National park · Japan
Mount Ishizuchi石鎚山
Climb Ishizuchi from Jōju shrine between July and October: ropeway up (¥1,000 one-way, ¥1,900 return), 3 h to the 1,982 m summit, last ropeway down at 18:00. Skip the chains unless you have boots and dry rock.Climb Ishizuchi from Jōju shrine between July and October: ropeway up (¥1,000 one-way, ¥1,900 return), 3 h to the 1,982 m summit, last ropeway down at 6:00 PM. Skip the chains unless you have boots and dry rock.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
359 km² (139 sq mi)139 sq mi (359 km²)
approximate
Established
1955
Best months
Jul, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
At a glance
- Country
- Japan
- Area
- 359 km² (139 sq mi)139 sq mi (359 km²)
- Ishizuchi Quasi-National Park; the figure covers the whole park, not just the mountain (check).
- Established
- 1955
- Best months
- Jul, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Saijō
Mount Ishizuchi is the highest peak on Shikoku at 1,982 m and one of Japan's historic mountain-worship sites, with a shrine complex at 1,450 m and three sets of iron chains bolted to the final cliffs. Most visitors ride the ropeway from Tsuchigoya to Jōju, walk 20 minutes to the shrine and stop there. The summit is a further 3 hours up and 2 hours down, on wooden steps, forest path and chain sections. The official climbing season runs 1 July to October; outside it the mountain is still climbable but the lodge and most facilities close.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1955.
Size and age
359 km² (139 sq mi)139 sq mi (359 km²) · national park since 1955
Ishizuchi Quasi-National Park; the figure covers the whole park, not just the mountain (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Saijō.
Why go
- The highest point on Shikoku, with views across the island on a clear day.
- A working pilgrimage route: shrine, torii gate and chain climbs rather than a groomed trail.
- Autumn colour around mid-October, when the upper slopes turn before the valleys.
- A mountain hut at the summit and a shrine lodge below, so you can split the climb over two days.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprCaution
- MayGo
- JunGo
- JulBest
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep snow; ski resort operates on the lower slopes
- FebSnow and ice; no facilities
- MarSnow lingers; trails unclear
- AprLate snow patches; lodge still closed
- MayClimbable; summit lodge opens early May
- JunWet; leeches and slippery chains
- JulOfficial season opens 1 July; lodge and facilities running
- AugHot and humid; afternoon thunderstorms
- SepCooler; typhoon risk late in the month
- OctAutumn colour mid-month; weekends congested
- NovClimbable early; lodge closes early November
- DecSnow; winter conditions
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raptors, including falcons, over the ridgesMay–Oct | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Dormice and small mammals in the forestJul–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Leeches on the lower trail after rainJun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Iyo-Saijō station
Setouchi Bus to the ropeway base station, then the ropeway to Jōju.
1 h bus + 8 min ropeway
Open the page →
From Matsuyama
JR Yosan Line to Iyo-Saijō, then the bus; the 09:12 departure connects to the 10:23 bus.JR Yosan Line to Iyo-Saijō, then the bus; the 9:12 AM departure connects to the 10:23 AM bus.
2.5–3 h
From Okayama
Shiokaze limited express to Iyo-Saijō, then the bus.
2.5–3 h
From Takamatsu
Ishizuchi limited express to Iyo-Saijō, then the bus.
2.5–3 h
From Kuma Kogen
JR Bus from Matsuyama to Kuma Kogen, then Iyotetsu Bus towards Omogo; summer weekend service continues to Tsuchigoya.
2–3 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Tsuchigoya and the ropeway base | Lower station, car park, bus stop and the start of the walking route up. | Open; ropeway ticket needed to ride. |
| Jōju shrine | Main shrine grounds at 1,450 m, 20 minutes above the upper ropeway station. | Open year-round; the trailhead torii is here. |
| Hatchōzaka and Yoakashi Pass | Wooden steps, forest and the bare camp site at about 1,600 m. | Open; no facilities at the camp site. |
| Chain sections and Misen | Three iron chains up the cliffs to the 1,974 m Misen peak, with a small shrine and lodge. | Open in season; chains are optional, a detour path runs alongside. |
| Tengudake summit | The 1,982 m true summit, 15 minutes beyond Misen. | Sometimes closed by landslides; check locally. |
Sketch map
- 1Iyo-Saijō station · Ranger station≈33.918, 133.020Approximate.Map ↗
- 2Ropeway base, Tsuchigoya · Gate≈33.783, 133.129Approximate.Map ↗
- 3Jōju shrine · Headquarters≈33.770, 133.118Approximate.Map ↗
- 4Yoakashi Pass camp site · Sleep≈33.766, 133.115Approximate.Map ↗
- 5Misen peak · Summit≈33.767, 133.115Approximate.Map ↗
- 6Tengudake summit · Summit≈33.767, 133.113Approximate.Map ↗
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions from Iyo-Saijō to the summit, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ishizuchi Tōzan Ropeway, one way | JPY 1,000 (≈ US$7) | person | 2026 estimate; return ¥1,900 (check). |
| Ishizuchi Tōzan Ropeway, return | JPY 1,900 (≈ US$13) | person | 2026 estimate. |
| Setouchi Bus, Iyo-Saijō station to ropeway base | JPY 970 (≈ US$7) | person | Four buses daily; 2026 estimate (check). |
| Chōjō-sansō summit lodge, one night with two meals | JPY 8,500 (≈ US$60) | person | Open early May to early November; carry all rubbish down. |
| Ishizuchi Fureai-no-Sato cabins | JPY 2,920 (≈ US$20) | cabin | Sleeps 2; basic rooms from ¥1,170 per person, camping ¥200 per person (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Mountain entry no permit
Summit lodge bed permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- ¥1,000≈ US$7
- ¥1,900≈ US$13
- ¥970≈ US$7
- ¥8,500≈ US$60
- ¥2,920≈ US$20
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Ishizuchi Tōzan Ropeway (official) before you go.
Park rules
- Chains
- The chain routes are optional; the detour path reaches the same summit. Do not use them in rain, ice or high wind.
- Rubbish
- Carry all rubbish down, including from the summit lodge.
- Camping
- Only the bare patch at Yoakashi Pass; no facilities and no fires (check current policy).check
- Season opening day
- The first day of the official season has historically been reserved for men; the mountain is open to everyone on other dates.check
- Winter
- The upper mountain is a snow route from December to March; go with winter gear and experience or not at all.
Where to stay
In the park
Chōjō-sansō summit lodge
Spartan beds with two meals at the summit; open early May to early November.
Near the park
Shiraishi Ryokan
Inn close to Jōju shrine above the ropeway; convenient for an early start.
Near the park
Ishizuchi Fureai-no-Sato
Cabins, basic rooms and riverside camping 10 minutes down the road, with a bath and restaurant.
Near the park
Saijō city
Business hotels and the rail and bus connections; the safe choice if the weather turns.
Safety
Falling on the chain sections high
Missing the last ropeway medium
Afternoon storms and typhoons medium
Limited buses medium
Cold and exposure medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The ropeway and the 20-minute walk to Jōju shrine suit most visitors, with a stepped but short path.
- The summit trail has steep wooden steps, rough rock and chain sections; not suitable for limited mobility or young children.
Visiting lightly
- Take all rubbish down from the mountain and the lodge.
- Stay on the built steps and chain routes; cutting the switchbacks causes the erosion they were built to stop.
- Use the bus where it fits your day; car parks at the ropeway base fill on October weekends.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mount Ishizuchi?
There is no entry fee for the mountain. You pay the Ishizuchi Tōzan Ropeway, about ¥1,000 one way or ¥1,900 return (2026 estimate), plus the Setouchi Bus from Iyo-Saijō station at about ¥970. A bed at the summit lodge with two meals is about ¥8,500.
What are the best hikes in Mount Ishizuchi?
The standard route runs from Jōju shrine to Misen peak: about 3 hours up and 2 hours down, with wooden steps, forest and three optional iron chain sections of 33 m, 65 m and 68 m. Tengudake, the true 1,982 m summit, is 15 minutes further and is sometimes closed by landslides. Shorter options are the 20-minute walk to Jōju shrine and the ropeway ride itself.
When is the best time to visit Mount Ishizuchi?
July to October is the official season, with the summit lodge open from early May to early November. October is the best month for autumn colour, but weekends then are the most crowded. May and June are climbable with fewer people and more rain. December to March is a snow route.
Can I climb Mount Ishizuchi without the chains?
Yes. A detour path runs alongside each chain section and reaches the same summit. The chains are a pilgrim tradition, not a requirement.
How do I get to Mount Ishizuchi without a car?
Take the JR Yosan Line to Iyo-Saijō station, then the Setouchi Bus to the ropeway base, about 1 hour and ¥970. Only four buses run each day; the 10:23 departure is the last that allows the full climb and the 17:22 return.
Is Mount Ishizuchi crowded?
Mid-October weekends and the New Year period at Jōju shrine are the busiest. Weekday mornings in July and September are quiet, and starting on the first bus keeps you ahead of the groups.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go