Understand

Ishizuchi, a national park that was once an active volcano, is home to a diverse range of wildlife including soaring falcons and sneaky dormice. The mountain is open for climbing from July to October, but adventurous climbers can attempt the ascent as early as May or as late as November. However, be prepared for limited facilities along the way. For a breathtaking experience, visit in mid-October to witness the vibrant autumn colors. Just be aware that the trail can get quite crowded on weekends during this time. If you prefer winter activities, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the resort located on the same grounds. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Joju shrine, which is open year-round and attracts many visitors on New Year's Day.

Get in

The closest train station to reach the ropeway is Iyo-Saij on the JR Yosan Line. To get there, you can take a train from Matsuyama to Takamatsu and get off at Iyo-Saij. If you're coming from Okayama, you can take the Shiokaze Limited Express train, which runs hourly to Iyo-Saij station. The journey from Okayama takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, while from Takamatsu, it is about 90 minutes using the Ishizuchi limited express train. Once you arrive at Iyo-Saij station, there are connecting buses that can take you to the start of the ropeway. However, please note that there are only 4 buses available daily. These buses are operated by the Seto Inland transportation service. You can find the bus schedule on their website in Japanese. It is essential to plan accordingly and catch the 10:23AM bus if you want to make the climb and catch the last bus back at 5:22PM. For further information, you can contact Seto Inland transportation service at +081 0898-23-3450. If you prefer to drive to the Ropeway station, there is parking available at the bottom station. The parking fee is 700 yen for a day. Another option to consider is approaching the ropeway from the Tsuchi-Goya Hut direction. This route can be reached by car or bus from Matsuyama, and it takes approximately 3 hours. The bus ride from Matsuyama to Tsuchi-Goya Hut costs 3300 yen. Take your time to plan your preferred route and transportation options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the ropeway.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing