Mount Ishizuchi and Saijo Spring Water Course

This course lets you gaze at Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, while tasting the Saijo spring water called uchinuki, chosen among Japans hundred famous waters. Feel the grandeur of the mountain and the blessing of pure water in a single day.

Course Route

9:00 Start at JR Saijo Station Get ready for the trip in front of the station and set out to explore the town of famous water. The Railway History Park in Saijo next to the station is an easy stop to add.

9:30 Tour the uchinuki spring spots Visit the free flowing wells called uchinuki scattered around the city and taste the clear water. Saijos uchinuki is chosen among the Ministry of the Environments hundred famous waters, and the city has many self flowing points.

11:00 Move to the Ishizuchi Ropeway Head to Sanroku Shimotani Station by bus or car and ride the ropeway up to Joju Station on the mid slope. The ropeway links Shimotani Station at about 455 meters with Joju Station at about 1300 meters in roughly 8 minutes, and the round trip fare is 2200 yen for adults and 1100 yen for children.

12:30 Stroll around Joju sha Walk from Joju Station to Ishizuchi Jinja Chugu Joju sha and feel the air of the sacred peak. This is also the starting point for the climb of Mount Ishizuchi, and on clear days you can look toward the summit.

14:30 Return to Saijo Descend by ropeway while enjoying the mountain scenery and head back to the city.

15:30 Refresh with uchinuki Close out the trip with one more taste of the famous water.

Highlights

The majestic form of the sacred Mount Ishizuchi and the clear uchinuki water welling up across the city are the highlights. The mountain views from the ropeway are also well worth seeing. As one of the hundred famous waters, uchinuki is used for drinking and daily life and symbolizes Saijo.

Access and Tips

The spring spots within Saijo City can be toured on foot or by bicycle. Buses or cars are convenient for reaching the Ishizuchi Ropeway, whose base is Sanroku Shimotani Station. For a full climb to the summit, prepare proper gear before setting out. The ropeway suspends service during periodic inspections and other times, so checking the operating status in advance brings peace of mind.

Practical Travel Notes

Time guide: Allow about one to two hours for touring the uchinuki springs, and about two to three hours for the ropeway round trip and a stroll around Joju sha. Adding a climb beyond Joju sha requires more time and proper gear.

Getting there: Saijo Station and Iyo Saijo Station on the JR Yosan Line are the gateways. The ropeway base at Sanroku Shimotani Station is reached by local bus or car. Since service is limited, checking timetables in advance is recommended.

Fare guide: The round trip fare on the Ishizuchi climbing ropeway is 2200 yen for adults and 1100 yen for children as of 2025. Touring the uchinuki springs itself is free.

Seasonal note: The mountaintop is much colder than the lowlands and can feel chilly even in summer, so a jacket is essential. In winter, watch for snow and ice.

Budget: The ropeway round trip plus bus and lunch come to roughly 3500 to 4500 yen per person.

A Quick Tip

The mountaintop is colder than the lowlands, so bring a jacket. A container to carry water home lets you enjoy the famous spring water later. Because the ropeways first and last trips change by season, always confirm the time of the last descent.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Operating times (Ishizuchi Climbing Ropeway): Cars depart both up and down at 00, 20 and 40 minutes past each hour. Operating hours vary by season and day of the week: roughly 8:40 to 17:00 from 2 January to 28 April and on weekdays in May and June, 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays in July and August, and 7:40 to 18:00 on weekends, public holidays and during Golden Week
• Fares (Ishizuchi Climbing Ropeway): One way is 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children. The sightseeing chairlift at the top costs extra, at 600 yen return or 350 yen one way
• Closures: The ropeway suspends all services for periods of scheduled maintenance. The dates are announced on the official website, so check before visiting
• Parking: There are private car parks around the ropeway's Shimotani Station, and the official website quotes from 500 yen per day for an ordinary car and from 2,500 yen per day for a bus. Only authorised vehicles may drive up to the station, so you walk there from the car park
• Visiting hours and admission (Railway History Park in SAIJO): The Shikoku Railway Museum is open 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:30) and costs 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students, with preschool children free of charge. The Sogo Shinji Memorial Museum and the Tourist Exchange Centre are free to enter, and the Tourist Exchange Centre is open 9:00 to 18:00 (product sales until 17:30)
• Closures (Railway History Park in SAIJO): The Shikoku Railway Museum and the Sogo Shinji Memorial Museum are closed on Wednesdays (the following day when Wednesday is a public holiday). The Tourist Exchange Centre is open year-round
• Enquiries: 0897-59-0331 (Ishizuchi Climbing Ropeway) / 0897-47-3575 (Railway History Park in SAIJO, Tourist Exchange Centre)
• Official information: Ishizuchi Climbing Ropeway Co., Ltd. official website; Railway History Park in SAIJO official website; Saijo City official website, "Uchinuki, the Famous Water of Saijo"

The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.