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Shikoku Karst: A Highland Haven

Discover Japan's hidden gem: Shikoku Karst, where unique landscapes, panoramic views, and tranquil nature await on the border of Ehime and Kochi.

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Spanning the border of Ehime and Kochi prefectures, Shikoku Karst is one of Japan's three major karst landscapes, featuring unique limestone formations, sprawling grasslands, and panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping under the stars.

A brief summary to Shikoku Karst

  • Nishidani, Kumakogen, Nishidani, Kamiukena District, Ehime, 791-1802, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during spring or autumn for the most pleasant weather and stunning seasonal colors.
  • Consider renting a car to explore the vast area and access remote viewpoints.
  • Pack comfortable shoes for hiking the various trails, including the therapy roads in Tengu Highland.
  • Stay overnight at Mezurudaira or Tengu Highland to experience the breathtaking starry sky.
  • Check road conditions and closures during winter due to snow.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Kumakogen Town Hall, drive approximately one hour on the winding roads towards Shikoku Karst. Follow signs for Mezurudaira or Tengu Highland, depending on your desired destination within the karst. Parking is available at Mezuru-sou and other designated areas. Be aware that some roads are narrow and require caution when passing oncoming traffic. During winter, roads may be closed due to snow. Parking is free at Mezuru-sou.

  • Public Transport & Taxi

    From Kochi Station, take a train to Susaki Station, then a bus towards Yusuhara. Change at Shinden and take a taxi to Hoshifuru Village Tengu in the middle of the karst. This journey requires multiple changes and is best suited for intrepid travelers. Taxi fare from Shinden to Hoshifuru Village Tengu will cost approximately ¥5,000-¥7,000.

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Discover more about Shikoku Karst

Shikoku Karst, a Prefectural Natural Park, stretches 25 kilometers along the border of Ehime and Kochi prefectures, offering a unique geological landscape formed by the erosion of limestone hillsides. Recognized as one of Japan's three largest karst formations, alongside Akiyoshidai and Hiraodai, it boasts an elevation between 1,000 to 1,500 meters. The area is characterized by its distinctive white limestone mounds scattered across sweeping grasslands and conical sinkholes. These limestone formations, often likened to flocks of sheep, create a picturesque pastoral scene, especially with grazing cattle dotting the landscape from spring to autumn. The panoramic views from the karst extend to the Shikoku Mountains and, on clear days, even the Pacific Ocean. Shikoku Karst is divided into three main areas: the Tengu Highland, Keyakidaira, and Mezurudaira. Each area offers unique attractions, from the therapeutic forest trails of Tengu Highland to the camping sites and accommodations in Mezurudaira. Keyakidaira features mossy trails and ancient trees, including the 600-year-old Ibushi no Otochi, one of Japan's 100 Forest Giants. The area transitions beautifully through the seasons, with vibrant green grasses in spring, alpine plants in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-dusted landscapes in winter. The lack of light pollution makes it an ideal spot for stargazing. Visitors can explore the karst by car, bicycle, or on foot, with several trails and scenic roads available.

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