishizuchi, visitors will find Ishizuchi Shrine Joju-sha (Chugu) and Tsuchigoya-yohaiden Shrine. On the top of the mountain, where Ishizuchi Shrine Chojo-sha (Okunomiya) sits, visitors can admire views of surrounding hillsides and the Seto Inland Sea.
Inside Ishizuchi Shrine Kuchinomiya, visitors are welcome to spend some time in prayer or reflecting on life and admiring the art and décor. The shrine is open from 8am to 4:30pm daily.
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Shugendo Experience – Spiritual Hike
Travel in the footsteps of monks and other spiritual leaders by strapping on your hiking boots and venturing out for the Shugendo Experience – Spiritual Hike. Visitors are welcome to hike on their own or join an official monk for a guided tour. There is a whole network of trails you can travel on, and you will get the opportunity to check out the modest Shugendo homes along the way. The hiking trails are open during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Along the journey, you will learn about the importance of solace in nature as a means of spirituality.
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Mt. Ishizuchi Night Star Gazing Tour
For a remarkable view of the star-filled nights for which Japan is known, make your way up to the sacred peak of Mt. Ishizuchi at dusk, and wait for the sun to go down. The night sky will open up all around you. Visitors can travel to the peak on their own or join in on a star-studded nighttime tour. On a clear night, you will have an unobstructed view of the thousands of stars visible and can gain a deeper connection to the natural world all around you.
The easiest way to get to the stargazing platforms is to drive yourself in a private car or hire a driver to take you to Mt. Ishizuchi Ropeway and ride the cable car to the ski resort area. From there, you can admire the stars at this location or continue to the peak via a guided hike.
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Mountain Climbing at Mt. Ishizuchi
For those who love to challenge themselves in the great outdoors, July through October is mountain climbing season around the sacred peak of Mt. Ishizuchi. The kick-off to mountain climbing season is July 1st, and this day is reserved for male climbers. Female mountain climbers can join in on the fun beginning July 2nd. Experienced mountain climbers are allowed to venture off on their own, and it is recommended that climbers with little to no experience climb up to the peak with mountain guides. As you make your way to the top of the Hammer Peak, you will encounter steep and rocky terrain, but there are chains installed along the hillside to help you get to the top.
From Mt. Ishizuchi Ropeway Station, the journey to the top of the mountain is about two and a half hours in duration.
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Cycling at Mt. Ishizuchi
Cycling is another beloved outdoor activity enjoyed by residents and tourists alike, and Mt. Ishizuchi has miles of paved and gravel trails for cyclists to ride around on. The UFO Line is popular among cyclists who want to take a long journey through the middle of the untapped countryside and provides 16 miles (27 km) of paved road to travel upon. The Scenic Sky Ride Route is another popular cycling road for those who have a lot of peddling experience. This route is 96 miles (154 km) long and takes about 12.5 hours to complete. If you are looking for a shorter ride, there are plenty of local routes around the base of the mountain that also offer an abundance of beautiful scenery.
Cycling around Mt. Ishizuchi is best done in May through October when the weather is most favorable.
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Hiking at Mt. Ishizuchi
Hiking around Mt. Ishizuchi is an experience that visitors of all skill levels can enjoy. Whether you have been hiking for years or are new to the sport, there is a trail around the mountain that is calling your name. Before embarking on your journey, check the national park Websites where you will find valuable information about the trails around Mt. Ishizuchi. Trails near the peak of the mountain are geared toward those who are experienced hikers. If your physical abilities are limited or if you have children, you will find many flat paved trails near the base of the mountain.
The trails are open from July 1st until the end of October.
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