Mt. Ishizuchi: The Sacred Mountain of the Highest Peak in Western Japan and Pilgrimage Climbing

Mt. Ishizuchi: The Sacred Peak First in Western Japan

Mt. Ishizuchi (Ishizuchisan) straddling Saijo City and Kumakogen Town in Ehime Prefecture is the highest peak in western Japan at 1,982 meters elevation. Since ancient times it has been an object of mountain worship as "Ishizuchi Daimyojin," and is the sacred mountain body of "Ishizuchi Shrine," a special headquarters temple of the Shikoku sacred sites.

Chain Sections and Full-Scale Climbing

The true pleasure of climbing Mt. Ishizuchi is the "chain sections." There are 4 chain sections — Trial Chain (approximately 74m), First Chain (approximately 33m), Second Chain (approximately 65m), and Third Chain (approximately 67m) — and the experience of climbing nearly vertical rock walls using chains is the very same severe ascetic practice of Shugendo. Physical strength and courage are required.

Ropeway and Beginner Course

From the Saijo City side, a ropeway can take you up to 1,300 meters elevation, from which a hiking journey of approximately 2 hours leads near the summit (Tengu Peak). Since there are also "bypass paths" not using chain sections, even beginners can safely summit.

Mt. Ishizuchi Mountain Opening

During the "Mountain Opening" from July 1–10 every year, large numbers of believers in white robes gather for pilgrimage climbing. During this period there is a unique atmosphere of many climbers and believers mingling.

Access

To the "Mt. Ishizuchi Ropeway" base station on the Saijo City side, approximately 40 minutes by bus from JR Iyo-Saijo Station.