Located on the “back side” of Ishizuchi, Tsutsujoyama is a 1,859m peak overshadowed by its taller, much more well known neighbor. It offers a much more rugged, less crowded alternative to Ishizuchi with impressive rock formations, unique bridges, chains, history and views.
⚠️ This is a planned hike. I haven’t walked this trail but am sharing my research in English to encourage people to get out there and explore (and also remind myself!). Please do your own planning and research. If you do hike this, I’d love to hear from you.
Overview
This walk also includes Mt Iwakuro 岩黒山 (1,746m) and Mt Tebako 手箱山 (1,806m) all three of which are on the Shikoku 100 Most Famous Hyakkumeizan. Ideally I’d like to do them all. There are two main ways to tackle this peak; Option 1 from the pass on the Ishizuchi Skyline Road which is a more popular day hike, but has a long chain section. Or Option 2 starting down on the Kochi Prefectural Route 40… a 9 hour plus hike with massive elevation gain that’s probably best done as an overnighter (especially given the time it takes to drive to the start).
- Option 1: The “Top route” from Tsuchigoya: Starting from the top of the pass at 1,492, this is a 7km return trek will take around 3.5 hours (to Tsutsujyo, add more for Tebakoyama). It’s a mostly level forest / sasa walk until the final, notable, rock scramble. The start of the hike is well set up with cafe, toilets – and is a popular “back route” to Ishizuchi.
- Option 2: The Hard Way from the Otabi Falls: Starting from much lower down, this is a full-day mission with over 1,100m of climbing. If you do this one I suggest planning to stay in a tent overnight near Tsutsujo. The advantage of this route seems to be that you avoid needing to do chains if you only go as far as Tsutsujo, and then tick off Iwakuro from the pass at Tsuchigoya. However some of the iron bridges bolted to some cliff sections… are old.
- There is a third option I havn’t researched, starting about here, that looks like it is partially an old road for vehicular access and has a locked gate.
Access & Course Information
Estimated hike time: Option 1: 6-7 hours/ 12km Option 2: 9-10 hours / 15km
Estimated Difficulty: Fitness (Grade 3: Difficult*) Technical (Grade 3: Difficult*)
Safety notes: Option 1: The final climb before Tebakoyama features a sustained 40m chain pitch – about 12 stories high. It is steeper and more primitive than the Ishizuchi chains, with fixed ropes to assist on the vertical face. With much less traffic than Ishizuchi to “cheer you on” this has been described as a significant psychological challenge. Most recommend climbing up the chains and using the loose, slippery bypass trail for the descent.
Resources
Useful Links
- Option 1: Trail Information (In Japanese)
- Option 1: Hike report w/ pictures (In Japanese)
- Option 2: Hike report w/ pictures (In Japanese)
- Option 2: Trail Information (In Japanese)
Packing and Preparation
Outdoor Club Japan Insurance and Safety Information
Overnight Hike Gear Pack List
What to Wear Guide
Food Packing Guide