Mount Tsurugi is one of the most famous mountains in Tokushima Prefecture. Its height is 1,955 m and it is known for its beautiful views and peaceful nature. Additionally, Mount Tsurugi is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
One of the best things about Mount Tsurugi is that you do not have to walk all the way from the bottom. From April to November, you can take a chairlift for about 15 to 20 minutes. Moreover, the chairlift takes you to Nishijima Station at 1,750 m.
From there it takes around 1 hour to walk to the top of the mountain. Because of this, many beginners and families choose the Mount Tsurugi hike as the trail is relatively easy to complete.
Once you reach the top, you will find a peaceful resting area with beautiful scenery. On a clear day, you can enjoy amazing views of the Seto Inland Sea, the Pacific Ocean and even Honshu.
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Alpine sunrise over the ocean
Sacred place at the top of the mountain
Mount Tsurugi Hike Routes Overview
After reaching Nishijima Station by chairlift, you can choose from three hiking routes to reach the top of the mountain. All the paths are well marked and easy to follow, making them a good choice for beginners.
The Ridge Trail is the shortest route. It is about 0.9 km long and takes around 40 minutes. The Otsurugi Shrine Trail is about 1.2 km and takes around 1 hour. The Walking Trail is the longest path. It is about 2 km long and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
The climb from Nishijima Station to the top of the mountain is only about 205 meters so it is not very difficult. Many people hike up using one of the three paths and come back using another, so they can enjoy different views during the hike.
If you want a bigger challenge, you can start hiking from the bottom of the mountain instead of using the chairlift, but keep in mind that these routes are much longer and steeper, so they are best for experienced hikers. This guide will help you plan your Mount Tsurugi hike with useful information about the trails, hiking time, difficulty and the best time to visit.
| Route | Distance | Elevation Gain | Approx Time | Difficulty |
| Ridgeline Route (西島駅〜頂上) | 0.90 km | ~ 205 m | ~40 min | Easy (family-friendly) |
| Otsurugi Shrine Route (西島駅〜頂上) | 1.20 km | ~ 205 m | ~60 min | Easy or Moderate |
| Walking Trail (西島駅〜頂上) | 1.98 km | ~ 205 m | ~80 min | Moderate |
Routes & Trail Descriptions
If you want to know about the Mount Tsurugi hike, you must understand all the routes. All the hiking routes start from Nishijima Station at 1,750 m, the top station, which you can reach by chairlift. This is also the starting point for most people hiking Mount Tsurugi.
Below Nishijima Station there is Minokoshi Station at 1,420 m. You can walk from Minokoshi to Nishijima but it is an uphill hike that takes some time. Most visitors use the chairlift, which takes around 15 minutes, because it is easier and saves energy.
Minokoshi
Chairlift to Nishijima Station
From Nishijima Station you will find three marked hiking routes that lead to the top of the mountain. Therefore, you can choose the path that feels best for you and matches your time and hiking experience.
Ridgeline Route
The Ridgeline Route is the shortest and easiest way to reach the top of the mountain. It is about 0.9 km long and takes around 40 minutes. On this journey you go along the mountain ridge, which has well maintained paths and steps. It is safe and suitable for beginners and families. As you go higher, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Moreover, the trail is clearly marked, which makes it easy to follow.
Beauty on the ridgeline walk
Otsurugi Shrine Route
The Otsurugi Shrine Route is about 1.2 km long and takes around 1 hour. Along the way you will pass the Otsurugi shrine, a small site on the mountain. Near the shrine there is a famous natural spring called Goshinmizu, known for its clear water. This path is easy to walk and is a good choice if you want to see the traditional places during your hike.
Amazing views of Otsurugi Shrine Route
Walking Trail
The Walking Trail is the longest route to the summit. It is about 2 km long and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. This route passes through forests and open mountain areas which give you plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. It also passes the Nidomi Observatory, a viewpoint where you can enjoy great mountain views.
View from the walking trail
Gear and Preparation
Before starting your Mount Tsurugi hike, make sure you carry the right items with you. Also, wear comfortable clothes that you can add or remove as the weather changes. Even in summer it can feel cold at the top of the mountain, so bring a warm jacket and a waterproof rain jacket too.
Wear hiking shoes with good grip because some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven so good shoes will help you. Carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water, some snacks, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. If you are hiking early in the morning or returning late, don’t forget to bring a headlamp or flashlight.
Every route is well marked with signboards, but it is still a good idea to carry a route map or use a GPS device. In some areas phone signals may not work, so do not depend only on your phone for directions; carry a proper map instead.
Before you start your hike, let someone know where you are going. If the weather changes, it is better if someone knows your route. Having travel insurance that covers hiking and mountain rescue is also a good idea for a safe trip.
Before your trip, learn more about: Do You Need a Permit to Hike in Japan?
When Is the Best Time to Climb Tsurugi?
Spring, from April to May, is a great time to visit Mount Tsurugi. The chairlift starts in April and the mountain becomes green with fresh plants and flowers. There may still be some snow near the top of the mountain, so check the weather before your trip.
Summer, from June to August, has pleasant weather for hiking. Some days may be rainy or foggy, so carry a rain jacket. This is also the busiest season, so it is best to arrive early. During July and August you can also see beautiful yellow flowers along the way.
Autumn, from September to November, is one of the best times to hike. The weather is cool and the mountain is covered with colorful red, orange and yellow leaves. The chairlift will be closed in late November depending on the weather.
Winter, from December to March, is not a good time for most hikers. Heavy snow covers the mountain, the roads may be closed and the chairlift does not operate. Hiking in winter is only suitable for experienced climbers with special snow gear.
Beautiful view of Mount Tsurugi
Final Summary
Mount Tsurugi is 1,955 meters high and it is one of the highest mountains in western Japan. Most hikers start from Nishijima Station. From there you can see three marked trails which lead to the top of the mountain. The hike takes about 40 to 80 minutes, depending mostly on the route you choose. From April to November you can also use the chairlift to make the climb easier.
Forest trail through bamboo
Amazing autumn colors on the trail
Panoramic view of Mount Tsurugi
The hike is easy to moderate. It is a good choice for beginners and families. Spring brings fresh flowers, summer gives cool mountain weather and autumn is famous for its colorful leaves. Winter is not a good time for most visitors because there will be heavy snow and some roads are closed.
There is no permit needed to hike Mount Tsurugi. If you want to stay overnight, there is a campground near Nishijima Station. It is also a good idea to have travel insurance that covers mountain hiking.
A hike to Mount Tsurugi is a wonderful way to enjoy nature, fresh mountain air and beautiful views. Even if it is your first time hiking, or you have hiked many mountains before, Mount Tsurugi is still a great place to explore and create memories.
You may also like to know about: How Hard Is It to Climb Mount Fuji?
