Mt. Tsurugi (Tokushima Prefecture)

Mt. Tsurugi (Tsurugi-san) is located near the center of Tokushima Prefecture and is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, standing at an altitude of 1,955 meters. It is the second-highest peak in Western Japan, following Mt. Ishizuchi. The name is said to originate from the legend that Emperor Antoku, who survived the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, secretly enshrined a sacred sword—one of the Three Sacred Treasures—on this mountain.

The mountain is considered one of the easiest to climb among the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains because a chairlift carries you from the trailhead to the mountainside, and well-maintained trails are available. It is highly recommended for beginners who want to experience breathtaking views of the clouds from a high peak.

Routes Around Mt. Tsurugi

In October, during the peak season for autumn foliage, many tourists visit, and parking spaces can be very hard to find if you arrive by car. For those using public transportation, the “Gurutto Tsurugisan Tozan Bus” (Mt. Tsurugi Loop Bus), which operates only during the climbing season, is convenient. The bus departs from locations such as JR Sadamitsu Station and nearby roadside stations, taking you close to the chairlift station.

There is also the “Ikeda-Higashi-Iya Route,” which is convenient for those visiting after sightseeing in the Iya Valley, famous for its vine bridges. Please check the latest schedules online before your visit.

Gurutto Tsurugisan Tozan Bus (Mt. Tsurugi Loop Bus)
https://www.pref.tokushima.lg.jp/ippannokata/kurashi/chihososei/7303578/

I visited in mid-November to avoid the peak crowds while the leaves were still beautiful at the foot of the mountain. As it was my first time, I stayed at an inn near the chairlift station the night before to save my energy.

Several accommodations are available near the summit, including mountain huts and small local inns. This time, I stayed at a pension called “La Foret Tsurugisan.” Despite being at an altitude of 1,500 meters, it was very comfortable, with a large public bath and full meals provided. It is conveniently located just a 6-minute drive from the chairlift station.

Three Climbing Routes

Each of these courses is relatively easy to walk.

There are three routes to reach the summit of Mt. Tsurugi. You can choose from the Onemichi Course (Ridge Path), which is the shortest way to the top (approx. 40 min), the Taigami Jinja Course, which lets you visit a natural spring spot (approx. 60 min), or the Yuhodo Course (Promenade), where you can enjoy a leisurely hike (approx. 80 min).

Please refer to this link for more information.
Mt. Tsurugi Climbing Special Feature: https://nishi-awa.jp/tsurugisan/

Taigami Jinja Course

Taigami Jinja Course: A route where you can visit the “Goshinsui” (sacred spring water), selected as one of Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters.

This time, I chose the Taigami Jinja Course.

★1　Mt. Tsurugi Sightseeing Chairlift

Depart from Minokoshi Station and head towards Nishijima Station via the Mt. Tsurugi Sightseeing Chairlift.

★2　Nishijima Station, Mt. Tsurugi Chairlift

The ride takes about 15 minutes, and the round-trip fare for an adult was 1,900 yen.

★3　Mountain Woods, Moss, and Fog

As we climbed through the dense fog, the trail was not steep or difficult. Although the temperature was low, the physical activity made me feel warm enough to want to take off my outer jacket.

★4　Otsurugi Jinja Shrine

Located at an altitude of 1,820 meters, this shrine sits in a spot with a wonderful panoramic view. It is known as a power spot for “En-musubi” (finding a good match/destiny), said to “sever bad connections and tie good ones.” The massive rock standing behind the main hall is the “Goshintai” (the object of worship in which a deity resides).

★5　Mountain Trail Covered with Kumazasa Bamboo

The entire area is overgrown with Kumazasa (a type of low-growing bamboo). This area around Mt. Tsurugi is the only region in Shikoku where “Tsukinowaguma” (Asian black bears) live. Their numbers are very small, and they are currently an endangered species.

★6　Tsurugisan Hongu Hozoseki Shrine

This shrine is located at 1,930 meters on Mt. Tsurugi, which has a total elevation of 1,955 meters. Its shiny silver torii gate made of stainless steel is very distinctive.

Behind the shrine, there is a massive “Iwakura” (sacred rock formation) where it is said that the Heike clan, after their defeat in the Genpei War, secretly stored Emperor Antoku’s sacred sword.

★7　Tsurugisan Choujo Hutte

This is a “Yamagoya” (mountain hut) located near the summit of Mt. Tsurugi. It is open from late April to late November, providing meals and overnight accommodation. A public bath is also available.

★8　Boardwalk to the Summit

The area near the summit has a well-maintained “Bokudo” (wooden boardwalk), which is not only hiker-friendly but also serves to protect the environment by preventing people from stepping into other areas.

★9　The Summit

Mountain weather is changeable; the clear skies we saw just before reaching the top quickly turned into a cloudy sky.

★10　Jirogyu as Seen from Mt. Tsurugi Summit

It takes about 50 minutes for a round trip from the summit of Mt. Tsurugi to Jirogyu peak.

★11　Tokushima Prefectural Mt. Tsurugi Summit “Awa Eco-Toilet”

This eco-friendly toilet protects the environment by using microorganisms in oyster shells to purify wastewater, which is then circulated and reused. The facility is also equipped with solar panels and a helipad.

★12　Tsurugisan Goshinsui (Mt. Tsurugi Sacred Spring Water)

Goshinsui (sacred water) gushes out near the summit of Mt. Tsurugi and has been known since ancient times as “rejuvenating water” that cures illnesses. It is the source of the Iya River, which is deeply connected to the Heike clan, and is rich in minerals. It has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters.

There are many tourist spots rich in nature around Mt. Tsurugi. If you have traveled all the way to this deep part of Tokushima, why not explore the surrounding sightseeing areas in addition to climbing Mt. Tsurugi?

Click here for reports on Oboke, Koboke, and Iya:
https://matsuri-ja.com/en/blog/cuisine/ohboke/