Mount Tsurugi

Attraction

Prefecture

Tokushima

Type

Attraction

N/A

1 review

¥1,900

Entry Fee

Restaurant

About This Destination

The second-highest peak in Shikoku at 1,955 meters, steeped in mythology as the hiding place of a legendary imperial sword, with a lift through ancient virgin forest.

Mount Tsurugi rises to 1,955 meters as the second-highest peak in Shikoku, its very name meaning Sword Mountain after the legend that a sacred imperial sword was hidden near its summit by the vanquished Heike clan in the 12th century. A sightseeing chairlift carries hikers from the Minokoshi base at 1,420 meters partway up the mountain, gliding for about 15 minutes through dense ancient virgin forest that has never been logged. From the upper lift station, a well-maintained trail leads to the broad, grassy summit in roughly 40 minutes, passing through stands of ancient Shikoku fir and beech trees. The panoramic views from the top stretch across the undulating mountain ranges of central Shikoku, and on clear days the Pacific Ocean is visible to the south. Mount Tsurugi is particularly spectacular in early October when the summit grasslands turn golden and the surrounding forests erupt in brilliant autumn colors.

Location

Prefecture: Tokushima

Address: Tokushima, Japan

Nearest Station: Oboke Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Mountain lodges near the summit serve warm udon and simple meals. The Miyoshi area is known for Iya soba (buckwheat noodles) and dekomawashi (skewered tofu and potato grilled over charcoal).

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Mount Tsurugi?

By car is strongly recommended — the winding mountain roads through Iya Valley demand 90 minutes from Oboke Station. From JR Tokushima City: 2.5 hours via Route 438. The Minokoshi base station has free parking. Public transport is limited: from Oboke Station, just 1–2 buses per day operate seasonally to Minokoshi (90 min, ¥2,200). The chairlift to mid-mountain (Nishijima Station, 1,720m) costs ¥1,900 round-trip and runs 9:00–16:30 (April–November).

How long does the hike take from the chairlift?

From Nishijima Station (chairlift top, 1,720m), 40–50 minutes to the summit (1,955m) on a well-maintained path through ancient forest. The 'Tsurugi summit course' is the easiest at 235m elevation gain on a wide path. The 'Daikenzan course' (50 min) passes more forest and a small shrine. Roundtrip from Nishijima: 90 min minimum. Total day-trip from Minokoshi (chairlift down): 3 hours. Many visitors stay at the summit lodge to catch sunrise.

What's the legend behind Mount Tsurugi?

After the Heike clan was defeated by the Genji at the 1185 Battle of Dan-no-ura, surviving members supposedly hid the imperial sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan) on this mountain — hence the name 'Sword Mountain.' Other legends place the Lost Ark of the Covenant here, drawing some pilgrims today. The summit stone formation 'Hokyozuka' is said to mark the burial site. Whether you believe the myths or not, the ancient atmosphere of the virgin forest and treeless summit feels otherworldly.

When is the best time to climb Mount Tsurugi?

Early October for golden summit grasslands and autumn maple foliage on the slopes — Shikoku's best autumn alpine view. Late April–early June brings new green and rare alpine flowers (mountain lilies). July–August offer cool relief from lowland heat (15–20°C at summit) but afternoon thunderstorms common. Avoid winter (heavy snow, lift closed). The chair lift operates April–November only; winter requires full snow gear and shouldn't be attempted by casual hikers.