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Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima)

Mountain

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

Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima) MatsuyamaImabariTakamatsuShōdoshimaKotohira-gūTokushimaNaruto WhirlpoolsKōchiMount IshizuchiMount Tsurugi (Tokushima)

Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima) essentials

Address: Mount Tsurugi (Tokushima Prefecture), Shikoku, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours (no managed facilities)
Admission: Free (trail access); winter ropes and safety gear may be required.

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.
When to Go

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.

Air Quality: AQI 46 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -10° - -3° -13° 77 mm partly cloudy 83% 5.2 m/s 0.5 low 10.1h
February Poor -9° - -2° -13° 102 mm partly cloudy 81% 6.0 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.9h
March Poor -6° - 2° -8° 161 mm partly cloudy 79% 5.8 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.9h
April Poor 0° - 8° 0° 238 mm partly cloudy 78% 5.5 m/s 1.3 high 12.9h
May Poor 5° - 12° 6° 272 mm partly cloudy 79% 5.3 m/s 1.6 very high 13.8h
June Acceptable 9° - 15° 12° 401 mm overcast 83% 4.6 m/s 1.5 very high 14.2h
July Acceptable 14° - 19° 16° 402 mm overcast 84% 4.3 m/s 1.9 very high 14.0h
August Good 14° - 19° 16° 309 mm partly cloudy 83% 4.5 m/s 1.9 very high 13.2h
September Acceptable 10° - 16° 13° 309 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.6 m/s 1.4 high 12.3h
October Poor 4° - 11° 4° 176 mm partly cloudy 84% 6.0 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.2h
November Poor -1° - 6° -2° 110 mm partly cloudy 84% 5.4 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.3h
December Poor -7° - 0° -9° 67 mm partly cloudy 83% 5.2 m/s 0.4 low 9.8h
Getting There & Around

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.