Shikoku Mountains Mountains
Mountain range dominating central Shikoku island
The Shikoku Mountains run down Japan's interior, offering long-distance hiking, river valleys and onsen towns; walkers and pilgrims use routes that connect remote villages and mountain temples across the island.
Shikoku Mountains at a Glance#
About Shikoku Mountains#
The Shikoku Mountains form a central mountain spine running roughly east-west across Shikoku island, separating the island’s northern and southern coastal plains. The range includes Shikoku’s highest summit, Mount Ishizuchi at 1,982 metres.
The ranges are the product of tectonic uplift and volcanic activity that shaped Shikoku’s interior; they historically formed natural barriers between communities on the island’s north and south coasts. Many peaks have long been associated with mountain worship and local pilgrimage routes.
The range stretches across central Shikoku, influencing parts of Ehime, Kōchi, and Tokushima prefectures and forming the island’s primary watershed.
- Highest peak: The highest summit reaches 1,982 metres, making it the tallest peak on Shikoku and one of western Japan’s more prominent mountains.
What to See#
- Mount Ishizuchi: Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in the range and on Shikoku, rises to 1,982 metres and is a popular destination for hikers and religious pilgrims.
How to Get to Shikoku Mountains#
Access from regional hubs-Takamatsu, Kochi and Tokushima-via local trains and buses. For deeper access, hire local transport or arrange guided treks from mountain villages.
Tips for Visiting Shikoku Mountains#
- If trekking sections of the Shikoku Mountains, plan daily distances carefully-villages and lodgings are sparse in some stretches.
- Use regional rail hubs (Takamatsu, Kochi or Tokushima) as bases and hire local buses or rentals for mountain access.
- In autumn (koyo) the ridges are photogenic-consider weekday travel to avoid crowds at popular viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Shikoku Mountains#
Autumn for foliage and clear weather; spring and early summer are also good, but watch for monsoon rains.
Weather & Climate near Shikoku Mountains#
Shikoku Mountains's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 25°C. Heavy rainfall (2212 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -4° - 3° | -5° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 4° | -5° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Poor | 0° - 8° | 0° | 138 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.9h |
| April | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 212 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 10° - 18° | 14° | 235 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 14° - 21° | 17° | 349 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.9 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.2h |
| July | Good | 19° - 24° | 21° | 344 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.0h |
| August | Very Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 205 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.2h |
| September | Acceptable | 16° - 22° | 19° | 273 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 157 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Good | 4° - 11° | 5° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.3h |
| December | Acceptable | -2° - 6° | -2° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.8h |