Mt. Tsurugi

Mt. Tsurugi stands as Shikoku's second-highest peak at 1,955 meters, located in Tokushima Prefecture on Japan's smallest main island. Known locally as Tsurugi-san, the mountain derives its name from the Japanese word for sword, reflecting its sharp, blade-like ridgeline that dominates the surrounding landscape.

The mountain holds deep spiritual significance as one of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains and serves as a sacred site in Shugendō, an ancient Japanese religious practice combining Buddhism and Shintoism. Mountain ascetics have trained on its slopes for over 1,000 years, establishing it as a pilgrimage destination. The peak's cultural importance extends to local folklore, where it appears in numerous legends and traditional stories of the Shikoku region.

Visitors can access the summit via two primary routes: the Minokoshi Trail and the Ichifusa Trail. The Minokoshi route offers a more accessible 4-hour round trip from the trailhead, while the Ichifusa path provides a challenging 6-8 hour hike with spectacular views of the surrounding Shikoku Mountains. The summit rewards climbers with panoramic vistas extending to the Seto Inland Sea and neighboring peaks across four prefectures.

The optimal climbing season runs from late April to early November, with peak conditions occurring during May through October when trails remain snow-free. Summer months bring alpine flowers and clear visibility, while autumn transforms the mountainsides with vibrant foliage from mid-October to early November. Winter climbing requires technical equipment and experience due to ice and snow conditions above 1,500 meters.

Access begins from JR Anabuki Station on the Tokushima Line, followed by a 40-minute bus ride to Minokoshi or a 60-minute journey to the Ichifusa trailhead via local bus services operating from April to November. Private transportation provides year-round access with parking available at both trailheads for ¥500 per day. No admission fees apply to the mountain itself, though overnight stays at the Tsurugi-san-chō Hut near the summit cost ¥3,000 per person and require advance reservations during peak seasons.