Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Ishizuchi Tozan Ropeway climbs 1,300 vertical meters in eight minutes to the Sancho-Joju station, gateway to Nakamiya Joju Shrine and the trailhead for Shikoku's highest peak (1,982m). Beyond the shrine's vermilion torii the route to the summit runs up four sets of heavy iron chains bolted to the rock faces just below the top. The ropeway itself runs all year — there is a small ski area at the top station in winter — but the observation chairlift above it operates only from late April to late November, and the ropeway takes an annual maintenance break in spring. Early October is the foliage window and 1 July is the mountain-opening festival.

Best season

Spring · Summer · Autumn

Crowd level

Hidden gem

Rating

4.0· 402 reviews

Opening hours

Daily 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM

Usual hours — confirm with the official site for holidays + seasonal closures.

Admission

Joju Shrine free; access is via Ishizuchi Tozan Ropeway, adult (jr-high+) round trip 2,200 yen (one-way 1,200). Official site.

Nearest station

JR Iyo-Saijo Station (then ~40 min bus to the ropeway's lower Shimotani station)

Website

ishizuchi.com

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