Mt Yahazu 矢筈山 (1,849m) and Ishidōyama 中津山 (1,636m) are two quintessential sasa-covered peaks located in Tokushima’s Iya Valley. Starting from Ochiai Pass 落合峠 the trailhead is accessible by car via along a narrow paved road (similar to many roads within the Iya Valley I suggest you hire a kei car). In good weather these peaks provide unbeatable views over the Iya Valley and surreounding mountains.
As this is already a long one hike even if you start from the pass at 1500m, I’ll only detail one route option below, although it is possible to access both mountains from other points on this ridgeline (for example, from Kurogasa 黒笠山). Ochiai Pass also acts as a starting point for Mt Eboshi 烏帽子山.
⚠️ 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.
Access & Course Information
Option 1: Out-and-Back from Ochiaitoge
Starting from the Ochiai Pass in Miyoshi this 6.5 to 7 hour hike is a proper day hike when you factor in drive time so you’ll want good weather and solid fitness to achieve this. If you don’t feel up to it, hiking to Yahazu by itself will save you significant time (taking approx 4 hours). After a steady climb up to Yahazu, the peak of Ishidoyama is downhill but make sure you leave enough time to get back.
Trailhead: Ochiai Pass
Estimated hike time: 7 hour (10km with 963m of elevation gain)
Estimated fitness: Grade 3 – Hard | Technical: Grade A – Easy
*See how I rate my walks
Safety notes: Many who completed this hike suggested carrying a lot of water as the ridgeline is fully exposed. As the hike is fairly long, they also mentioned being careful with trip injuries as the bamboo (sasa) grass obscures the trail.
Useful links: Yamap trail route (In Japanese)