Having previously hiked to Mt Kamegamori, conveniently located just of the spectacular UFO line, I plan to return to tick off two mountains I’ve driven right by many times… Mt Iyofuji 伊予富士 and Nishikuromori 西黒森. These peaks are located just above the road line, making them a fairly easy option for families, beginners, or anyone hiking with kids. In fact, it is the road here that is going to take you the longest.
⚠️ 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 Shikoku (and also so I can do the hike, too!). Please do your own planning and research. If you do end up hiking this mountain, I’d love to hear from you.
Overview
Located along Kagawa and Ehime’s scenic border, this traverse along the iconic UFO Line (Kōchi Prefectural Route 40) connects Mt Iyofuji (伊予富士 – 1,756m) and Nishikuromori (西黒森 – 1,860m), offering dramatic 360-degree views with surprisingly accessible ridgeline hiking. Iyofuji takes its name from the former name of Ehime. Both peaks are on the Shikoku Hyakkumeizan.
- Option 1: Hike along the ridge: Starting at the Iyo-fiji parking on the UFO line this 13km route should take around 6 hours, depending on breaks, and features around 650m elevation gains between the various peaks. This route also passes by Higashikuromori and some other peaks now on the Shikoku 100 List.
- Option 2: Park and ride: Option two is to simply break this up into two hikes.
- Park near Iyofuji and hike to the top (2hrs, 2.8km with 239m of elevation)
- then drive 15 minutesand park at the Yoshinogawa River memorial and hike to Nishikuromori (2km, 1.5hrs with 229m of elevation).
Access & Course Information
Estimated hike time: Option 1: 3.5 hours (6.5km)
Meeting point/access route: From Niyodogawa, Kochi (1hr) or from Matsuyama, Ehime (1.5hrs)
Estimated: Fitness: Grade 1 – Easy | Technical: Grade B – Moderate
*See how I rate my walks
Safety notes: As with all hikes at this altitude, snow and cold conditions can happen during pretty much any season except during peak summer. Be aware of the weather and walk to your ability (including for lightning). The sasa grass can be wet in the mornings so gaiters may be wise, and Japan is also home to some dangerous animals like mamushi so always carry a first aid kit and let someone know your plans.
Useful links
- Option 1: Full ridgeline hike report (Japanese)
- Option 2: Iyofuji Yamap report (Japanese)
- Option 2: Nishikuromori Yamap report (Japanese)