Mt. Tsurugi: The Second Highest Peak in Western Japan and Sacred Ground of Shikoku Shugendo

Mt. Tsurugi: The Overlord of Shikoku Mountains, Second Highest Peak in Western Japan

Mt. Tsurugi (Tsurugisan) spanning Miyoshi City, Mima City, and Naka Town in Tokushima Prefecture is the second highest peak in western Japan at 1,955 meters elevation, second only to Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in Shikoku. Gathered faith since ancient times as a sacred mountain of Shugendo ascetic practice, it is also one of Shikoku's Hundred Famous Mountains.

Easy Mountain Climbing with a Lift

A lift operates from Minokoze trailhead near the summit hut (approximately 15 minutes one way), allowing people without confidence in their physical strength to reach near the summit. Hiking courses without the lift are also maintained, enjoyable for beginners to intermediate hikers.

Grand Views from the Summit

The summit plateau of Mt. Tsurugi (elevation 1,955m) is mostly flat with a grassland-like "bamboo grass field" spread throughout. On clear days, a 360-degree grand panorama of the Pacific Ocean, Seto Inland Sea, Mt. Ishizuchi, and more spreads out, allowing you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Shikoku mountains.

Shugendo and Mt. Tsurugi

Reverenced since ancient times as a sacred ground of Shugendo ascetic practice, Mt. Tsurugi retains the legend that En no Ozuno opened it. Sacred places including Daiken Shrine are scattered throughout the mountain, with pilgrimage hikers never ceasing even today.

Access

Approximately 2 hours by car from Tokushima city (to Minokoze trailhead). Hiking season is late April to early November. Some sections have road closures during snowy winter periods.