Manten spot

Shikoku Karst

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An idyllic expanse above the clouds

Extending east-west about 25 km along the border between Ehime and Kōchi prefectures at elevations between 1,000 and 1,500 m, the Shikoku karst is a majestic place of scenic beauty counted as one of Japan’s three major karst landscapes. With cattle put out to pasture here, scenes of calmly grazing cows, blue skies stretching to infinity and scatterings of white limestone outcroppings seem to transport visitors to another world.

The route traversing the Shikoku karst from Tengu Kōgen at the eastern tip past Mezuru-daira plateau toward Ōnoga-hara at the western tip is great for auto touring and for hiking on foot alike.

With its natural abundance, the Shikoku karst offers a respite from the daily hustle and bustle to refresh visitors in body as well as mind and spirit.

The main auto route traversing the Shikoku karst offers an expedient course with majestic scenery to enjoy along the way.

Just take care when crossing paths with oncoming traffic, as the lanes tend to be narrow in many places. The route is also closed to traffic in winter due to the snowfall.

* Don’t forget to refuel before heading for the Shikoku karst! Be sure to take care, as some fuel stations may be closed on weekends.

Basic Information for the Whole Shikoku Karst Area

Address: Nishidani, Kumakōgen-chō, Kamiukena-gun, Ehime [google map]

Access: 1 hour by car from Kumakōgen-chō Town Hall

Contact: Kumakōgen-chō Tourism Association　0892-21-1192

Hiking and Trekking in the Shikoku Karst

Lured by the refreshing highland breeze

The area near the upper reaches of the karst is a cold zone with annual temperatures of around 8-9°C. The best season for hiking is early summer, around June and July. This is the time when morning star lilies (Lilium concolor) come into bloom all around the karst, and you may even be treated to the sight of a flowery meadow of Ligularia japonica!
While day trips can be enjoyed here, there are lodging facilities and campground as well. If you have time, why not lodge here and watch for shooting stars amid the star-filled skies?

Safety Considerations
Hikers’ do’s and don’ts:
・Take your time while hiking
・Be mindful of the natural objects around you
* Watch your step and beware of falling rocks, etc.!
・Be sure to call off hiking plans in the case of rainy weather
・Be sure to check your location on a map from time to time while hiking
・Refrain from indiscriminately veering from the set paths
・In May, blackflies appear, which suck blood. Be sure to also thoroughly protect yourself from ixodid ticks for which caution is called for throughout Japan. Please keep in mind precautions such as minimizing skin exposure, wearing gloves and so on. Be sure to also check to make sure no ticks have gotten on you or bitten you.
・Regarding mobile phone coverage, there is no service in some areas due to geographical features.
・The Shikoku karst is a nature park. Collecting of wild plants, etc. is prohibited.

Address: Nishidani, Kumakōgen-chō, Kamiukena-gun, Ehime [google map]

Access: 1 hour by car from Kumakōgen-chō Town Hall

Contact: Kumakōgen-chō Tourism Association　0892-21-1192

Shikoku Karst Cycle Rental

Cycling through stunning scenery with an e-bike

視界をさえぎるものが何もない四国カルストの高原で、爽やかな風を感じながら楽しくサイクリング！
広大な景色と青空の中、自転車で颯爽と走れば日頃のストレスも吹き飛びます。

四国カルストはフォトジェニックなスポットも盛りだくさん。自転車で走れば一生の思い出になること間違いなし。
家族や友人、グループ、恋人と一緒に、天空サイクリングにでかけませんか。