20 Mountains in Kagawa worth your time

A volcanic mesa in Setonaikai National Park featuring ancient pilgrimage temples, a royal mausoleum, and panoramic coastal views.

What it is

• A mountain massif and mesa formed by volcanic activity 13 million years ago
• Part of the Setonaikai National Park since its incorporation in 1950
• Home to the Shiromineji and Negoroji temples of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage
• The site of the Kokubundai ruins containing Paleolithic stone tools

What to see

• The highest peak at Inoshiriyama reaching 483 meters above sea level
• The mausoleum of Emperor Sutoku located on the temple grounds
• Sanukite stones which are designated as the official prefectural stone of Kagawa
• The Setonaikai Historical Folk Museum located within the mountain area
• Broadcasting stations that serve as a regional communications hub
• Scenic views from the Goshikidai Skyline road across the mountain ridges

Getting there

• Access is available via the Goshikidai Skyline road across the ridges
• There are no bus routes that travel up the mountain

Read more about Goshikidai

A historic 292-meter lava plateau and former island offering a pilgrimage temple, aquarium, and views of a famous Genpei battlefield.

What it is

• A 292-meter-high lava plateau and mesa designated as a National Strategic Site and Natural Monument.
• The 84th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, known as Yashima Temple.
• A major Genpei War battlefield that was an island until the Edo period.
• Japan's first national park, designated in 1934 on the site of a former castle.

What to see

• The New Yashima Aquarium located directly on the mountain summit.
• The Yashimaru base facility which opened on the summit in 2022.
• Ancient castle ruins built following the Battle of Hakusukinoe.
• Panoramic views of the surrounding area from the Yashima Skyway ridge.

Getting there

• Shuttle buses run to the summit from JR Yashima and Kotoden Yashima stations.
• Vehicle access is available via the Yashima Skyway to the southern ridge.

Read more about Yashima

A 352-meter peak in Setonaikai National Park featuring ancient archaeological sites and famous seasonal floral displays overlooking the sea.

What it is

• A 352-meter mountain located on the Shonai Peninsula within Setonaikai National Park.
• Site of a Yayoi period settlement featuring reconstructed pit dwellings and a museum.
• One of the 100 Best Forest Bathing Spots in Japan.
• A destination recognized by the New York Times for its scenic views.

What to see

• Reconstructed ancient pit dwellings and an archaeological museum at the summit.
• Excavated artifacts including prehistoric arrowheads and stone axes.
• Extensive park grounds filled with cherry blossoms and hydrangeas.
• Natural formations of Sanukitoid andesite volcanic rock at the peak.

Getting there

• A paved road allows visitors to reach the mountain top by car.
• Hiking trails lead to the summit from Ohama and Hako Pass.

Read more about Mount Shiude

A scenic mountain shaped like an elephant head, home to the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine and views of the Sanuki Plain.

What it is

• A 616-meter peak in western Kagawa Prefecture also known as Mount Osa
• The name refers to the mountain's resemblance to the shape of an elephant head
• A designated National Scenic Beauty spot formerly protected from logging by the Takamatsu Domain
• The site of Kotohira-gu Shrine and an inner shrine located at 400 meters elevation

What to see

• The Kotohira-gu Shrine complex situated on the mountainside
• An inner shrine standing at an elevation of 400 meters
• Panoramic views of the Sanuki Plain from the mountain summit
• Geological formations consisting of granite at the base and volcanic rocks above

Getting there

• The mountain is located 3 kilometers from Kotohira Station

Read more about Mount Zōzu

A 1,042-meter peak in the Sanuki Mountains featuring a summit shrine, observatory, and views over Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures.

What it is

• A 1,042.7 meter mountain located on the border of Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures.
• The second highest peak in Kagawa and one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku.
• Part of the Otaki-Okawa Prefectural Natural Park consisting of Cretaceous sandstone and mudstone.
• A natural site situated above the Median Tectonic Line which runs along its southern foot.

What to see

• Daisen Shrine which stands at the summit of the mountain.
• The Manno Observatory established at the peak in 2014.
• An observation terrace and a campground located at the summit area.
• A traditional Zuishinmon gate found along the Noguchi climbing route.
• A second-class triangulation point marking the highest point of the peak.

Read more about Daisenzan

The highest peak in the Seto Inland Sea featuring 14th-century castle ruins and panoramic views from a volcanic mesa.

What it is

• The highest peak in the Seto Inland Sea at 816 meters above sea level.
• A geologically significant mesa formed by andesite lava flows.
• Site of a 14th-century mountain castle designated as a prefectural historic site.
• Part of the Setonaikai National Park and one of the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains.

What to see

• The summit area divided into distinct East and West peaks.
• A first-class triangulation point located on the East Peak.
• Historic ruins of a medieval mountain castle scattered across the heights.
• Views of the surrounding islands from the highest point on Shōdo Island.

Getting there

• The Kankakei Ropeway provides access to the nearby mountain plateau.

Read more about Mount Hoshigajō

A historic 87-meter peak featuring stone Buddhas, imperial monuments, and a trailhead at the 74th Shikoku Pilgrimage temple.

What it is

• A mountain with an elevation of 87.2 meters in Zentsuji City.
• The site of a former branch castle from the Muromachi period.
• A location recommended as a National Historic Site in 2024.
• The mountain features a trailhead starting from the grounds of Kozanji Temple.

What to see

• Stone Buddha statues from the Edo period lining the mountain paths.
• Stone monuments dedicated to Emperor Jimmu and Emperor Komei at the peak.
• The Bishamon Cave located on the mountainside behind Daishido Hall.
• A children's playground situated along the mountain trail.
• Kozanji Temple, the 74th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, at the foot.
• A triangulation point located just below the highest peak.

Read more about Mount Kabuto

A five-peaked mountain in Takamatsu home to the 85th Shikoku Pilgrimage temple and famous for its high-quality granite.

What it is

• A mountain also known as Mount Yakuri consisting of five distinct peaks.
• The site of Yakuri-ji Temple, the 85th stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
• A source of high-quality Aji granite and one of Kagawa's 100 Greenery Sites.
• The fifth peak remains split following the 1707 Hoei earthquake.

What to see

• The Yakuri-ji Temple complex located on the mountain slopes.
• A three-meter Buddhist carving situated on the mountain cliffs.
• Five peaks named from west to east, with the fourth peak reaching 375 meters.
• Views of the mountain accessible via the Yakuri Cable Car.

When to go

• Public access to the peaks is currently prohibited due to erosion risks.

Read more about Mount Goken

A conical peak known as Ariake Fuji featuring castle ruins and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

What it is

• A conical mountain composed of sanukite andesite rock known as Ariake Fuji.
• One of the Sanuki Seven Fujis located in Kan'onji City.
• Site of the former Tsukumoyama Castle built by Hosokawa Ujimasa.
• A natural landmark shaped by erosion with steep cliffs on the sea side.

What to see

• Panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from the mountain summit.
• Remaining ruins of stone walls and earthen mounds from the former castle.
• A fourth-class triangulation point located at the highest peak.
• Dramatic cliffs created by historical quarrying on the coastal side.

Getting there

• A hiking trail starts from Kotaishi Shrine in Muromoto to reach the summit.

Read more about Mount Tsukumo

A 616-meter mesa in Setonaikai National Park featuring the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine and ancient natural monuments.

What it is

• A 616-meter mesa mountain designated as part of Setonaikai National Park.
• One of the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains spanning Zentsuji, Kotohira, and Mitoyo.
• A volcanic rock formation also known as Mount Zozu or Mount Kotohira.
• A site of historical significance containing the third-century Notain Kofun burial mound.

What to see

• The Kotohira-gu Shrine located on the eastern side of the mountain.
• A community of camphor trees designated as a national natural monument.
• The Ryuo-sha shrine situated on the summit ridge for rain prayers.
• Radio towers and a second-class triangulation point at the peak.
• A campsite located on the northern mountainside for outdoor stays.

Read more about Mount Ōsa

A 524-meter peak home to the famous Kotohira-gu Shrine, historically used by sailors to predict weather conditions.

What it is

• A mountain peak reaching 524 meters also known as Mount Oasa or Mount Zozu.
• The site of Kotohira-gu Shrine dedicated to the deity Omononushi.
• A landmark featured in the traditional folk song Konpira Funefune.
• A historic navigation point used by sailors to predict weather conditions.

What to see

• Kotohira-gu Shrine located on the southern side of the mountain.
• A hiking trail connecting the northern and southern peaks.
• The highest point of the mountain range reaching 616 meters.
• A road spanning Zentsuji City, Kotohira Town, and Mitoyo City.

Getting there

• The mountain is located three kilometers west of Kotohira Station.

Read more about Mount Kotohira

A 280-meter hill range overlooking Takamatsu, serving as a major broadcasting hub and home to a local golf course.

What it is

• A hill range reaching 280 meters on the border of Takamatsu and Miki.
• The primary transmission site for NHK Takamatsu and other television broadcasters.
• A landscape defined by uplifted fans, terraces, and erosion valleys.
• The site of the Yashima Country Club golf course and local school grounds.

What to see

• Two large radio towers transmitting signals to the Takamatsu metropolitan area.
• Five triangulation points located across the various peaks of the range.
• The Shin-Tateishi Tunnel which carries Kagawa Prefectural Road 38 through the mountain.
• Views of the surrounding terrain from the narrow road leading to the summit.

Read more about Maedayama

A 224-meter peak featuring ancient burial mounds and an observation deck with views of the Seto Inland Sea.

What it is

• A 224-meter mountain on the border of Marugame and Utazu also called Mount Dokiyama.
• One of the Top 100 Greenery sites in Kagawa Prefecture.
• A summit area containing more than ten ancient burial mounds.
• Site of the Bisan Seto Maritime Traffic Advisory Service Center.

What to see

• An observation deck and park located at the mountain summit.
• Ancient burial mounds and an old kiln site found on the mountain.
• Views from a 430-meter hiking trail leading to the peak.

Getting there

• The mountain base is a thirty-minute walk from Utazu Station.
• A vehicle road leads to a free parking lot near the top.

Read more about Mount Aonoyama

This 296-meter peak in Kagawa resembles a brush tip and offers a historic hiking route through the Gogakusan mountain range.

What it is

• A 296-meter mountain peak located in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture.
• One of the five peaks that comprise the Gogakusan mountain range.
• Named for its shape which resembles the tip of a writing brush.
• Artillery units used the mountain for target practice during the Bakumatsu period.

What to see

• The summit situated between Mount Koshiki and Mount Gahaishi.
• Views from the peak also known locally as Dondoyama.
• The Hiratani trailhead located at an elevation of 77 meters.

Getting there

• The summit is a 35-minute hike from the Osaka Pass.
• Small parking area for two or three cars at Osaka Pass.

Read more about Mount Fude

A 481-meter peak in Kagawa where Kobo Daishi trained, featuring historic temples and unique volcanic rock formations.

What it is

• The highest peak of the Zentsuji Gogakuzan range at 481 meters
• A sacred site where the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi is said to have trained
• One of the Shikoku 100 Mountains, geologically classified as a monadnock
• A mountain featuring upper layers of Miocene volcanic rocks and sanukitoid andesite

What to see

• Shushakaji Temple located at the northern foot of the mountain
• Zennjoji Temple, which serves as an inner sanctuary on the mountainside
• The steep cliffs of the Shashingatake area made of volcanic stone
• A relatively flat summit area covered with trees
• A third-class triangulation point marking the highest elevation

Read more about Mount Gahaishi

The highest peak in the Sanuki Mountains offering panoramic views and a shrine on the Kagawa-Tokushima border.

What it is

• The highest peak in the Sanuki Mountains standing at 1059.7 meters.
• A mountain also known as Takayama located on the Kagawa and Tokushima border.
• Part of the Otaki Okawa Prefectural Natural Park and the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku.
• A summit divided into two distinct peaks named Sanuki Ryuo and Awa Ryuo.

What to see

• An observation deck located on the Awa Ryuo section of the summit.
• Mizuhame Shrine situated on a section of the mountain top.
• A fourth-class triangulation point found at the Awa Ryuo peak.
• Geological formations consisting of sandstone and mudstone from the Izumi Group.

Read more about Mount Ryūō

A 422-meter volcanic butte known as Sanuki Fuji, offering hiking trails and cultural legends within Setonaikai National Park.

What it is

• A 422-meter high mountain also known as Sanuki Fuji.
• A geological butte located within the Setonaikai National Park.
• A peak composed of Late Cretaceous granite and Miocene volcanic rocks.
• A landmark situated in Marugame and Sakaide cities.

What to see

• The Okunoin Yakushido temple located at the summit.
• A third-class triangulation point marking the highest elevation.
• Summit rocks associated with a local giant footprint legend.
• Three distinct hiking routes leading to the top of the mountain.

When to go

• Sanuki Fuji Day is celebrated annually on April 22.

Read more about Mount Iino

A twin-peaked mountain in the Sanuki range offering a short hike to one of Shikoku's 100 famous summits.

What it is

• A 789-meter peak located within the Sanuki Mountain Range in Kagawa Prefecture.
• The name originates from the distinct shape of its two peaks.
• One of the peaks features a first-class triangulation point at 787.5 meters.
• The mountain is officially recognized as one of the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains.

What to see

• Two distinct peaks that give the mountain its name.
• A trailhead located directly beside the Yahazu Tarobee forest road.
• The summit area reachable within a thirty-minute walk from the trail start.
• The Yahazu Tarobee forest road which also passes through nearby Mount Nyotai.

Read more about Mount Yahazu

A coastal mountain featuring a massive sand coin painting, historic temples, and a shrine within a national park.

What it is

• A seventy meter mountain located within the Setonaikai National Park.
• The site of Kotohiki Park which was established in 1897.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku.
• Home to Kotohiki Hachiman Shrine at the summit and two temples at the base.

What to see

• The Zenigata Sand Painting depicting a giant Kanei Tsuho coin.
• Panoramic views from the Zogahana Observation Deck overlooking the sand art.
• Kotohiki Hachiman Shrine situated at the mountain summit.
• Jinne-in Temple and Kanon-ji Temple located at the foot of the mountain.

Read more about Mount Kotohiki

A 927-meter peak featuring the 66th Shikoku Pilgrimage temple, accessible by ropeway with panoramic views and a summit park.

What it is

• A 927-meter mountain on the border of Tokushima and Kagawa prefectures.
• The site of Unpenji Temple, the 66th stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
• One of the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains featuring sandstone and conglomerate rock.
• A summit area containing radio towers and a public park.

What to see

• Unpenji Temple located at the top of the mountain.
• The Tenku no Buranko swing set within the summit park.
• Bishamonten Tenbokan observation tower at the highest point.
• The Unpenji Ropeway which has been in operation since 1987.

Read more about Mount Unpenji