Mount Ishizuchi — Local services in Kumakogen

Visited Mt. Ishizuchi in late September 2024. A single bus ride from Saijo Station gets you as close as possible, to the tourist area at the foot of mountain. Make sure to have the exact amount of money in cash as change wasn't possible. Getting off the bus, the entire area felt abandoned - most shops were closed, some of them were open but empty from staff or customers - it was a mixture of creepy and exciting. There was an onsen in that same area, a bridge to another area with big, rusted torii gate, and plenty of shrines - all seemingly abandoned. There was, however, a scent of incense in the air. Only later I found out the place wasn't actually abandoned, but simply out of tourist season. A short walk on the road got me to the Ishizuchi Tozen Ropeway - a cable car that departs every 20 minutes or so from both stations (up and down). A 2-way ticket cost me about 2,200¥. The cable car ride was nice, great view and lots of fog. Note that as you ascend it gets significantly cooler even if you're traveling on a hot day. The upper station has a souvenir shop, it was also unmanned because it was the off-season. I spent around 1.5 hours on the top, then took the cable car down. After returning to the tourist area, I visited the onsen - it was really nice, highly recommended. Finished bathing and going around just in time for the last bus back to Saijo station. Overall a beautiful and chilling experience, pretty sure I won't return for a second...

Mt. Ishizuchi, standing proudly at 1982 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Western Japan (Kansai, Chugoku, Kyushu, and Shikoku). This majestic mountain is not just a haven for hiking and climbing enthusiasts but also a sacred site with a shrine at its summit. Many visitors come to pay their respects at this shrine, adding a spiritual dimension to the adventure.

The hike up Mt. Ishizuchi is exhilarating, offering stunning panoramic views along the way. However, it's not for the faint-hearted. The trail includes three challenging sets of chains that require a good level of fitness and a head for heights. If you're up for the challenge, the climb is incredibly rewarding and adds an exciting twist to the journey.

At the top, you'll find a small souvenir shop and a cozy food joint, perfect for grabbing a bite or picking up a memento of your climb. The atmosphere at the summit is serene and inspiring, making it a memorable destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure.

In summary, Mt. Ishizuchi is a must-visit for avid hikers and climbers. Just make sure you're prepared for the physical demands and the thrilling heights. The combination of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and the sheer accomplishment of reaching the summit makes it an...

Got to see plenty of shades of Ishizuchi-san in one day. Me and my friends went there in the 1st week of November expecting to see the red autumn leaves, but unfortunately we were about a week late. The mountain top was green (and brown). That was a small let down, however, the scenery was nonetheless breathtaking. I come from Nepal, the country of mountains, and was still amazed by the views. Our journey started from Saijo-shi station at around 7am. We took the Ishizuchi bus and reached the bus stop near Ishizuchi cable car in about 40 minutes. We got to see a cool dam and reservoir on the way. There was a long line at the ticket counter of the cable car. The cable car ride was so fun. The cool air was so refreshing. The ride was short (or so it felt). From the cable car station we started our hiking journey of about 2 hrs or so to reach the Ishizuchi shrine. I was amazed to see the number of people scaling the mountain. There were people of all ages. They had come from all different places in Shikoku. Had a great time interacting with them. I wish to see the mountain in its full glory and will definitely visit again...