Mt. Tsurugi — Shikoku's Second Highest Peak

Mt. Tsurugi (剣山, 'Sword Mountain,' 1,955m) is Shikoku's second-highest peak, featuring alpine meadows, dwarf bamboo slopes, and 360-degree summit views across the Shikoku range. A chairlift ascends the first 830 meters, reducing the hike to a moderate 40-minute climb through bamboo groves to the summit shrine. The mountain holds sacred status in Shugendo (mountain asceticism) and hosts an annual July festival where pilgrims in white robes climb to worship.

In autumn, the mountain transforms with fall foliage; in spring, alpine flowers bloom above the tree line. The summit's Tsurugi Shrine offers mountain hut-style meals and emergency shelter.