Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima)

Mountain Steep Tokushima mountain, one of Japan's famous peaks

On Shikoku island, Mount Tsurugi draws pilgrims and hikers along forested trails past shrines to a rocky summit used in local religious practice.

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Mount Tsurugi in Tokushima Prefecture (剣山, Tsurugi-san) is a prominent peak on the island of Shikoku known for its broad highland and alpine plant communities. It is one of the island’s highest mountains and a long-standing destination for hikers.

Marked trails and developed paths lead to the summit area, which is accessible for day hikes; seasonal wildflowers and autumn colours are local highlights. The summit area includes established facilities and viewpoints used by visitors.

The mountain is a natural geographic feature long used by local communities for seasonal routes and, in modern times, recreational hiking. It has no single founding event but has been shaped into a managed recreational area with maintained trails.

The peak sits in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku island, forming part of a highland plateau and upland massif that dominates the prefecture’s interior and is reachable from regional towns and roads.

  • Regional significance: One of Shikoku's highest peaks and a notable highland of Tokushima Prefecture, popular for hiking and seasonal alpine flora.
Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima)
Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima Prefecture), Shikoku, Japan
33.8548, 134.0955
Open 24 hours (no managed facilities)
Free (trail access); winter ropes and safety gear may be required.

How to Get to Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima) #

From Tokushima city, take local buses to the trailhead areas; final approaches are on foot via marked pilgrim paths. Check bus schedules and local guides for up-to-date access information.

Tips for Visiting Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima) #

  • If attempting in spring, carry avalanche safety equipment and know snowpack conditions.
  • Trailheads are reachable by local buses from Tokushima city; confirm seasonal schedules in advance.
  • The mountain is visited by pilgrims and hikers-respect trail etiquette and local shrines.

Best Time to Visit Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima) #

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for access and clear views; winter routes require technical preparation.

Autumn (September-November)
Sep-Nov · 5-18°C (41-64°F)
Cool, clear weather and fall foliage-an excellent time to visit.
Spring (April-June)
Apr-Jun · 8-20°C (46-68°F)
Wildflowers and milder temperatures; some pilgrims favor spring climbs.

Weather & Climate near Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima) #

Climate

Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 19°C. Heavy rainfall (2624 mm/year), wettest in July.

Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -3°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-9° -2°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.9h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (238 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

238 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
12.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (272 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

272 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Heavy rain (401 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

401 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
14.2h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (402 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
14° 19°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

402 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
14.0h daylight

August

August is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (309 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
14° 19°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

309 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.2h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (309 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

309 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

176 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.2h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-7°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

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