Explore/Japan/JP 38/Mount Ishizuchi & Ishizuchi Skyline — Matsuyama to Saijo via the Roof of Shikoku
JPMatsuyama, JapanChallengingPaved

Mount Ishizuchi & Ishizuchi Skyline — Matsuyama to Saijo via the Roof ofShikoku.

Distance
150 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
2,000 m
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Curated by Rider · Updated Aug 2026
Overview

Mount Ishizuchi & Ishizuchi Skyline — Matsuyama to Saijo via the Roof of Shikoku.

A mountain traverse across Shikoku's spine: from Matsuyama up past Saragamine and the Omogokei gorge country of Kumakogen, onto the Ishizuchi Skyline beneath Mt Ishizuchi (1,982m) - western Japan's highest peak - and down to the spring-water city of Saijo.

Quick facts

SurfacePaved
Distance150 km
Days1
Total climb2,000 m
DifficultyChallenging
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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE
5 stops
Start
MatsuyamaStart · Start in Matsuyama - Shikoku's largest city, home to Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle. Head inland into the mountains.
Scenic
SaragamineScenic Point · Climb past Saragamine (1,278m) into cool highland forest - the first big switchbacks of the Shikoku range.
Scenic
Kumakogen - Omogokei GorgeScenic Point · Kumakogen highland town, gateway to Omogokei - Shikoku's largest gorge - and the foot of the Ishizuchi Skyline.
Pass
Ishizuchi Skyline & Mt IshizuchiMountain Pass · The Ishizuchi Skyline climbs to about 1,500m beneath Mt Ishizuchi (1,982m), western Japan's highest and a sacred Shugendo peak. Closed Dec-Mar.
End
SaijoEnd · Descend to Saijo, the "city of water" at Ishizuchi's northern foot. End with sake brewed from its famous spring water.

More routes in Japan

Nihonkai Ororon Line — Otaru to Wakkanai CoastJP 01 · 330 kmMitake Shosenkyo Gorge — Kofu to Sengataki FallsJP 19 · 40 kmMikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line — Wakasa Bay PanoramaJP 18 · 55 kmCape Irago & Atsumi Peninsula — Toyohashi to IragomisakiJP 23 · 65 kmIse-Shima Skyline — Ise to Toba via Mt AsamaJP 24 · 35 kmEchigo-Akiyamago Gorge — Sakae to the Nakatsugawa WildernessJP 20 · 90 km

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