Shikoku Karst: Sky Ranch and Limestone Groups Spreading Above the Clouds

Shikoku Karst, spreading along the ridge on the border of Ehime and Kochi Prefectures, is one of Japan's Three Great Karsts alongside Akiyoshidai (Yamaguchi Prefecture) and Hiraodai (Fukuoka Prefecture). White limestone rock masses dot the ridgeline at 1,000 to 1,500 meters elevation, and the sight of cattle grazing leisurely on green grassland is a spectacular view described as a paradise in the sky. You can enjoy an exhilarating drive as if running above the clouds, making it a popular spot for riders and photography enthusiasts too.

Highlights: Mezurudaira

Mezurudaira, the center of Shikoku Karst, is a gently rolling grassland area at about 1,300 meters elevation. The contrast between white limestone and green, and the pastoral scene of grazing cattle, spread out. There is a lodge and rest spot called Mezuru-so and a campground, making it ideal as a base for a drive or touring ride. The sunrise and dusk hours are especially fantastical, and the grassland wrapped in morning mist feels like another world. The road continues along the ridge, and stopping the car to walk the grassland lets you savor a 360-degree panorama.

Tengu Plateau

On the Kochi Prefecture side, Tengu Plateau has a visitor center and the lodging facility Hoshi-furu Village TENGU, where you can learn how the karst topography formed. From the walking paths, a 360-degree mountain panorama can be enjoyed, and observing seasonal alpine plants is also appealing. An environment suited to astronomical observation has been developed, and stargazing at the observatory is gaining popularity.

Seasonal Enjoyment: Sea of Clouds and Starry Skies

Because of the high elevation, a sea of clouds sometimes appears on early mornings from spring to autumn, and you may encounter the fantastical sight of white limestone floating in a sea of clouds. With extremely little light pollution, it is also known as a stargazing spot where a sky full of stars spreads out at night. The Milky Way seen in summer is breathtakingly beautiful. Changing its expression by season, with fresh green in early summer and grassland shining golden in autumn, is also part of the appeal. Since the high elevation makes mornings and evenings cold, a jacket is advisable even in summer.

Access and Basic Information

Car access is basic. It takes about two to three hours from the Matsuyama and Ozu direction via National Route 197 and others, and access from the Kochi city direction is also possible. Since narrow sections and winding mountain roads with many curves continue, drive carefully and plan with plenty of time. Shops and facilities on the plateau are limited, so bringing drinks and snacks is advisable. During winter (roughly December to March), the road may be closed due to snow and ice, so be sure to check road information before departure.

Practical Travel Notes

• There are no gas stations on the plateau, so filling up at the base beforehand is advisable.
• The weather changes easily, and fog can roll in even when clear. Allow plenty of time.
• Since it is cold in the mornings and evenings at high elevation, prepare a layer even in summer.
• To catch starry skies, a sea of clouds, or sunrise, staying at a lodging facility on the plateau is recommended.

A Word of Advice

Shikoku Karst is a special place where you can enjoy an exhilarating drive as if running through the sky, along with extraordinary spectacles such as a sea of clouds, starry skies, and grazing cattle all at once. Check the weather, season, and road conditions in advance, and if you choose a clear day, you can encounter scenery that stays with you for life. Allow plenty of time and slowly savor this paradise in the sky. (Tabitabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Ehime and Kochi prefectures, municipalities such as Kumakogen town and Seiyo city, and the facilities at Mezurudaira and Tengu Highland. The information for the Mezuruso lodge and campground, and the visitor center and the Hoshifuru Village Tengu lodging at Tengu Highland, and on-site information boards, are also useful references. Because winter closures and road conditions (roughly December to March) change, please confirm the latest details with each municipality or facility before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About half a day for Mezurudaira and Tengu Highland and a grassland stroll; if you aim for the sea of clouds, stars, or sunrise, staying overnight on the plateau and allowing a full day or more is recommended.
• What to bring: Always bring a layer, as it is cold morning and evening even in summer at elevation. Fuel stations and shops are limited on the plateau, so fill up at the foot and bring drinks and snacks.
• Suggested route: Drive up the mountain roads from the Matsuyama or Ozu side, enjoy the grassland and grazing cattle at central Mezurudaira, and continue along the ridge to the Kochi-side Tengu Highland and its visitor center. Staying overnight lets you aim for the stars and sea of clouds.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Shikoku Karst Mezuruso (Ehime side, Mezuru-daira)

• Restaurant: 11:00-15:00 (last order 14:30)
• Shop: Open from early April to early November, 10:00-19:00 (hours may change or the shop may close depending on the weather). Soft-serve ice cream is sold from around 10:00 to 15:00, with irregular closing days
• Campsite: Check-in 13:00-19:00, check-out by 10:00. One night (one tent, one tarp, one car, up to 6 people) costs 1,500 yen on weekdays and Sundays and 2,500 yen on Saturdays, days before public holidays and in peak periods, plus an environmental maintenance fee of 500 yen per person (the same amount for children)
• Address and phone: 8109 Nishidani, Kumakogen-cho, Kamiukena-gun, Ehime Prefecture / 0892-55-0057

Hoshifuru Village TENGU (Kochi side, Tengu Kogen, elevation 1,485 m)

• Restaurant: 11:00-14:30 (last order 14:00). Outside these hours it is for overnight guests only
• Large communal bath: 15:00-22:00 and 6:00-8:30 the following morning (the sauna cannot be used in the morning)
• Planetarium: 11.2 m in diameter, with each screening lasting 45 minutes for up to 30 people
• Address and phone: 4921-22 Hounoutsu, Tsuno-cho, Takaoka-gun, Kochi Prefecture / 0889-62-3188

Access and roads

• The Tsuno town bus to Tengu Kogen was discontinued in 2017, so it is not possible to reach the Shikoku Karst by public transport
• About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from the Kumakogen town hall
• The routes to the Shikoku Karst from the Ehime side are closed in winter (the road from the Kochi side to Tengu Kogen remains open)
• Mezuru-daira has a car park, toilets and a water point

* No parking fees or opening hours for the Shikoku Karst as a whole are officially published.

(Sources: Shikoku Karst Mezuruso official website; Hoshifuru Village TENGU official website; Kumakogen Town Tourism Association official website)