East Tokushima Tourism Authority
イーストとくしま観光推進機構

Mt. Oyama
Tokushima
Awaodori Airport

Tokushima
Station

Mt. Kotsu

Mt. Shosanji

Mt. Bizan
Mt. Nakatsumine

Shikoku Trails

Mt. Kumoso
Kamikatsu

HIKE!
TOKUSHIMA

Huge whirlpools roaring in the deep blue indigo-dyed sea.
One million people visit the city for four days in summer, when the city is filled with dancing
and the rhythm of their voices echo off Mt. Bizan.
In the spring and fall, pilgrims in their white robes, sedge hats, and carrying walking sticks make their way
from the first temple to the twentieth temple here.
Everyone stares at the indigo sea of East Tokushima and the ancient temple of the pilgrimage, but...
If you extend your gaze just a little further, you will find...
A mountain with a primeval beech forest and a moss maze.
A mountain with countless waterfalls and blue rock canyons.
A mountain with an ancient temple that stands deep in a forest of mist and mysterious trees.
The mountain trails of East Tokushima are just around the corner, waiting for you!
To the undiscovered mountains beyond the indigo sea, to the beautiful nature...
Put on your hiking shoes, letʼs go hike!

Shikoku Trails

HIKE!
TOKUSHIMA Undiscovered Mountains Beyond The Indigo Sea
12

Shosan-ji pilgrimage trails& Amagoi-no-taki falls
3

Mt. Shosanji

4Ancient cedar tree at Joren-an

Shosan-ji pilgrimage trail
The trail to Higan-ji

View from the Shosan-ji trail

Old pilgrimage signpost

In the gorge to Amagoi-no-taki falls

Autumn foliage along Shosan-ji old pilgrimage trail

Shosan-ji

Tokushima
Awaodori Airport

Tokushima
Station

Route

Regarded as the hardest-to-reach of all the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage
temples, the trail to Shosan-ji temple is 13km long with several steep
ups and downs. This trail is absolutely stunning, yet definitely achallenge for even seasoned hikers to complete. The following day, you
may wish to take the trail to reach the Amagoi-no-taki waterfalls. This
trail is blessed with views of multiple smaller waterfalls along the way.

1 Shosan-ji pilgrimage trails

Route

Distance：

14.2km Elevation Change：902m
Elevation Gain/Loss：1375m / 472m

Distance：

6.6km Elevation Change：557m
Elevation Gain/Loss：0m / 552m

This 14km long stretch of ancient trails feature a number of stunningviewpoints. The scenery and varieties of trees change continuously as you
stride along. Almost the entire network of trails is unpaved and off road.
Frequent steep ups and downs require a high level of stamina and good leg
muscles. While the distance of this trail is challenging, it can be divided into
shorter sections which are accessible by road.

Walk in the steps of pilgrims’ past on the green moss-covered stones thatpave this old trail. The latter half of the route is a narrow pathway beside acrystal-clear river. Walk under the long lines of cherry blossom trees and passby sleepy mountain villages. From Shosan-ji to Kamiyama the trail is all
downhill.

（m）（m）
Shosan-ji
700

Okunoin1000
Joren-an

800
600

600

Shosan-ji

Ryusui-an

Chodo-an

400

Route

Shosan-ji pilgrimage trail

Fujiidera

Ryusui-an

Scarecrows at Agawa vil.

2

3

4

5

Route

Joren-an

4

Tamagatao pass

9

10

11

12

14 （km）

13

Nabeiwa
Kamiyama

1

2

3

4

5

（km）

6

2

Kamiyama

Views from the Tamagatao pass
Parking

Higan-ji

Distance：

Hike 2km through a breathtakingly beautiful gorge filled with waterfalls toreach Amagoi-no-taki falls, then along moss-covered rocks within the
hushed silence of a Japanese cedar forest to Higan-ji. Take a moment at eachsmall waterfall to soak your legs in the clear blue water. Hidden at the far
end of the gorge surrounded by sheer rock walls, the two big waterfalls of
Amagoi-no-taki come down from opposite sides, their roar and splash are asight to behold.

Heading from Nabeiwa, this pilgrim trail leads to the next temple by way ofa short yet steep mountain trail. Beyond the Tamagatao pass, It is easy-going
downhill while taking in amazing views of mikan orchards and houses
scattered on steep mountain slopes. When you arrive at the riverside villageof Agawa, you will be welcomed by several human-sized scarecrows who are
imitating various scenes of mountain village life.

（m）

Forest road

（m）

400
200

400

Amagoin-no-taki falls

600

300

Nabeiwa

200

Parking

Agawa

100

Kamiyama

1

Tamagatao pass

500

Higan-ji

2

3

4

5

0

（km）

6

1

2

Ryusui-an（10 min）

6.5 km
180 min

Joren-an（Lunch 30 min）

2.1 km60 min

3.8 km
140 minShosan-ji

Joshin-an（10 min）（10 min）

1.6 km60 min

1.7 km50 minNabeiwa vil.

5

（km）

6

32 km
50 minAmagoi-no-taki falls & Higan-ji hike（Total time for the tour : 5h 30 min）

Tokushima Kamiyama（at Familymart）
StationAmagoi-no-taki
Parking

2 km
30 min4Tokushima
Station

１Day Hike Tour Ex.2

27.5 km
45 min3

Shosan-ji pilgrimage trails（Total time for the tour : 11h）

0.8 km60 minAmagoi-no-taki
fallsTaking time to dropby smaller waterfalls
along the trail

tour options

3

Amagoi-no-taki falls trail
6.8 km

6.6km Elevation Change：386m
Elevation Gain/Loss：237m / 386m

Forest Road

Amagoi-no-taki
falls

Route

4 Nabeiwa~Agawa

6.8km Elevation Change：829m
Elevation Gain/Loss：875m / 47m

22 km
45 minShosanji~Kamiyama
6.6km

Route

Distance：

Tokushima Fujiidera
StationJoshin-an

Higan-ji

8

3 Amagoi-no-taki falls trail

１Day Hike Tour Ex.１

Nabeiwa

Shosan-ji

Route

7

800

Nabeiwa~Agawa
6.6km

Okunoin

6

1000

Agawa

Mt. Shosanji

0

100

Route

Chodo-an

7

200

1

Shosan-ji
pilgrimage trails
14.2kmShosan-ji

300

200
1

Joshin-an

500

400 Fujiidera

Fujiidera

2 Shosan-ji~Kamiyama

Okunoin of Shosan-ji（Lunch 30 min）

1.1 km60 minHigan-ji

Tokushima
Station

40 km
100 minA smaller waterfall
along Amagoi-no-taki gorge

Okunoin of Shosan-ji
and Ryuokutsu

A 1km-long mountain trail leading to the Okunoin (inner sanctuary) of Shosan-ji
located at the peak. From there, great views of Mt. Tsurugi and the surrounding
mountains can be seen to the west. The trail is serene and the sacred area of themountain has mysterious sites such as hill-sized rocks where, in ancient times, anevil snake was trapped. Ryuokutsu is a small cave that looks like it was gouged outof the sheer rock face, situated on a forested mountain slope 1km south from
Shosan-ji.

Ryuokutsu

8

Mt. Kotsu
9Mt. Kotsu

10The approach to Kotsu-ji

Around Kotsu-ji parking area
Old tree near Kotsu-ji

A curious Japanese serow

Boroboro-taki falls
Tengu statue at Kotsu-ji
Huge natural colonies of 300-year-old azalea on Mt. Kotsu
Kotsu-ji main hallView of Yoshinogawa riverplains from Kotsu-ji

The new trail to Kotsu-ji

Mt. Kotsu

Tokushima
Awaodori Airport

Tokushima
Station

RouteThis 1133m high mountain features a trail with an elevation differenceof over 1000m to reach its peak. From the peak, you are treated tostunning and beautiful views over the surrounding area. As you makeyour way to the top of the mountain, curious Japanese serow, an animal
designated as a Special Natural Treasure of Japan, may show up to
guide you along the path.

1 Kotsu-ji Old and New Trails

Route

Distance：

8.8km Elevation Change：1003m
Elevation Gain/Loss：997m / 990m

Distance：

2km Elevation Change：72.4m
Elevation Gain/Loss：66m / 64m

A tough hike for strong legs which rises 1000m straight up with little respite.
This old trail has been used as an approach to Kotsu-ji on the top of Mt.
Kotsu for hundreds of years. A newer trail converted from transmission
tower maintenance paths, has been added in recent times. Halfway up themountain, the two well-maintained trails converge and head to the temple
gate. Except for one small open space at the midpoint, both trails leadthrough the forest where the shadow of the trees protect you from the sun.

Mt. Kotsu, a place for mountain ascetic practice, provides hikers views ofstone Buddhas and traces of the old training sites scattered along the trail.
This trail is a short loop that starts from the temple parking area and leads tothe peak, via the temple and Kotsu shrine, where a large Kobo-daishi statue
stands. A narrow ridgeline trail connects the peak where you find the
Okunoin (inner sanctuary) of the shrine and the parking area. With
spectacular viewpoints and sacred sites, this short route is perfect for hikers
of all levels to enjoy.

（m）
1200
1000
800
600
400 Old
trailhead
200
0

（m）

Old
trailhead

Fuigo hotspring
trailhead

Nakanosato

Route

Kotsu-ji Old & New Trails
8.8km

Nozoki-iwa

Cedar trees along the approach to Kotsu-ji

1Great view from Mt. Kotsu

Brick gate

2 Kotsu-ji and Okunoin Area

Mt. Kotsu
Brick gate

Mt. Kotsu

Brick gate
Nakanosato

Nakanosato

1100

Nozoki-iwa

Kotsu Jinja Okunoin
Parking

Parking

Fuigo
hotspringtrailhead

1

2

3

１Day Hike Tour Ex.１
Tokushima Old
StationTrailhead
34 km
60 min

4

5

6

7

8

1000

（km）

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

（km）

Mt. Kotsu all around（Total time for the tour : 7h）
Kotsu-ji

Kotsu-ji(Lunch 30 min) Kotsu-ji & Okunoinarea route

6.5 km
180 min

2 km
50 minNozoki-iwa

Fuigo Hotspring
trailhead（10min）

2.3 km70 min2.7 km65 minTokushima
Station

34 km
60 minKotsu-ji
１Day Hike Tour Ex.2

Mt. Kotsu
Okunoin

Parking

The mountain top loop and Boroboro-taki falls（Total time for the tour : 6h 15 min）

Route

2

Tokushima
StationKotsu-ji & Okunoin Area
2km

50km
110 min

Kotsu-ji
Parking

Kotsu-ji & Okunoin area route

Kotsu-ji
Parking

2 km
80 minBoroboro-taki
falls

Tokushima
Station（Lunch 45 min）

7 km
30 min

40 km
110 minAncient trees around Kotsu Jinja

Okunoin of Kotsu Jinja

tour options

Driveway

Stone stairs to Kotsu-ji’s main gate

Boroboro-taki falls

Kotsu-ji temple gate near the parking

Boroboro-taki falls

Boroboro-taki
falls

Boroboro-taki falls

On the trail from the Okunoin of Kotsu Jinja

Okunoin of Kotsu Jinja

13

Mt. Kotsu

Deep in the mountains, hard to reach even by car, Boroboro-taki falls is atrue hidden gem. The 30m-high waterfall is tucked into a narrow ravine
shielded by the fort-like sheer cliffs. The wide waterfall creates a delicate
curtain of droplets, and the splashing water fills the ravine with a soothing
mist. The fallsʼ strange name (boroboro means “tattered”) comes from alegend about a monk who was practicing by the falls so hard all day andnight that his clothes ended up tattered. No people live around the waterfall
area anymore, but if you are lucky, a friendly Japanese serow may jump out
from the woods to greet you.

14

Taisan-ji old trails
15

Mt. Oyama

16Golden carpet of ginko
at Taisan-ji in autumn

Crossing a wooden bridge on the Kannon-michi trail

Anraku-ji’s pagoda

Kannon-michi trail

Niōmon (Niō gate) of Taisan-ji

Bamboo forest at Taisan-ji

View of Yoshinogawa river watershed areafrom Kannon-michi trail

Old stone buddhas
along Kannon-michi trail

Waking through sea of ferns on Kannon-michi trail

Mt. Oyama

Tokushima
Awaodori Airport

Tokushima
StationRoute

The historical trails that run over Mt. Oyama connect three temples,
including Taisan-ji temple that is located near the peak of themountain. Along the quiet old trail, small stone images of Kannon
dating to Japan’s Edo period still stand to guide hikers. Several
viewpoints offer panoramas over the Yoshino-gawa river basin.

Mt. Oyama

1 Taisan-ji pilgrimage trail

4.2km Elevation Change：614m
Elevation Gain/Loss：614m / 0m

Distance：

This was historically the most commonly-used trail to Taisan-ji and is a steep
climb from Ebisu Jinja to the temple located 450m high. Thick undergrowth
lined by tall ferns along both sides of the trail form a green tunnel. Afterwalking up the old stone stairways leading through a bamboo forest to thetemple bell-gate, an ancient ginko tree stands tall in front of Taisan-ji mainhall. In autumn this turns the grounds into a beautiful golden carpet. 1km
further up from the temple is its Okunoin (inner sanctuary), and from there
it is a short walk to the mountain peak. As this route sometimes crosses thewinding driveway that leads to the temple, it is easy to set pickup points.

This mountain trail has been used for visiting Taisan-ji from the Wasen-ji
side of the mountain since the Edo-era (over 200 years ago). Once forgotten
by time, a local volunteer group uncovered the trail that the forest that had
reclaimed and re-invigorated it. A mini-Saikoku 33 pilgrimage was set along
the trail in the old days and most of the 33 stone Kannon-bosatsu still remain
standing along the path. The natural appearance of this trail contributes tothe feeling of exploring an untouched forest. Half way up provides great
views of the Yoshino-gawa river plains. Around the mountain edge, the trail
is a little more adventurous as it becomes a bit rougher. Depending on theweather, some stream crossing might be required.

（m）

（m）
500 Okunoin

Yamabushi of Taisan-ji

Route

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

（km）

4

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

Wasen-ji

4.5

（km）

3 Awa sugar trail

3.1km Elevation Change：101m
Elevation Gain/Loss：0m / 100m
Distance：2BathroomKannon-michi
5km

TrailheadAt the Daishi hall of Taisan-ji

The area between Wasen-ji and Anraku-ji historically produces Wasanbon, a
traditionally made Japanese fine-grained sugar, which is only made inTokushima and Kagawa. Walking down the paved country roads throughsugarcane fields, hikers can find some old buildings that used to be sugar
factories. Waza-no-yakata, a traditional handcraft museum, offers visitors
displays of the traditional sugar making process and the chance to try
indigo-dyeing. The entire route is downhill, allowing hikers to cool down
their tired legs after hiking up and down the mountain of Taisan-ji.

Lookout pointAt the trailheadof Kannon-michi trail

Wasen-ji

Kannon-michi
Trailhead

200
100

0.5

Route

Outlook point

300

Trailhead

100
0Bathroom

400

Ebisu Jinja

1

Taisan-ji pilgrimage trail
4.2km

Mt.
Oyama

Taisan-ji

300

Route

5km Elevation Change：400m
Elevation Gain/Loss：98m / 423m

Okunoin500

Taisan-ji

1 Kannon-michi

Distance：

700

OkunoinOkunoin of Taisan-ji

RouteGreat view while walking down the Kannon-michi trail（m）Ebisu jinja

Wasen-ji

Kannon-michi
trailhead100
Waza-no-yakata
Anraku-ji

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

（km）

Giant ginko tree in front of the main hall of Taisan-ji

Waza-no-yakata（Traditional craft museum）

１Day Hike Tour Ex.１

Route

3

Awa sugar trail
3.1 km

All three routes hike（Total time for the tour : 7 h）

Tokushima Ebisu Jinja
StationTaisan-ji

Lookout point（30 min）（Lunch 30 min）

Kannon-michi
trailhead

Anraku-ji

Tokushima
Station（10 min）

On the way from Wasen-ji to Anraku-ji
20 km
30 min2.4 km80 min2.4 km80 min

1.6 km60 min2.7 km60 min

21 km
30 minOld street to Anraku-ji

１Day Hike Tour Ex.2
Tokushima
StationAnraku-ji

20 km
30 minAnraku-ji

19

Mt. Oyama

All about Mt. Oyama hike（Total time for the tour : 7 h 30 min）

Ebisu Jinja
2.4 km80 minTaisan-ji（10 min）

Mt. Oyama（10 min）

1.5 km40 min

1.5 km30 minTaisan-ji

Wasen-ji（Lunch 45 min）

5 km
150 minTokushima
Station

23 km
35 minNight prayer service at Taisan-ji

20

The Saito Goma
and Chikara-mochi
at Taisan-ji

Shukubo (Temple Stay)at Anraku-ji

Taisan-ji is located at an altitude of 450m on Mt. Oyama.

Anraku-ji is the 6th temple of the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage.
This temple has the first Shukubo (temple stay) of thepilgrimage, if visiting the 88 temples in numerical order.

Founded over 1450 years ago, the temple is recognized as the first
Buddhist temple in Tokushima. It is the first temple of two
pilgrimages in Shikoku. Furthermore, it is also one of the best
autumn foliage sites in Tokushima. While all these delights draw
visitors year-round, the first ceremony for the main deity of theyear, always held on the third Sunday of January, gets the biggest
crowds.

The history of the Shukubo can be traced back to the later 16th
century, when the lord domain of Tokushima designatedAnraku-ji as one of eight temples to provide food and shelter topilgrims and travelers. Since then, Anraku-ji has supported thepilgrims of Shikoku for over 400 years.

Burning flames of the Saito Goma fire ritual of Shugendo,
mountain ascetic training

Taisan-ji has a strong tie to Shugendo, mountain ascetic training,
so the main part of the ceremony is a Saito Goma fire ritual topray for good luck and to ward off bad luck for the year,
performed by monks in Shugendo practitioner attire. Before theceremony, a big pile of evergreen tree branches and leaves covera stack of logs built up like a big campfire. Before lighting thelarge green altar on fire, the monks conduct religious routines
with a sword and other old-fashioned arms to purify the area.

Once the fire is lit, smoke immediately starts billowing out fromthe green altar. Before long, a small blaze will ignite from within
the altar and quickly begin to engulf the logs while flames risehigh into the air.

Monks continue chanting, regardless of the intense heatand smoke
A monk crossing the burning fireon his bare feet

140kg+ of mochi for men to
carry at Chikara-mochi

After the altar is burnt down, the monks quickly make a bed ofburning coals and walk over them on their bare feet. The ritual,called Hiwatari, which literally means “crossing fire,” is meant todrive out disasters with cleansing fire. By the time the monks
have finished, the coals have become cool enough for otherpeople to walk on, so anyone who wants to pray for good healthin the coming year can cross the warm coals on their bare feet.

There is another popular event only at Taisan-ji after the Saito
Goma. The event, called the Chikara-mochi competition, attracts
many families with small children to take part. The origin of thecompetition dates back over 400 years ago. A samurai
commander prayed at Taisan-ji wishing to gain enormous
strength, and when his wish came true he became a legendary
warrior. To show his gratitude to the temple’s deities, he carried
heavy stone towers and mochi (rice cakes) from the bottom of
the mountain all the way up to the temple. To honor his tale,during Chikara-mochi, adult men and women compete by how
far they can walk while carrying the mochi without dropping it.
The men are required to carry a 140kg+ huge mochi and a 70kg
one for adult women. While the heavy weight is used in the adultdivision, the majority of participants in Chikara-mochi are
toddlers and kids, who of course carry smaller mochi. So manyjoin that their competition often takes hours!

At the Shukubo, today’s guests can unwind and relax in the hotsprings that are said to have been discovered by Kobo-daishi
himself. The dinner at the Shukubo offers meat and fish in orderto give pilgrims sufficient energy to walk all day long. It also
features a traditional local dish, “Sobagomejiru,” which is abuckwheat berry soup.

Anraku-ji’s prayer service is held after dinner, unlike the majorityof other Shukubos which hold their services in the earlymorning. Guests are called to the main hall, chant the heart sutra
with the temple monks, and listen to the priest’s sermon. Then,the truly special part of the service that guests can join only at
Anraku-ji begins. Guests are invited into the dark backroom of
the main hall, where only the candles and flames from the Goma
fire ritual dimly light the thirteen sculpted buddha images on thewalls. Guests will then float a tiny candle in a cup down a blue-lit
stream by the wall. Looking at the flickering candles floating
away mesmerizes the senses and calms the mind, as only themonks’ chanting echoes in the quiet space.

Anraku-ji has 60 buddha sculptures created by Myokei
Matsumoto, one of the greatest of all modern sculptors of
Buddhist statues, as well as many other valuable Buddhist arts. A
3m-tall standing Amida-nyorai statue is one of them. Only guests
staying at Anraku-ji’s Shukubo can enjoy the privilege of being
able to take a long time to appreciate the art while chatting withthe temple monks.

A temple monk greeting you
on your arrival

Enjoy souvenir hunting at
the temple shop

After dinner, preparation forjoining the prayer service

Night prayer service at the main
hall conducted by temple monks

Floating a candle on the water,
thinking of departed loved ones
and ancestors

Praying to the Goma fire for yourwish to come true

The quiet time for admiring theBuddhist arts inside the temple
buildings

The pagoda at night

Shukubo (Temple Stay) at Anraku-ji
HP：https://shikoku6.or.jp/
Address：8 Teranonishikita, Hikino, Kamiita-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima
Check in/out : 13:00〜20:00 / 9:30
Night prayer service : 19:00〜
Fee：6950 yen ~ w/t 2 meal, 3850 yen~ w/o meals (incl. tax)
Number of rooms：57
Parking：free (50 cars)
Contact：088-694-2046

The Saito Goma ﬁre ritual and Chikara-mochi at Taisan-ji
HP：https://taisanji.jp/
Address：14-2, Oyama, Kanyake, Kamiita-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima
Date：The 3rd Sunday of January
Parking：Free
Contacts：088-694-5525

21

Mt. Oyama

22

Mt. Bizan & Konji-ji
23

Mt. Bizan

24

Azuri-goe trail

Konji-ji in the fog

Climbing down the cliffs with help from metal chains to Konji-no-taki falls

Inbe Jinja on the hillside of Mt. Bizan
Views from Mt. Bizan observation deck

The stone Jizo image
on Jizo-goe pass

Small stone Buddhist images standing along the trail to the Mt. Bizan observation deck

Old pilgrimage trail of Jizo-goe pass

Jizoin temple

Mt. Bizan

Tokushima
Awaodori Airport

Tokushima
StationRoute

Mt. Bizan is Tokushima city’s own backyard mountain. Go past the
popular observation deck and step into the mountain beyond, where
several challenging hikes and rock cliffs with chains will await you.
Although Mt. Bizan is one of the lower mountains in the area, what thismountain can offer should not be underestimated. Hike it and find out
for yourself!

1

Route

Distance：

Sitting in the middle of Tokushima city, Mt. Bizan is a symbol of the city.
The trail crosses the summit from west to east following the ridgeline.
Though it’s only 290m high, the climb to the observation deck next to theropeway station on the top still challenges hikers with some steep rocky
parts. Along the thru-hike trail you will encounter occasional up and down
inclines, old stone buddhas standing along the trail, and good viewpoints inall directions. It is easy to forget that the mountain trail is reachable by ashort walk from the city center, while striding through the quiet green
tunnel with soft leaves underfoot and the sound of birds singing.

This old beautiful pilgrim trail called the Jizo-goe pass gives hikers a shortcut
through the western edge of Mt. Bizan to get to Oji Jinja, also known as thecat shrine, where another thru-hike trail starts. At one end of the trail is alarge park with several museums and a library, while at the other end is abotanical garden and zoo. Both ends are quickly accessible from Tokushima
station, making them easy to reach for busy tourists, especially suitable forthose with little kids, who want to have a quick fun hike. These
well-maintained trails consist of occasional mild climbs and descentsthrough forests, which provide carpets of acorns below the happy little
hikers’ feet. Around the midpoint of the trail, do not miss theofficially-designated lowest mountain of Japan, Mt. Bentenyama (6m),poking out from rice fields far away.

（m）

（m）

Mt. Bizan

The trail to Mt. Bizanobservation deck

Konji-ji pilgrimage trail
Oji Jinja(The cat shrine)

Bunka-no-mori
RouteAzuri-goepass
Nyuta post office

Mt. Bizan

200

2

Jizo-goe& Azuri-goe
8.1km

Azuri-goepass

Jizo-goe pass

Botanical
garden100

Jinja

Kotohira Jinja

Jizo-goepass

Konji-jipilgrimage trail
5 km Akui-gawa river

Mt. Bizan
observation Deck

Jizo-goepass

Jizo-in

0

1

Route

3

8.1km Elevation Change：227m
Elevation Gain/Loss：422m / 375m

100 Kotohira

Mt. Bizan trail

2 Jizo-goe and Azuri-goe

6.4km Elevation Change：287m
Elevation Gain/Loss：327m / 188m

200

Mt. Bizan
Observation Deck

Route

Route

Distance：300

Mt. Bizan trail
6.4km

Jizo-in

1 Mt. Bizan trail

2

3

4

5

6

0

（km）

Bunka-no-mori

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 （km）

3 Konji-ji pilgrimage trail

5km Elevation Change：296m
Elevation Gain/Loss：361m / 376m
Distance：

This pilgrim trail has served as the approach to the mountain temple,
Konji-ji, since ancient times. With the temple as the midpoint, one side of
the trail is a mix of unpaved paths and paved roads passing through idyllicvillages and orchards on the edge of the mountain. The other side is a wilder
and much more adventurous trail that eventually reaches waterfalls fallingfrom lofty cliffs. The waterfall is elegant and delicate, instead of thunderingand brash. A mystical atmosphere permeates the entire area. Here, monks
and the devout practice waterfall meditation, one of the best-known forms
of ascetic training. Along the mountain path to the sacred site, morechallenges await you. High rock walls to be scaled with the aid of thick metal
chains and a metal ladder leaning against the cliffs. Safer detours areavailable for those with a fear of heights.
（m）
Konji-ji

300
Trailhead

Konji-jiwaterfall

200
100
0

Akui-gawa
river

Nyuta
Post office

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

Konji-ji waterfall meditation site（km）

Botanical garden

Konji-ji

１Day Hike Tour Ex.１

Konji-ji waterfall

Tokushima
Station

Kotohira Jinja

1.8 km
10 min

2 km
60 min１Day Hike Tour Ex.2
Tokushima Akui-gawaStationriver
16 km
30 minKonji-ji pilgrimage trail

27

Mt. Bizan

Acorns on Azuri-goe trail

2.6 km60 minFamily-friendly Tokushima city sightseeing hike（Total time for the tour : 7 h 30 min）
Mt. Bizan Observation Deck

（20 min）

Jizo-goe pass

4.4km
110 minOji jinja (Cat shrine)
Bunka-no-mori (Lunch 60 min)2.7 km50 minBotanical garden

4.5 km
100 minTokushima
Station

9 km
25 minTokushima city s own pilgrimage trails（Total time for the tour : 7 h 30 min）
Konji-ji

Nyuta
Jizo-inpost office （Lunch 50 min）

（20 min）
2.5 km90 min

10 km
20 minvia Mt. Bizan Trail
5.5 km
150 min

Mt. Bizan
Observation Deck

Tokushima
Station

7 km
20 minOji jinja (the cat shrine)

28

Waterfall Meditation
and Goma Fire Ritual at Konji-ji

Fall Festival Season
in East Tokushima

Konji-ji offers an opportunity to experience takigyo, waterfall
meditation.

Visitors to Tokushima will find many shrines of various sizes
all around the prefecture. Each village has its own shrine andholds annual festivals and ceremonies. Late September
throughout October is the fall festival season for the majorityof villages and during this period there are festivals being
held almost every weekend.

Konji-ji is located close to the peak of a 495m tall mountain,
where the practice site is located deep in a forest downhillfrom the temple. The waterfall, called Konji-no-taki, is 40m+high and slides down the sheer rock face covered with small
trees and grasses. The water flows from a modest stream
which originates at the temple. The water gently flows down
the rock wall and hits the rocky ground. A tranquil andmystic atmosphere surrounds the space.
Prior experience or knowledge of takigyo is not required.
From arriving at the temple and throughout the practice, thetemple monk will give you one-on-one instructions on what
to do, so there is no need to worry or feel nervous.
First, you are given instructions about the entire process,including the symbolic finger gestures, inside of the temple.
Then, move into the main hall to chant sutras with the monkin front of the temple’s main deity. If you do not have enoughconfidence to follow, just listening to the chanting is fine.

Waterfall meditation under the Konji-no-taki falls

To get to the waterfall, you will walk down an approximately
500m long trail. The trail itself is a part of the training, withsome challenges along the way such as climbing down giant
rocks aided by metal chains. At the site, you will change into
white kimono-like practice robes, then you will be guided inprayer in front of a small temple. Finally, facing the waterfall,
you will execute the traditional hand gestures by imitating
the monk who is by your side. The monk will stand under thewaterfall with the guests while he chants the heart sutra withhis resonant voice. Even being under the water whilechanting the heart sutra twice, many participants noted thatthey do not feel particularly cold even in winter. A participant
once commented that many disorganized thoughts popped up
in his mind at the beginning, but through the ritual, his mind
started clearing up, and finally, fell into the perfect focus andsilence.
The temple monk is flexible about the waterfall meditation
timing and would accommodate the guests’ request.

Standing still in the falls, clearing the mind

Konji-ji also holds a monthly Goma fire ritual on the 10thand 11th of each month. It is free to drop in and join theprayers while the monk performs the consecrating fire, whichis unique to Esoteric Buddhism. Privately holding the Gomafor you or submitting your wishes to the regular Goma isavailable for those who seek for some advice to overcome
their life challenges or just want to pray.
Konji-ji

Goma fire ritual in the main hall of Konji-ji

29

Mt. Bizan

HP：http://www7b.biglobe.ne.jp/~konjiji/index.html
Address：230 Konji, Nyutacho, Tokushima city, Tokushima
Parking：free
Waterfall meditation：All year round. Advance booking required.
5000 yen per person
Goma fire ritual：Monthly Goma is held on the 10th (from 8 pm) and11th(from 11am) of the month. Free to join.
For inquiry on details of holding private Goma or submitting yourwishes to regularly held Goma, contact Jigen-ji, 088-644-1232 or
konjiji@kxa.biglobe.ne.jp

Unique in East Tokushima are the lion dances in the northbank plain of the Yoshino-gawa river and fireworks in thewatershed villages beside the Katsuura-gawa river.
Lion Dance in the north bank plainof Yoshino-gawa river
Historically, the area between the Yoshino-gawa river andthe Asan mountains laying on the prefectural border
between Kagawa and Tokushima, has always had a lot of lion
dance groups. Naruto city has 12 groups and Itano town has 4.

Fall festival ﬁreworks on the riverbanks of Katsuura-gawa riverThis area’s lions make fast and sharp moves while drummers
in colorful kimonos dance while beating drums at the sametime. During the festival, they perform the dance at theshrine, then visit each house in the village to dance for its
residents. If you stroll around the village streets in thisregion, you might be lucky enough to see a lion dance.

Fireworks in the watershed villagesof Katsuura-gawa river
Tokushima is recognized as the birthplace of Shikoku
fireworks. However, the fact that Tokushima is the biggest
producer of fireworks in Western Japan is relatively
unknown. In olden times, there would be several gunpowder
depots for Tokushima’s armaments. The specialist skills todeal with gunpowder were nurtured and over time changed
from military use into the peaceful fireworks that we see
today.
In big urban cities, people can only see fireworks on special
occasions, but for the residents around Katsuura-gawa river,fireworks are a familiar sight. For each village’s fall festival,families in the village contribute and buy fireworks for the
finale of their own festival.

Fireworks blooming right above your head

In October, almost every Saturday and Sunday night, you
may hear the sound of fireworks in this region. Some larger
villages set off as many as 1000 fireworks and people can see
the private firework show from their balcony or window
without being bothered by the crowds usually present at city
firework shows. The fireworks are usually set off from the
middle of a paddy field or river bank, so locals can see themup close. It is as if you are standing right under an umbrellaof sparkling lights with the colorful rain pouring over you.

Lion dance at fall festivals in Naruto

30

Mt. Nakatsumine
31

Mt. Nakatsumine

32One of the Fudo-Myoo figures
at Hoshi-no-iwaya

Large old cedars at Hoshi-no-iwaya

Tenshin Jinja on the peakof Mt. Nakatsumine

Autumn foliage around
Nakatsumine mountain

On the way to Hoshi-no-iwaya

A village shrine on the way to Sagakyo gorge

The trail from Hoshi-no-iwaya to the peak of Mt. Nakatsumine

Hoshitani park and Mt. Nakatsumine

Hatagotaki fallsOn the rocks near Tsuetategongen pass

Buddha-ishi

Rhododendron colonies at Tokuen-ji

The ridgeline trail
to Mt. Nakatsumine

View of Katsuura-cho town from Mt. Nakatsumine

Nyoirin-ji

The Ippushindo trail

The waterfall at Hoshi-no-iwaya

Tokushima
Awaodori Airport

Tokushima
Station

Mt. NakatsumineStanding at the eastern edge of Shikoku’s mountain range, Mt.
Nakatsumine is the most recognizable mountain near Tokushima city.
Aside from the waterfalls, temples, and viewpoints showing thesurrounding area, multiple trails allow you to choose various routes toreach the peak according to your experience and time limitations. You
will never get bored with this mountain.

Route

Hatagotaki falls

Route
Sagakyo gorge
trailhead

Tokuen-ji

Tsuetategongen-goe passich

i-no-mIyashli traiDistance：

At Hoshi-no-iwaya, you can enjoy walking behind waterfalls and witness thecascading water creating translucent curtains before your eyes. It is here thatlegend says Kobo-daishi once defeated an evil star causing disasters in thesurrounding area, sealing it in the depths of the cave. The serene
Hoshi-no-iwaya is hidden in a valley located on Mt. Nakatsumines’ south
slope. Two ancient cedar trees stand tall besides the stone stairs like they are
guarding the temple. A Fudo-Myoo figure carved on a 450-year-old live
camphor tree and other mysterious things can be found there. The tworoutes to get there from Hoshitani park are both well-maintained and not
too steep with nice viewpoints along the way. This loop is a short but verysatisfying hike.

This route connects two-temples, Hoshi-no-iwaya and Nyoirin-ji, via thepeak of Mt. Nakatsumine. First, take a short detour from the trail to thepeak, and walk 200m to see the Buddha-ishi, which is a pyramid of 53 smallstone buddha images on a cliff facing a stream. Return to the route and steel
yourself for the demanding uphill climb to reach the park at the peak of themountain. There is a small shrine at the peak as well as an area for hikers,
with wooden benches and tables, to have a nice lunch/tea break. Enjoy great
views of the mountains and the wide stretch of rice paddies along the
Katsuura-gawa river from 773m high. To reach Nyoirin-ji, located on the
opposite side of the mountain, it’s a 2km walk down the quiet trail througha forest of cedar trees.

（m）

2

sh

pu

Nyoirin-ji

Ip

il

ra

ot

Mt. Nakatsumine

Temple to temple
peak hikeon Mt. Nakatsumine
4.3km
Buddha-ishi

（m）

2

3

4

Route

1

0.5

Route

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

（km）

4

4 Tokuen-ji to Mt. Nakatsumine ridge line

9.5km Elevation Change：745m
Elevation Gain/Loss：792m / 783m

Distance：

This route is a loop of the Ippushindo trail and Iyashi-no-michi trail,
following the ridgeline on the two adjacent north-eastern slopes of Mt.
Nakatsumine. Both trails have several viewpoints for vistas in many
directions and feature various vegetation and scenery along the trail. It
combines a pleasant mix of comfortably walkable flat stretches, mild
inclines, and challenging uphill rocky climbs. Though the route distanceand elevation change require hikers to have a moderate level of stamina,
there is never a dull moment on these trails all day.

Walking along the beautiful Saga-kyo gorge, with countless small waterfalls
and shiny green moss-covered rocks on the river, discover the secretunmanned temple deep in the remote mountains. Enjoy pinkrhododendron blooming in spring and the colorful patchwork of foliage
during fall at the quiet and elegant Tokuen-ji. From the temple, a short walkprovides access to the thru-hike trail running over the ridgeline on theeastern edge of the Shikoku mountains. Small ups and downs continue but
it is all unpaved and a relatively easy walk at an average height of 600 to
750m with spectacular views on both sides of the trail. The distance of thisroute is long but very good for those who enjoy speed hiking or throughhiking.

（m）

11.4km Elevation Change：557m
Elevation Gain/Loss：924m / 368m（m）
Mt. Nakatsumine

700

400

0

Tokuen-ji

Tsuetategongen-goe
pass

Mt.
Nakatsumine

Mt. Kurimisaka
BaraoToge pass

500 Sagakyo

Kanetani

Kanetani
Trailhead

200 Trailhead
1

2

3

4

5

１Day Hike Tour Ex.１
Tokushima
Station
21 km
40 minTokushima
Stationtour options

Mt. Nakatsumine

（km）

6

Distance：

12 km
40 min

37

5

200
0

3 Mt. Nakatsumine North-east side loop

HoshitaniPark
2 km
50 min１Day Hike Tour Ex.2

Hoshi-no-iwaya

iwaya

Hoshitani
Park

600

Hoshi-no-iwaya

Nyoirin-ji

400 Hoshi-no-park

Hoshitani park

Sagakyo gorge

600

Hoshi-no-iwaya

100 Hoshitani
1

Mt. Nakatsumine

800

Hoshi-noiwaya

200

800

Hoshi-no-iwaya
loop
6.4km

Fudo-Myoo carved on alive camphor tree at
Hoshi-no-iwaya

4.3km Elevation Change：546m
Elevation Gain/Loss：545m / 372m

Buddha-ishi

Route

d
in

2 Temple to temple peak hike on Mt. Nakatsumine

6.4km Elevation Change：348m
Elevation Gain/Loss：346m / 347m

300
Kanetani
Trailhead

Route

Distance：0

Barao Toge pass

Route

1 Hoshi-no-iwaya loop

400

Hatagotaki
Falls

Tokuen-ji
to Mt. Nakatsumine
ridge line
11.4kmMt.
Kurimizaka

Mt. Nakatsumine
North-east side loop
9.5 kmFrom Kanetani trailhead
20 min drive
From Nyoirin-ji
35 min drive
From Mt. Nakatsumine
55 min drive

4

3

Route

Kanetani
Trailhead

6

7

8

9

300
200

（km）

gorge
trailhead

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

（km）

Temples and waterfalls on Mt. Nakatsumine hike（Total time for the tour : 8 h 30 min）
Hoshi-no-iwaya（30 min）

2.7 km
110 min

Mt. Nakatsumine

Nyoirin-ji（Lunch 40 min）

Hatagotaki falls（20 min）

1.8 km60 minTokushima
Station（70 min）
12 km
35 min

17 km
40 minMt. Nakatsumine great view hike（Total time for the tour : 7 h 30 min）
Mt. Nakatsumine

via Ippushindo trail

4.5 km
180 min（Lunch 40 min）

2.7 km70 minHoshi-no-iwaya（30 min）

2 km
40 minHoshitani
Park

Tokushima
Station
21 km
40 minHatagotaki falls

Five main waterfalls of various shapes and sizes as well as uncountable smaller falls continue along the gorge at the deep endof a valley in Mt. Nakatsumine. The trail along the gorge and waterfalls flows along the wild terrain of the gorge, running up,
over, and between the giant rocks. This, along with some stream crossings, gives the hikers a feeling of adventure. In thesummer, the water temperature goes up enough for hikers to be able to walk through the water bare-legged to approach thefalls and walk around in the clear blue stream. Since the trail has some rough patches and slippery rocks, good stamina, care,and proper hiking shoes are required.

Hatagotaki falls

38

Kamikatsu(Jigen-ji / Mt. Yamainudake / Mt. Takamaru)
39

Kamikatsu

40

View from Jigen-ji

On the trail of Mt. Takamaru

Moss forest on Mt. Yamainudake

Autumn foliage on Mt. Takamaru

Kashihara terraced rice fields

Beech and moss forest on Mt. Takamaru

Onbuchi falls

Takamaru millennium forest

Hiking up Mt. Takamaru

Foggy mountains of Kamikatsu

Fresh green beech forest on Mt. Takamaru

Kanjotaki fallsKamikatsu

Tokushima
Awaodori Airport

Tokushima
StationRoute

One of the most beautiful villages in Japan to have conserved its
natural treasures. The town is surrounded by mountains covered withprimeval beech forests, shining green moss, and mystical waterfalls. As
these stunning scenes unfold around you, stop, take in the tranquil
vistas, and become lost in time.

1 Mt. Takamaru

RouteDistance：

4.2km Elevation Change：383m
Elevation Gain/Loss：383m / 383m

Distance：

9km Elevation Change：720m
Elevation Gain/Loss：823m / 461m

This 1438m high mountain is well-known for its huge primeval forest of
carefully conserved beech trees, and is a popular hiking destination all year
round. An easily-accessible trailhead is located at an altitude of 1000m,
well-maintained loop trails connect the peak and a large parking lot for
convenient day-hike experiences. The trails are covered with beech and otherbroadleaf trees, and are especially popular during the beautiful autumn
foliage season. The peak itself is completely open and offers hikers 360
degrees views of layers of the surrounding mountains that continue beyond
the horizon.

This route leads you to a hidden, one-of-a-kind moss mountain in
Tokushima. This undiscovered mountain was covered with piles of hugerocks scattered by the collapse of the mountain summit 300 years ago. Overtime, green fluffy mosses gradually covered the debris and formed this huge
8 hectare moss forest. Once a training site for mountain ascetic practitioners,
the trail around the moss forest is like a maze, requiring climbing up anddown rocks and crawling on all fours through tunnels. The best season tovisit is during and right after the rainy season when the fresh leaves and wet
moss shining green in the misty fog is a real wonder to behold. On the way
to the trailhead, also enjoy walking through picturesque terraced ricepaddies.

（m）

Mt. Yamainudake（m）
Mt. Takamaru

1000

1400

Route

2

Mt. Takamaru

Mt. Yamainudake

1000

0.5

Mt. Takamaru
Parking

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

200

（km）

3 Jigen-ji and two waterfalls

Parking

Mt. Takamaru
parking

This route features an old pilgrim trail leading to Jigen-ji and two beautiful
waterfalls. The trail starts from a shrine and leads through hilly mountainvillages and mikan (mandarin orange) orchards for a while before becoming
a proper mountain trail that is well-maintained by locals. Two waterfalls,
Kanjogadaki and Onbuchi falls, have totally different appearances, but areeach mesmerizing in their own way. The water from Kanjogadaki falls 80m
becoming a mist, blown around by the wind like a delicate chiffon ribbon.
A short distance downhill, the lesser-known Onbuchi falls lies waiting to bediscovered behind a small mikan orchard, as it pours into a turquoise blue
basin.

Sakamoto

Jigen-ji

Onbuchi falls

500

3

Kanjogadaki
falls
Onbuchi
falls

400

Jigen-ji& two waterfalls
8.8 km

Route

3

300
200
100

Sakamoto

1

2

Kamikatsu

NishinakabridgeRoute1※ From each route
to Tsukigatani hot spring
15 - 35min drive

3

4１Day Hike Tour Ex.１
Tokushima
StationOnbuchi falls

42 km
80 minParking

Route

Sakamoto Hachiman Jinja

45

Kamikatsu

2

Yoshigahira-no-iwaya

5

6

7

5

6

7

8

（km）

tour options

Tsukigatani hot spring area

8

Nishinaka
Bridge（km）

Mt. Yamainudake

1.5 km40 minTrailhead（Lunch 40 min）
Hike up and down clockwise（10 min）
via Terraced rice paddies

2.5 km70 min

3 km
130 minTukigatani Hotspring area Tokushima
Station（60 min）
37 km
60 min

6 km
20 minMt. Takamaru hike and two waterfalls（Total time for the tour : 7 h 30 min）

Tokushima Mt. Takamaru
StationParking

Mt. Takamaru

Beech Forest（Lunch 30 min）

Hiking clockwise to the peak

53 km
90 minYoshigahira-no-iwaya

Moss mountain hike and hot springs（Total time for the tour : 8 h 30 min）
Trailhead

１Day Hike Tour Ex.2
Tsukigatani
hot spring

4

Yoshigahira-no-iwaya is a cave created by gigantic
rocks standing tall and magnificent in the middle ofa primeval forest, said to have been there for over
400 years. Moss covered stones are scattered aroundthe fort-like rocks and a small shrine to the dragon
god is enshrined inside the cave, creating amysterious feeling. One legend says that a travelingvendor who for days sheltered in the cave from asudden snowstorm without food, was saved by abear.

Jigen-ji

Kanjo-gadaki
falls

3

Yoshigahira-no-iwaya
（m）

Route

2

This area, centering on the hot spring inn,
Tsukinoyado, and the Katsuura-gawa river, offers
various tourist attractions including a cozy café
and a camping facility that provides a variety ofkid-friendly nature programs. A new cablesuspension bridge crosses the river 15m above thewater with some transparent windows, showing
you the river flowing far below your feet andmaking your heart pound. The restaurant inTsukinoyado offers a variety of dishes featuringlocally grown food products of the season. Boththe restaurant and the hot spring have glass walls
facing the river allowing you to view the amazing
scenery of the water and mountains while
enjoying a relaxing time.

Jiden
bus stop

Jigen-ji

1

Mossforesttrailhead

Tsukigatani hot spring area

8.8km Elevation Change：388m
Elevation Gain/Loss：387m / 384m
Kashihara terraced rice paddies

Mt. Takamaru
4.2km

Jiden
400 Bus stop

Distance：

Trailhead

1

6001100 Parking

Route

Beech
ForestRoute

Moss
ForestMt. Yamainudake
9km

Beech Forest

1200 Mt. Takamaru

Mt.
Yamainudake

MossforestKashihara
trailheadterraced
Parking rice paddies

800

1300
Toko-ji

2 Mt. Yamainudake

2 km
70 min

1 km
50 min

1.2 km40 minMt. Takamaru Kanjogadaki falls Onbuchi falls Tokushima（30 min）（20 min）
Parking
Station
25 km
50 min

1 km
5 min

33 km
60 minAt Tukigatani hot spring Tsuki-no-yado

46

Ana-zenjo at Jigen-ji

Sakamoto Akari-no-sato
lantern festival

Jigen-ji is renowned as the temple of Ana-zenjo.

Sakamoto Akari-no-sato is a lantern festival held at Sakamoto
Hachiman Jinja on October 13 and 14 every year. Sakamoto
is located deep in the mountains on the western edge of
Katsuura town.

The Japanese word, ana means “hole” and zenjo, a Buddhism
term, refers to “a calmed and stable state of mind.” At
Jigen-ji, a practitioner of Ana-zenjo must enter a dark, narrowcave deep in the sheer cliffs standing behind the temple, go
through the winding tight path to reach the cave’s center,then return to the mouth of the cave, aided only by the dim
light of a handheld candle.
A legend of the cave says that the young Kobo-daishi waspracticing Goma fire rituals in front of the mysterious cave inthe deep mountains when an evil dragon emerged from thecave, trying to attack him. He defeated it and entrapped it
deep within the cave.
Before even reaching the cave, the walk from the main part of
the temple up a 500m-long steep path challenges thepractitioners to overcome it. A Sendatsu (guide) always
comes along to guide you throughout the whole process.
After entring, the cave walls soon narrow to a tight damp slit
which you can barely squeeze through sideways. It’s almost
impossible to figure out how to move forward without the
Sendatsu telling you how to contort your body to fit through.
You have to get down on all fours and crawl horizontally
through tiny crevices while avoiding the fangs of looming
stalactites.

Crawling through the extremely narrow crevices

After reaching the small dome at the centre of the cavesystem, where the evil dragon was said to be petrified in thewall and a small statue of Kobo-daishi is sitting on thelimestone altar, the Sendatsu leads you to chant the Heart
Sutra. To return back to the cave entrance you must repeat
everything you did before in reverse. The last part before
re-emerging from the cave is slightly different. You must
stretch your arms and legs to become as flat and thin as
possible to scramble out of an especially tiny hole. It is called
Tainai-kuguri, meaning you are re-born like a new baby
coming out of the womb. Finally, back to the outside world
and Ana-zenjo ends.
Over the steep rocks, approaching the mouth of the caveAna-zenjo is surely a tough practice but it is worth theexperience, as you will feel the strong sense of achievement
and the elation of breathing fresh air and seeing sparkling
sunlight. The feeling of being re-born is not an exaggeration.
In fact, many people from all around Japan visit the temple
for Ana-zenjo every year. Keep in mind that a certain level ofphysical fitness is mandatory for Ana-zenjo. The whole
practice in the cave usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, but
if many people participate at once, expect to be inside forlonger. Make sure to check if your body size can handle thelabyrinth by squeezing between the “test stones,” two stonepillars 26 cm apart by the temple gates, before signing up.

Like a forest of big fireflies

More than 600 hand-crafted paper lanterns are placed all
around the shrine and up its steep stone stairway with over
300 steps. In the dark, the warm glow of the lights shining
through the paper lanterns form lines that guide festival
goers and give the space a fantastical appearance like a
glowing swarm of fireflies dancing in and around the shrine.

The long lines of lights reaching to the shrine

Arriving at the festival, you are greeted by the tasty smells
from food vendors to whet your appetite. You will hear thecheerful sounds of bells and drums being played by localgroups, the traditional festival songs having been passed
down for many generations.
The festival ends with a fireworks show on the 14th. It is
spectacular to see hundreds of fireworks blossom into
chrysanthemums and willows as they are shot from the lower
grounds into the night sky above, sparkling right at your eyelevel.

The lights leading you throughthe darkness of night

The ceremony inside the shrine

Sakamoto Akari-no-sato lantern festival
Date : October 13 and 14
Light-up time : 18:00〜21:00
Event sites : Sakamoto Hachiman Jinja and Fureai-no-sato Sakamoto area
(Miyahira, Sakamoto, Katsuura-cho, Katsuura-gun, Tokushima)
Parking fee : 200 yen (including discount coupons for the festival food venders)
Contact : Akari-no-sato festival committee (Fureai-no-sato Sakamoto)Tel : 0885-44-2110

Voices of laughing local kids echoing in the forest of lights

Jigen-jiTrue darkness inside the cave. Only a handheld candle is your aid

Prayers at the main hall of Jigen-ji

47

Kamikatsu

The mysterious hallat the center of the cave

HP：http://www.anazenjo-jigenji.com/
Address : 18 Kanjodaki, Masaki, Kamikatsu-cho, Katsuura-gun,
Tokushima
Parking : free
Advanced booking required to participate in Ana-Zenjo.
For more details about participation,
contact Jigen-ji (Tel : 0885-45-0044)
The path of lights along the stone stairs

The big lantern sign48

Mt. Kumoso
and Mt. Toishigongen
49

Mt. Kumoso

50Autumn in Mt. Kumoso

Mossy trail on Mt. Kumoso

The peak of Mt. Toishigongen

The peak of Mt. Kumoso

The camping site of Gakujin-no-mori botanical garden
Near the trailhead of Mt. Kumoso

View of Shikoku mountains from the top of Mt. Kumoso

Hime-no-taki falls

Hiking up Mt. Toishigongen

Mt.Kumoso

Tokushima
Awaodori Airport

Tokushima
StationRoute

Mt. Toishigongen and Mt. Kumoso are both over 1300 m tall, but areeasy to hike because the trailheads are located at an altitude of around
1000m. These mountains are well known for various flowers, as well as
beech and other deciduous trees that paint the surrounding mountains
with different colors each season. On your way to the mountains, stopand enjoy the rare alpine plants and flowers at the botanical garden
located on the mountainside.

2

Mt. Toishigongen
Round Trip
5km

Distance：

6.8km Elevation Change：523m
Elevation Gain/Loss：520m / 546m

Distance：

5km Elevation Change：557m
Elevation Gain/Loss：584m / 584m

This route allows you to fully appreciate the pleasant natural forests of beech
and other broadleaf trees, shading moss-covered stones and fallen tree trunks
along the trails of Mt. Kumoso. It presents a shining fresh green world in
early summer, and carpets of golden leaves in fall. The trail first follows amountain stream, then steeply ascends through the moss and beech forests.
After hitting the ridgeline, you reach an open peak where you can enjoy
panoramic views of layers upon layers of mountains. The trailhead is on the
Super Rindo, the longest forest road in Japan. Though unpaved, cars can still
access the trailhead on the forest road.

This trail is well maintained and easy to climb with many viewpoints. Alongit, alpine plants grow in clusters, and when they are in bloom, you can enjoy
the "mountain of flowers" with their pink and purple colors. In autumn, it
is pleasant to stroll through the colorful fallen leaves.The trailhead is locatedat the back of the campground in the botanical garden Gakujin-no-mori,which was built to preserve the natural environment of the mountainsideand protect some rare endangered plants at an altitude of 1000 meters in the
deepest part of Kamiyama town. The park is especially popular in spring,when peach-colored rhododendrons and bluish-purple fringed iris bloom allover the park. As well as the large campground, there is also a café.
（m）

Mt. Kumoso

Hime-no-taki falls

Gakujin-no-mori（Alpine plants garden）

Route

Driveway

Jintsudaki
falls

1200

1200
1000
900

1

Mt.Kumoso
Round Trip
6.8km

Super
Rindo

Dosu
toge

1

Trailhead

Trailhead

2

3

4

Dosu
toge

5

1000

Super
Rindo

（km）

6

Trailhead

Trailhead

800 Gakujin-no-mori
700
0.5

Gakujin-no-mori

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

（km）

tour options

Blooming rhododendrons colonies
in Gakujin-no-moriJintsudaki Falls
At the bottom of Mt. Kumoso, at the far
end of a beautiful river and gorge, themajestic Jintsudaki falls secretly thunders.
The falls are surrounded by high rockwalls where the water drops 30m and hits
the basin so hard that it causes blasts of
mist to blow around. Visitors often find it
hard to stand up straight here! In the coldof winter, the waterfall freezes and creates
breathtakingly beautiful pillars of crystal
blue ice that attract crowds of people.
Another elegant waterfall, Hime-no-taki
falls is nearby too.

Dosu Toge passSuper Rindo
entrance（Forest road）

Mt Toishigongen
Mt. Kamadaki
Mt. Kamadaki

1400

1400
Parking

2 Mt. Toishigongen Round Trip

Route

（m）

Kangetsu Chaya restaurant
at Gakujin-no-moriRoute1 Mt. Kumoso Round Trip

Mt. Kamadaki
Trailhead

Mt. Toishigongen
Super Rindo in Autumn

Mt. Kumoso

At Kangetsu Chaya of Gakujin-no-mori１Day Hike Tour Ex.１
Mt. Toishigongen trail in summer

View from Mt. Toishigongen

Colorful autumn forest on Mt. Toishigongen

53

Mt. Kumoso

Trailhead

2 km
90 minGakujin-no-mori（60min）

Kangetsu Chaya Tokushima
Station（30min）

0.5 km
15 min

45 km
80 minThe Gakujin-no-mori’s campgroundallows campers to light a bonfire
directly on the ground, which isquite rare in Japan. The camping
sites are completely isolated fromthe lights and noises of the town atnight. The campsite offers totalsilence, so campers will have a good
sleep in their tent or cottage under
the star-filled sky.
A two-day tour with an overnight
stay at the campsite to hike bothmountains, is highly recommended.

Mt. Kumoso（Total time for the tour : 8 h 30 min）

Tokushima Mt. Kumoso
Stationtrailhead
50 km
90 minMt. Toishigongen（Lunch 45 min）

2 km
120 min

１Day Hike Tour Ex.2

Jintsudaki falls

Mt. Toishigongen & Gakujin-no-mori（Total time for the tour : 9 h）

Tokushima Trailhead（in Gakujin-no-mori）
Station45.5 km
90 minMountain streams
from the Jintsudaki falls

Fringed irises in Gakujin-no-mori

1.2 km
100 min

Mt. Kumoso（30 min）

1.2 km70 minTrailhead

2.5 km30 minSuper Rindo
entrance

Kangetsu Chaya Jintsudaki falls（30 min）

2.5 km
5 min（60 min）

10 km
25 minTokushima
Station

41 km
70 minThe trailhead of Mt. Kumoso

54