Enjoy majestic views from Mt. Ishizuchi and experience the tranquillity of Ishizuchi Shrine on the mountainside built to worship this sacred mountain. Be delighted by the seasonal beauty of Omogo Gorge stretching out from the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi. The seasonal autumn leaves are a particular visitor favourite. Visit breath-taking Shirai Falls just as Japan’s great writers did once upon a time. Then head to Tobe pottery where you can try your hand at painting and wheel throwing and make your trip even more memorable!
START
Matsuyama
↓Approx. 1 hr 30 min by car
↓Approx. 1 hr 30 min by car
1
Omogo Gorge (Omogokei)
The picturesque scenery changes along with the seasons
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Located at the foot of Mt. Ishizuchi, the Omogo Gorge is well known as a national scenic site and delights visitors with its seasonal beauty. The water in the gorge is crystal clear and you can see to the bottom of the river even from the walking trails. There are two trails; one is the Honryu (main stream) Route including scenic beauty spots such as Goshiki-kawara, Momiji-kogen, and Toraga-taki. The other is the Teppo Route, a relaxing trail along the tranquil Teppo River. The gorge is popular with visitors seeing the autumn foliage in early November.
Approx. 40 min by car to Tsuchigoya, the end of the Ishizuchi Sky Line.
To climb to the top and climb down the mountain, it takes about 4 to 5 hrs on average.
To climb to the top and climb down the mountain, it takes about 4 to 5 hrs on average.
2
Mt. Ishizuchi
The towering mountain of Shikoku
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Mt. Ishizuchi is one of the seven sacred peaks of Japan. The mountain consists of peaks including Tengudake, the highest point in western Japan, Misen, the location of the Ishizuchi Shrine, as well as a number of additional peaks to the south. A variety of walking trails are available including a 4.6km ridge walk from Tsuchigoya, Kumakogen-cho, or a cable car ride from Saijo-shi. There is also a challenging one-of-a-kind trail where climbers ascend a series of sheer cliffs by a network of chains. Never fear, for those without the strength for that a detour is available and there are plenty of options for visitors to take a trail suiting their fitness and experience. Upon reaching the summit the sense of achievement is beyond words. Majestic views stretching from the Seto Inland Sea and Tosa Bay to the Chugoku and Shikoku Mountains visible in the distance on fine days are magnificent!
Approx. 1 hr 40 min by car
3
Ishizuchi Shrine
The shrine worshiping the sacred mountain of Mt. Ishizuchi
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Built for worshipping Mt. Ishizuchi, Ishizuchi shrine stands on the mountainside as if looking out over the whole world. The shrine consists of four parts: one at the summit, two on the mountainside, with the head shrine standing on the foothills. Visitors can experience the magnificence of the shrine not only by visiting but also by taking part in the various festivals held here including the autumn festival in October, and the star festival in February.
Approx. 50 min by car
4
Shirai Falls
The scenery is breath-taking!
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Great writers such as Shiki Masaoka and Soseki Natsume visited the falls and composed a number of well-known Tanka (short poems) and Haiku about the scenery. The waterfalls are easily accessible via a footpath that leads to the perfect viewing location. A great number of visitors come to the Shirai Falls Festival on 3 November. The 96m tall falls freeze in winter when you may be lucky enough to see the mystical beauty of the gigantic frozen waterfall. Along with a nearby farm park, the falls are the perfect place to enjoy some amazing natural beauty.
Approx. 40 min by car
5
Tobe-yaki Togeikan (Tobe Pottery)
Explore the Tobe-yaki ceramics and make something for yourself to take home.
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The Tobe-yaki Togeikan offers an incredible range of pottery available for purchase as well as hands-on classes and pottery exhibitions. On the ground floor you will find over 30,000 works from 32 local potteries for display and purchase. Many people come to the Kamadashi markets held here in spring and autumn for a special bargain. On the upper floor you can join the pottery classes and try your hand at painting, twisting, and wheel throwing.
GOAL