Standing at 1,982m, Mount Ishizuchi is one of the seven sacred mountains of Japan. Climbing to its uniquely shaped peak, known as ‘The Stone Hammer’, is the first challenge of this tour. You will be driven from Matsuyama City (other pickups can be arranged) to the Tsuchigoya Hut Trail starting point, where your guided hike begins. The climb to the top is not for the faint-hearted, but is not technically difficult. We have chosen the slightly easier of the two routes, which takes around 3 hours (not including breaks). You’ll see torii gates and shrines and the final ascent to the rocky peak is truly spectacular!

Your first night will be spent at the Ishizuchi Shrine Peak Lodge, which is on the actual peak of Ishizuchi! It offers basic accommodation, but the opportunity to watch the sunset and eat dinner with 360-degree views. After what we hope will be a good night’s rest on a Japanese futon, you’ll see the sunrise over Shikoku. On a clear day, you can see the Seto Inland Sea.

Day two is the longest hiking day. After breakfast, you’ll descend Mount Ishizuchi via the Omotesando Route and Ishizuchi Ropeway cable car. Hidden Japan Travel will be waiting at the bottom of the cable car with supplies for the hike across to Mount Kamegamori. Please note that it may also be possible to finish your tour at this point and head off in the van for a well-earned soak in an onsen, making your tour two days and one night – available on request.

The second night of your tour will be spent at a lodge on Mount Kamegamori. You will climb to the peak of Kamegamori for breakfast on Day 3. It is not technically difficult and the views of the Shikoku Mountains, including Ishizuchi, are wonderful from the summit, weather permitting. We hope that your time on the summit will be a chance to reflect on your journey and look forward to the onsen experience, which we’ll provide for you later that day on the journey back to Matsuyama.