2019.10.26 Autumn leaves on Mt. Ishizuchi Chained Shugendo

Mount Ishizuchi is the highest peak in western Japan and has long been known as a place of Shugendo.
It is the highest peak in western Japan and is characterized by its impressive chain sections.
With its unique trails and magnificent views, this is a magnificent mountain well worth the journey.

basic information

Mountain information
Mount Ishizuchi (1,982 m)

Route
Success Route

Recommended for these people
・People who want to train
- I like chains
・People who want to enjoy the four seasons

Climbing record

Trailhead → Jyoju Route

season
October 26, 2019

▼The ropeway is visible. It connects Shitaya Station at the base of the mountain, at an altitude of about 450m, to Joju Station at the summit, at an altitude of about 1,300m, in eight minutes.
We parked our car in a paid parking lot nearby.

▼If you take the Jyoju route, go all the way to the end of the ropeway and you will find a parking lot close to the trailhead.

▼The trailhead for the Jyoju route.
It seems like it isn't used very often.

▼Proceed between the buildings.

▼Not many people take the Jyoju route, but there are signs so you don't have to worry about getting lost.

▼Moss-covered stone steps. The forest-like feel is pleasant.

▼There are careful signs directing you so it is unlikely that you will get off the path.

▼I just keep walking through the forest.

▼The steep climb begins
As it is a path of training, it is extremely difficult.

summary
The successful route was a tough course that required leg strength to climb about 800 meters in elevation.
Most of the walk is through the forest,There were no good views along the way.
I don't think this route is worth taking for scenic hikers.
However, it is interesting in the sense that it follows a path that has been used by practitioners since ancient times.
It's a tough course even with stable hiking boots, so you can really see how it functions as training.

I feel a sense of accomplishment from climbing it on my own, but it's just self-satisfaction.If your goal is to see beautiful scenery, I think it's better to take the ropeway and climb up quickly.

Ishizuchi Shrine Jojusha → Summit

This is where the main part of Mt. Ishizuchi begins.

It is famous for its huge chain sections, but some parts are quite dangerous.

There is also a detour for those who cannot climb, so you can take on the challenge with peace of mind.

▼After it rained a little, we went to see the ropeway station.

▼The square is beautiful.

People are sent up by ropeway every eight minutes, so there is no one there during that time.

Why is there a rest area at the end of the ropeway ride?

▼You can see Mount Binkakemori and other mountains.

Ishizuchi Shrine Jojusha

▼Arrived at Ishizuchi Shrine Jojusha.
There are toilets and shops so you can get yourself in shape before starting your climb.

Start climbing

▼The path to the shrine continues from here.

▼The leaves are turning beautiful red.

▼Chain of Trials

The slope is so steep that you might wonder if this is even a practice level.

If you find the test chains scary or find them too physically demanding, the chains that follow may be too difficult for you.

Be careful, you have to use chains to descend too.is required.

We climb in a line like this.

If the person on top falls, he'll probably get caught in the crossfire.

▼A beautiful view at the top!

It was definitely worth the climb!

▼Maeyashiromorigoya
If you get tired after trying the chains, come here to refuel.

▼This is where Mt. Ishizuchi really begins to get its act together.

▼You can see the second chain in the distance.

It looks pretty bad from here.

▼If you look closely, you can see that there are places to put your feet, so it's not that dangerous.

▼There are also places where you have to climb using thin chains.

▼The third chain
This is the last chain.

▼Perfect for commemorative photos.

▼Ishizuchi Shrine

▼ Looking down the cliff, you can feel death close by.

▼Mt. Tengu
This time I wasn't able to go due to time constraints.
I'll try it someday.

▼On the way back, we will take a detour.

Mt. Ishizuchi was a magnificent mountain, worthy of being called the highest peak in western Japan.
It's so fun that you'll want to climb it again and again.

Key points for climbing Mt. Ishizuchi

Mt. Ishizuchi has a unique character.
I'll share some things I noticed while climbing the mountain, so I hope it will be useful to you.

About the tools

・Luggage is light
Even with the chains, climbing a rock wall at an angle of nearly 90 degrees is extremely tiring.
Try to keep your luggage as light as possible.

・Non-slip work gloves
The chains are cold, so it's a good idea to wear non-slip gloves.

About the chain section

You can reach the top without using chains

There are detours for all of Mt. Ishizuchi's trial chains, the first, second and third chains.
Talk to yourself and take a detour instead of pushing yourself too hard.

How to climb the chain section

▼The chain is big and thick.

You can put your hands and feet into the loops, making the climb more stable than it looks.

If you have small feet it is easier to climb by putting your feet through the rings.

People with large feet can only fit their toes through the rings, making them unstable, so they hold onto the chains with their hands and climb the rocks to get a foothold.

If the traffic is slow, there are wide spaces in places so just give way to others.

Even if you get scared along the way, you won't fall as long as you don't let go, so don't panic and stay calm.

You can always try someday, and if you can't, you can always use a detour.

Mountain facility information

Ishizuchi Mountain Ropeway Co., Ltd.

This is a feat of human wisdom that will transport you over an elevation difference of over 800m in just 8 minutes for a round trip fee of 2,000 yen.
It operates every 20 minutes at the following times:
Weekdays 8:40~17:00
Weekends and holidays 7:40~18:00
*May change slightly depending on the time period.
Operating hours are based on your travel plansHereIt would be better to check.

Mountain hut

・Maeyasha Morigoya
A shop where you can stock up on food and drinks.

・Ishizuchi Shrine Summit Lodge (site:Here)
Accommodation is available. There are also plenty of souvenirs available.

toilet

・Paid parking lot in front of the ropeway
・Near the ropeway's Shitaya Station
・Inside the ropeway summit station
・Ishizuchi Shrine Jojusha
・Just before Ninokusari (closed in winter)
・Ishizuchi Shrine Summit Lodge

access

public transport

A bus runs from Iyo-Saijo Station on the JR Yosan Line to Ishizuchi Ropeway (for details, seeHere)

Car → We recommend using Google Maps/car navigation system.

Set Mt. Ishizuchi Ropeway Co., Ltd. as your destination.I think that would be a good idea.

If you are taking the ropeway, the closest parking lot is a paid parking lot nearby.
If you are going from the Jyoju Route, there is a parking space beyond the Ropeway Company, so it is easier to approach the trailhead if you park there.

weather

The weather on Mount Ishizuchi isHerePlease enjoy!

Nearby facilities

Hot spring → Yunotani Hot Spring

On the way back from Mt. Ishizuchi, all you have to do is turn left on Prefectural Route 142 where it merges with Route 11 and it's very close.
If you want to enjoy a hot spring on your way home, this is the place to go.

Mt. Ishizuchi was a great mountain!