20 Mountains in Kōchi worth your time

The highest peak in Niihama City, offering a summit shrine and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

What it is

• The highest peak in Niihama City, located within the Ishizuchi mountain range.
• A mountain also known locally as Chichiyama or Chichiyama-dake.
• Part of the protected Sasagamine Nature Conservation Area at the Kokuryo River headwaters.
• A spiritual site featuring a shrine dedicated to Zao Gongen at the summit.

What to see

• A shrine dedicated to Zao Gongen located at the mountain summit.
• Expansive views of the Seto Inland Sea from the highest point.
• The Chichiyama-wakare ridge junction connecting to nearby Sasagamine.
• Natural landscapes within the Sasagamine Nature Conservation Area.

Getting there

• Community buses run from Niihama City directly to the mountain trailhead.
• The climbing route from Daieizan Tunnel takes approximately three and a half hours.
• The hike involves an elevation gain of about 800 meters from the trailhead.

Read more about Mount Chichi

The highest peak of the Shikoku Karst, offering a one-hour hike through unique limestone landscapes and metamorphic rock formations.

What it is

• The highest mountain peak in the Shikoku Karst at 1485 meters elevation
• A summit officially named Tsugayama located on the border of Ehime and Kochi
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku within a protected natural park
• A geological site featuring pelitic schist and ancient high-pressure metamorphic rocks

What to see

• A third-class triangulation point marking the highest point of the range
• Surrounding limestone formations dating back to the Carboniferous and Permian periods
• Nearby national natural monuments including the large fissures of Ohikiwari and Kohikiwari
• Panoramic views of the karst landscape from the mountain summit

Getting there

• The trailhead is located at the Tengu Highlands
• The summit is reachable in approximately one hour of walking from the trailhead

Read more about Tengunomori

A 1,336-meter peak in Kochi featuring the Shimanto River source and a massive ancient cypress tree near the summit.

What it is

• A 1,336-meter mountain in Tsuno Town recognized as one of the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains.
• The primary source of the Shimanto River with a dedicated monument on the eastern slope.
• A protected forest area since the Edo period featuring Jurassic accretionary complex geology.
• A hiking destination with two main climbing routes established on the eastern side.

What to see

• The Tarobo Hinoki, a giant natural cypress tree standing near the mountain summit.
• A first-class triangulation point located at the highest point of the peak.
• Diverse vegetation including Japanese umbrella pine, fir trees, and wild rhododendrons.
• Geological formations consisting of sandstone, chert, and melange facies bodies.
• A stone monument marking the official start of the Shimanto River.

Read more about Mount Irazu

A prominent peak in the Ishizuchi Range offering bamboo grass fields and unique geological formations for hikers in Shikoku.

What it is

• A peak in the Ishizuchi Range listed as one of Japan's 300 Famous Mountains.
• Part of the Ishizuchi Quasi-National Park in the Shikoku Mountains.
• A geological site primarily composed of mafic schist from the Sambagawa Metamorphic Belt.
• The summit features a third-class triangulation point and vast bamboo grass fields.

What to see

• Expansive fields of bamboo grass covering the summit area.
• Kometutsuji and Tsukushi-shakunage plants growing near the mountain top.
• Siliceous and pelitic schists distributed across the northern slopes.
• Views of the surrounding Ishizuchi Range from the peak.

Getting there

• Access the trail from the south exit of the Kanpu-zan Tunnel.
• Follow a three kilometer climbing route starting from the UFO Line.

Read more about Mount Iyo-Fuji

A 1,469-meter peak in Kochi featuring ancient cypress forests that once provided timber for the construction of Osaka Castle.

What it is

• A 1,469-meter mountain located in the Shikoku Mountains of central Kochi Prefecture.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku, also known as Oku-Shiragayama.
• A protected area designated as the Shiragayama Prefectural Natural Park.
• The source of timber used historically for the construction of Osaka Castle.

What to see

• Natural cypress forests containing trees that are several hundred years old.
• A third-class triangulation point named Kamiseki located at the mountain summit.
• Unique geological formations consisting of serpentinite and various crystalline schists.
• Ancient cypress trees designated as a Natural Monument of Kochi Prefecture.

When to go

• Early summer when rhododendrons and Akebono azaleas bloom near the summit.

Read more about Mount Shiraga

A 1,516-meter peak in the Shikoku Mountains featuring unique geological formations, seasonal flowers, and a historic rainmaking ritual site.

What it is

• A 1,516-meter mountain spanning Otoyo and Motoyama towns in Kochi Prefecture.
• One of the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains with a first-class triangulation point.
• A historic site used for rainmaking rituals located within the Sambagawa Belt.
• A natural area featuring deciduous broad-leaved forests of beech and horse chestnut.

What to see

• A small shrine situated on top of the Yurugi-iwa rock formation.
• Piemontite schist outcrops near the summit designated as a prefectural natural monument.
• Views of the Tachikawa and Azami rivers flowing on either side of the mountain.
• Akebono azaleas and rhododendrons blooming across the slopes.

When to go

• Early summer to see the blooming azaleas and rhododendrons.

Read more about Mount Okukuishi

A 770-meter peak in the Shikoku Mountains offering vehicle access to a summit with historic ties and panoramic views.

What it is

• A 770-meter mountain located on the southern edge of the Shikoku Mountains.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku within Susaki Bay Prefectural Natural Park.
• A site featuring Jurassic and Cretaceous accretionary complexes at the summit.
• The location of the Bandamori first-class triangulation point.

What to see

• Radio towers standing at the very top of the mountain.
• The historic Kuchiki Pass on the northern slope where Sakamoto Ryoma once traveled.
• Snow-breaking cherry blossoms blooming at the southern foot of the mountain.
• A first-class triangulation point marking the official peak elevation.

When to go

• Visit in February to see the snow-breaking cherry blossoms at the southern foot.

Read more about Mount Bandagamori

A 146-meter mountain park in Kochi featuring a botanical garden, historic temple, and a modern observation terrace with panoramic views.

What it is

• A 146-meter mountain in the Kochi City suburbs developed as a 19.5-hectare public park.
• Named after China's Mount Wutai by the Buddhist monk Gyoki.
• A site for digital broadcasting transmissions and historical gravesites.
• Home to the Makino Botanical Garden and the historic Chikurin-ji Temple.

What to see

• A new observation terrace at the summit that opened in September 2022.
• Chikurin-ji Temple located at the foot of the mountain.
• The Makino Botanical Garden situated along the mountain slopes.
• Kenzan Shrine and the designated historic grave of Date Munekatsu.

Getting there

• The MY Yu Bus connects Kochi Station directly to the mountain summit.

Official site

www.chikurinji.com

Read more about Godai-san

A 775-meter peak in Kochi featuring ancient fossils, a shrine dedicated to Emperor Antoku, and a Tadao Ando-designed museum.

What it is

• A 775-meter mountain designated as a state park and one of Shikoku's 100 famous peaks.
• A historical training ground for Shugendo practitioners located near the Niyodo River.
• Home to Yokokura Shrine and a tomb site managed by the Imperial Household Agency.
• A site of geological importance belonging to the Kurosegawa Tectonic Belt.

What to see

• The Yokokura Mountain Natural Forest Museum designed by architect Tadao Ando.
• Limestone cliffs containing fossils from the Silurian and Devonian periods.
• Diverse plant life including over twenty species discovered by botanist Tomitaro Makino.
• The Yokokura Shrine dedicated to the memory of Emperor Antoku.

Read more about Mount Yokokura

A 1,770-meter peak in Kochi offering expansive views from a bamboo grass summit within a protected national park.

What it is

• A 1,770-meter mountain located in the Tsurugi Mountains of Kochi Prefecture
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku within a Quasi-National Park
• A peak situated 3.3 kilometers south of Mount Miune
• Part of the Miune Scenic Forest and the Shikoku Mountains Green Corridor

What to see

• A summit consisting of a bamboo grass field with expansive views
• A small pond called Shiraga-ike located west of the mountain top
• A third-class triangulation point marking the highest point
• Geological formations composed primarily of metamorphic chert

Getting there

• Access the trailhead located along the Nishikuma-Befu forest road

Read more about Mount Shiraga

A 1400-meter peak in Kochi featuring a famous waterfall, an astronomical observatory, and ancient temple grounds accessible by car.

What it is

• A 1400-meter mountain in Otoyo Town designated as a Prefectural Natural Park.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains in Shikoku featuring a first-class triangulation point.
• Site of an inner shrine belonging to Jofukuji Temple, which was founded in 724.
• A summit plateau composed of metamorphic chert dating back to the Jurassic period.

What to see

• Ryuo Falls, which is recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.
• The Kajigamori Observatory equipped with a 30-centimeter reflecting telescope.
• Radio towers standing at the highest point of the mountain summit.
• Sanso Kajigamori, a facility providing lodging and dining for visitors.

Read more about Mount Kajigamori

A 1,541-meter peak on the Ehime-Kochi border featuring a distinctive radar dome, ancient shrines, and paragliding opportunities.

What it is

• A 1,541-meter mountain ranked among the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku.
• The source of the Nakatsugawa River located on the Ehime and Kochi border.
• Part of the Nakatsu Keikoku Prefectural Natural Park on its eastern side.
• A geological site composed primarily of metamorphic rocks like mafic phyllite.

What to see

• A large white radar dome situated at the mountain summit.
• Two shrines and a statue of Zao Gongen located at the peak.
• Agawa Skypark, a paragliding site on the eastern side of the mountain.
• A first-class triangulation point marking the highest elevation.
• Panoramic views accessible via Kochi Prefectural Road 363.

Read more about Mount Nakatsumyōjin

A 1,859-meter peak in the Ishizuchi range featuring expansive bamboo grass fields and historic Buddhist shrines at the summit.

What it is

• A 1,859-meter peak belonging to the Ishizuchi mountain range.
• One of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains and Three Famous Mountains of Iyo.
• A designated Nature Conservation Area since 1982 primarily composed of mafic schist rock.
• The summit enshrines two Buddhist deities and features a first-order triangulation point.

What to see

• Extensive fields of Ibukizasa bamboo grass covering the mountain summit.
• The Maruyamaso mountain hut which provides accommodation for up to 250 people.
• Northern slopes where skiing was first introduced to the region in 1936.
• Panoramic views from the peak across the Ishizuchi mountain range.

Read more about Mount Sasa

A 1,746-meter peak in the Ishizuchi range offering panoramic views and seasonal azalea blooms for hikers in Shikoku.

What it is

• A 1,746-meter mountain belonging to the Ishizuchi mountain range.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku.
• A peak formed by Takano pyroclastic flow deposits and Kuma Group conglomerate.
• The source of the Nanokawa and Kamogawa rivers flowing to the Seto Inland Sea.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Mount Ishizuchi and Mount Kamegamori from the summit.
• Akebono azaleas blooming along the mountain slopes.
• Rice azaleas growing in the area near the summit.
• Geological formations belonging to the Sambagawa metamorphic belt.

When to go

• Late April to mid-May to see the Akebono azaleas in bloom.

Read more about Mount Iwaguro

A 1,763-meter peak in the Ishizuchi range offering expansive views and unique geological formations for hikers in Shikoku.

What it is

• A 1,763-meter mountain belonging to the Ishizuchi mountain range.
• One of the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains formerly known as Samukazeyama.
• Part of the protected Sasagamine Nature Conservation Area.
• A geological site consisting primarily of mafic schist from the Sambagawa Metamorphic Belt.

What to see

• A summit area covered extensively in Shikoku bamboo grass.
• The western face of the mountain known as Ura-Kanpu.
• Remnants of the Motoyasu copper mine which operated at the base until 1972.

Getting there

• Climbers access the trail via the South Exit of the Old Kanpuzan Tunnel.

Read more about Mount Kanpū

A high-altitude karst plateau and pasture on the Ehime-Kochi border, offering hiking trails and unique limestone landscapes.

What it is

• A karst plateau located in the western Shikoku Karst region.
• A high-altitude pasture used for grazing cattle at 1403 meters.
• The ridge serves as the border between Ehime and Kochi prefectures.
• Ranked as number 34 on the list of 100 Famous Mountains of Shikoku.

What to see

• A stone statue of Kobo Daishi enshrined at the mountain summit.
• The Azaminomine first-class triangulation station located at the highest point.
• A natural forest called Ichiyagamori remaining within the plateau area.
• A hiking trail leading from Sasagatoge to the summit.
• The northern area of the plateau known as Heikegababa.

Read more about Mount Genjigadaba

A 868-meter peak in Kochi featuring scenic forest trails, radio towers, and a significant regional radar dome.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing 868 meters tall in Kochi Prefecture.
• One of the recognized Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains.
• A site spanning the border of Mihara Village and Tosashimizu City.
• A location for essential radio towers and aviation radar infrastructure.

What to see

• A walking trail that passes through a designated scenic forest.
• Radio towers situated at the highest point of the peak.
• A Ministry of Land radar dome monitoring airspace from Kii to Kyushu.
• A triangulation point marking the summit at 865.2 meters.
• A 1.5 kilometer hiking path leading from the gate to the top.

Read more about Mount Ima

A 1084-meter peak in Kochi featuring massive ancient cedar trees once used to build Toyotomi Hideyoshi's temples.

What it is

• A 1084.5-meter mountain located within the Yanase Prefectural Natural Park in Umaji Village.
• One of the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains belonging to the Shimanto Belt geological zone.
• A protected forest area once restricted by the Tosa Domain to preserve timber resources.
• The site of a third-class triangulation point located at the mountain summit.

What to see

• Natural Yanase Cedar trees that reach heights of 40 to 50 meters.
• A 200-hectare protected forest managed by the Forestry Agency.
• Remnants of the Yanase Forest Railway which formerly transported timber from the area.

Read more about Mount Senbon

A 675-meter peak on the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains list featuring a Buddhist statue, waterfalls, and a scenic observatory.

What it is

• A 675-meter mountain ranked among the Shikoku 100 Famous Mountains.
• The name originates from the Buddhist deity Kokuzō Bosatsu.
• The summit is divided into two distinct eastern and western peaks.
• A mountain located on the borders of Tosa, Sakawa, and Susaki.

What to see

• A statue of Kokuzō Bosatsu standing at the summit.
• The Hokogamine Observatory located on the eastern peak.
• Shiramizu Falls situated on the northern slope of the mountain.
• Multiple television and radio towers on the western peak.
• A third-class triangulation point found at the western summit.

Read more about Mount Kokuzō

A 1,157-meter peak on the Tokushima-Ehime border marking the historic meeting point of three ancient provincial boundaries.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing 1,157 meters above sea level in central Shikoku.
• The westernmost point of Tokushima Prefecture bordering Ehime Prefecture.
• A site historically known as Mitsumine in Iyo and Fushozan in Awa.
• The name Sanboji signifies the meeting of three distinct boundaries.

What to see

• A third-class triangulation point installed at the mountain summit.
• A three-prefecture boundary point located 200 meters south of the peak.
• Views of Mount Ishizuchi situated 50 kilometers to the west.
• Views of Mount Tsurugi located 40 kilometers to the east.

Read more about Mount Sanbōji