2025 Saijo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

#springwander Mt. Ishizuchi is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan in Ehime Prefecture, which has been familiar as a mountain of mountain faith since ancient times. Along with Mt. Fuji, Hakusan, Tateyama, and Oyama, it is counted as one of the seven sacred mountains in Japan. At the top of Mt. Yayama, in the middle of the slope, and at the foot of the mountain, there is a shrine with Mt. Ishizuchi as a sacred mountain, and the head office of the Ishizuchi Shrine at the foot of the mountain, the Okumiya Summit Shrine at the top of the mountain, the Achievement Shrine on the middle of the slope, and the Tsuchikoya Harubaiden are called "Ishizuchi Shrine".

Mt. Ishizuchi straddles Saijo City and Kumakogen Town in Ehime Prefecture. Its main peak, Mt. Tengu, is the highest peak in Western Japan and is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. Mt. Ishizuchi is also known as the spot where the earliest autumn leaves change color in Shikoku. Mt. Ishizuchi is a sacred mountain where mountain priests once came to train. Therefore, the mountain trail has four nearly vertical chain sections with a total length of about 240m, and the highest peak, Mt. Tengu, is a sheer cliff with almost no chain sections at all!! It was the most thrilling mountain climbing experience I've ever had! *Please note that there are detours around the chain sections, so don't worry. Also, the vast majority of people don't climb Mt. Tengu. The observation deck is at the summit of Mt. Misen, which is opposite Mt. Tengu, but when we arrived, it was covered in thick fog, and we waited for over 40 minutes in the freezing cold until the fog cleared... When the fog cleared, cheers rang out from all around! While having lunch on the rocks at the summit of Mt. Tengu, we looked down and saw the rare Brocken phenomenon, where a rainbow ring appears around your shadow! It was a fall foliage climbing experience that gave me a thrill and excitement like never before. Photo on Oct 11 2022 Mt. Ishizuchi-san is a 1,982m high (6,503 ft) mountain on the border of Saijō city and Kumakōgen-cho town in Ehime prefecture, Japan. This mountain is one of the Japan 100 best mountains and the highest one in Western Japan and the Shikoku region, and the fall foliage is the earliest to come to the Shikoku. Mt. Ishizuchi has been worshiped as the spiritual and important object for Shugendo like a mixture of Shintoism and Buddhism. There are 4 heavy iron chains leading up to the summit on the almost sudden vertical drop( at the same time ready for the detour like a step). Mt. Tengu-dake, which is the highest peak of Ishizuchi mountains, is too dangerous to climb up to the peak without chains as well as ropes. It's so thrilling and exciting trekking Anyway! #tripdomestictravel #Ehimeprefecture #autumnleaves #mountainclimbing #greatview #100famousmountainsinjapan

🇯🇵 [Ehime] Rinrin Park! Let's go see Nishikigoi! Nishikigoi in the garden! You can enjoy a leisurely meal while looking at the garden from the restaurant, and the souvenir shop has a wide selection of Shikoku souvenirs such as mandarin oranges, pilgrimage supplies, and more. Many buses stop here from far away when visiting the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku (^^) Please come and visit us! ^ ^ [Location] 50 Akiho-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijo-shi, Ehime 799-1107 [Business hours] 8:30-19:30 (open all year round) *Shop (souvenir shop) is open from 8:30-18:30 #Domestic travel trip #Ehime trip #Ehime sightseeing #Rinrin Park #Nishikigoi

#0yentripautumn Mt. Ishizuchi 📍81 Nishinokawa Shimodani-ko, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, 793-0215 ​​(Ishizuchi Mountain Ropeway, Shimodani Station at the base of the mountain) I climbed Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, at 1,982m above sea level⛰️ You can take the ropeway to the trailhead🚡 At first, it was foggy and I was worried about what to do, but the autumn leaves were beautiful at the summit, and I was even able to see the sea of ​​clouds☁️ I was so tired that I was very moved✨ There are three chain sections on the mountain path, but there are also detours, so if you are not confident, don't push yourself and take the detour! Of course I did! lol It seems that there are a lot of climbers every year during the autumn leaves season! The ropeway has a set time, so check in advance and make sure you get there in time! If you can't make it in time, there are inns where you can stay🙆 It was very tiring because I don't usually exercise, but there were many small children and energetic seniors! If you're confident in your physical strength, give it a go ⛰️

DAY 26: On the 23rd day of the official start of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the 'Ehime Bodhi Dojo' was successfully completed, and half of the extra 20 temples were also completed. As the saying goes, 'A journey of a hundred miles is half done at ninety.' There are things I would never have done before, but now I am challenging my limits. After completing the nearly 1,000-kilometer pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago and the Road to the End of the World in Spain last year (2023), impulsiveness is no longer a mindset but a driving force to keep moving forward. Faith makes one braver, more humble, and more loving. This is what Kobo Daishi taught me on this pilgrimage journey. Knowing that you have so much is the true beginning of wealth. Visiting Sacred Sites: ◎ 60th Yokomineji Temple (Difficult) Elevation 750 meters, six hours of hiking up and down, Inari Torii ◎ 61st Ko-onji Temple Modern architecture, enshrines the deity of safe childbirth and child-rearing ◎ 62nd Hojuji Temple ◎ 63rd Kichijoji Temple, Achievement Stone ◎ 64th Maegamiji Temple Accommodation: Hotel Trend Saijo, Saijo City Today's cycling distance: 41 kilometers Total cycling distance: 1,597 kilometers

#100 Ways to Travel DAY 25: After resting for four days in Matsuyama, today we continue our journey of practicing Buddhism. Starting from our accommodation to Fifty-four Enmeiji Temple, the 42-kilometer distance may take less than an hour by car, but it will take a whole day to hike; leaving the city Then we took Prefectural Road 196 and headed north along the coastline. When the sea breeze from the Seto Inland Sea gets serious, it will blow the whole city blue. Looking back at the road we have ridden, every day is full of memories, and today I also experienced it. It was the worst weather I have ever experienced. I rode in the heavy rain for about two hours. Although I was wearing a Peter Pan raincoat, the heat coming out of my body was like a sweat steamer. The rain did not stop until after noon; Imabari The city is famous for its "shipbuilding" and "towel products". I will visit this city again from Onomichi City via Shimanami Kaido. After visiting the shrine today, I plan to go to Saijo City to rest for three days, travel around and experience life. Visit the shrine: ◎Fifty-fourth Enmeiji Temple Enmeiji Similar in pronunciation to Enmeiji Temple, it was renamed in Meiji ◎55 Nankobo Nankobo Rebuilt after the war, the only one named after the workshop ◎56th Taisanji Temple Taisanji There is no mountain gate and it looks like a Japanese castle. ◎Fifty-seventh Eifukuji Temple Praying for safety at sea, the main scene of the movie "I am a Monk" was shot ◎Fifty-eighth Senyuji Temple Senyuji Elevation 270M, pleasant scenery ◎59th Iyo Kokubunji Temple Kokubunji There are seven little Bodhisattvas in the territory, shaking hands with the master ◎Biege Chapter 10 Xishan Xinglong Temple There is a pair of big straw sandals at the mountain gate, and there is a maple forest inside. You can imagine what a beautiful picture it will be in the autumn season. ◎Beige Shiban Shozenji Temple Ikki Jizo Accommodation: Hotel Trend Saijo, Saijo City Today’s riding mileage: 87 kilometers Cumulative riding mileage: 1556 kilometers #Japan #四国 #四国平路 #四国Banlutonghaohui #Seto内海 #德岛 #apo灵场 #kochi #Tosa神场 #爱hime #sanukishinjang #香川 #伊yospiritual field #biketrip #二人行 #公法师 #南无大师极光天 #四国Banlu88燇sho #yubianlu #shimaamikaiido #小豆岛 #Setouchi National Park #Don’t ask me how much it costs to travel #Ask yourself how many years of youth you have left #japan #tokushima #kochi #ehime #takematsu

#Tourism Kōen-ji Temple is a Shingon sect temple located at 19 Minamikawa-ko, Komatsu-cho, Saijō-shi, Ehime Prefecture, and is loved by local people for its history and beauty. The temple's principal image is Dainichi Nyorai, and the temple has flourished as a base of faith in the area since ancient times. Koen-ji Temple is located in a quiet place surrounded by nature, bringing healing and peace to visitors. The beautiful gardens and architecture within the temple attract and soothe visitors. Koen-ji Temple actively participates in local religious events and charity activities, contributing to the local community. It is also known as a place of training, and many people visit to practice spiritual training and meditate. Its presence has become a spiritual anchor for local people, and it is deeply rooted in the local community as a cultural asset.

#cherryblossom2024 Address: 2 Chome Tenguyama, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0012, Japan. Highlights: Mount Tenguyama, a prominent peak overlooking the charming city of Otaru in Hokkaido, Japan, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. As I embarked on the journey to its summit, I felt a rush of excitement, eager to discover the wonders that awaited me. The ascent up Mount Tenguyama was invigorating, with well-marked trails winding through lush forests and offering glimpses of panoramic vistas along the way. The crisp mountain air filled my lungs as I hiked, and the sounds of nature surrounded me, creating a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world. Reaching the summit of Mount Tenguyama was a truly rewarding experience. From the observation deck, I was treated to sweeping views of Otaru, the shimmering Sea of Japan, and the majestic Hokkaido landscape stretching out before me. It was a moment of awe and wonder, a reminder of the beauty and grandeur of the natural world. #Japan #Hokkaido #awesometrip

It was autumn's welcome, That brought us to Ehime, To walk alongside the colors, In the great mountains, We found a secret haven, A path where locals go to pray, Climbing among ancient trees and old trails, A memory of nature's long years, Sunlight sifts through the leaves, Casting down on the leaf-strewn mountain path, The world is dyed in a gradient by the red leaves, As if colored in a manga, Filled with fantasy. Maple leaves and ginkgo are the protagonists of autumn, A red and yellow pair within the temple grounds. A Shiba Inu treads over the carpet of red leaves, Making a rustling sound with its steps, Perhaps this is the voice of nature itself～ 📍Saizenji Temple in the western mountains of Ehime This is a very niche spot we discovered this time, very close to Imabari where we disembarked. It happened to be deep autumn, and the colors in the mountains were enriched, so we decided to come here to experience it. The Saizenji Temple in the western mountains is deep in the mountains, and it takes 20-30 minutes to drive there from the city, making it a very secluded and niche place. Only upon arrival did we realize how truly beautiful it is, like a fairyland. 🌟Highlights: 1⃣️Self-service vegetable hut At the entrance to the mountains, there's a local's hut with lots of vegetables and fruits, all clearly priced, likely homegrown, so very affordable, like 200 yen for a big bag of persimmons. Hikers usually take some on their way down, just leave the money in the box, very Japanese~ 2⃣️Monks If one wishes to experience the meaning of ascetic practice, you can rent clothes here, so it's common to capture 'monks' climbing the mountain for training. However, it's impolite to take photos directly. This is a beautiful scene at Saizenji Temple. 3⃣️Mountain trails The secret paths through the ancient forest wind upwards, offering many scenic spots for photography along the way. 4⃣️Temples on the mountain Upon reaching the temple, there's still a climb, flanked by red leaves, making it a particularly photogenic spot, as if it's a path of devotion. 5⃣️Surroundings of the temple The temple is enveloped by red leaves and ginkgo, find the right angle and you can capture the feeling of a world bathed in red, along with the Japanese-style architecture, very charming~

The original plan to see the red leaves in the deep mountain valley of Oda has already fallen, so we decided to go to Xishan Xinglong Temple temporarily. Climbing up the steps, we saw two climbers wearing straw hats and robes, we followed their footsteps, as if we could discover the secrets of Xinglong Temple with them. The mountain is not high or low, the weather is not cold or hot, and hiking is very comfortable. We came a few days late, a few days ago the maple leaves were red half the sky, today the fallen leaves are all over the river. This is a very niche maple viewing place, no tourists, only a few locals, like climbing a small mountain near their own home, walking around casually, feeling happy and relaxed. We also saw a unmanned shop on the way (Figure 9), a large bag of persimmons for 500 yen (about 25 yuan), grown by local farmers, fresh and delicious, you can feel the simple and kind folk customs. Although we missed the best maple viewing season, the transparent autumn color here still surprised us. We saw the red maple hidden in the corner of the temple, the ginkgo with golden glow, the graceful tree shadows projected on the walls and stone steps, the flowers and leaves scattered all over the courtyard, the starlight shot out between the eaves and the tree gaps, and the cute Akita dog... All these made me start to understand the beauty of the deep autumn. There is no need to flock to Tokyo or Kyoto to see the red leaves, the red leaves here are not inferior, because fewer people have a better experience. The way home is long and short, the long is the distance, the short is the mood. The five-day and four-night trip to Ehime is over, and I can finally go home. On the first day of each trip, I would say: This trip is so long, it's endless! On the last day, I would say: Is it over? It's too fast, I'm still not satisfied! Especially this trip to Ehime, I can feel the civilization and prosperity of the modern city, and also experience the tranquility and beauty of the countryside. I made a family travel plan, with my wife and two children, to come to Ehime again at the turn of autumn and winter next year, ride a bicycle through the Seto Inland Sea along the island wave road, take a tide-watching boat to enjoy the whirlpool of the Kaido Strait, climb the Matsuyama Castle of the Edo period to overlook the beautiful scenery of the whole city, wait for a beautiful sunset at the nearest station to the sea in the world (Shimotani Station), go to Xishan Xinglong Temple to enjoy the last autumn color, and Ehime orange, sea bream rice... The trip to Ehime is a trip that makes you fall in love with Ehime.

Ishizuchi black tea, a post-fermented tea rich in lactic acid bacteria, is said to be a mythical tea and is now at its peak production. You can also experience it. #traditional culture #gourmet #summer trip