Origins and History of Tsurugi Shrine
The exact founding date of Tsurugi Shrine is unknown. According to local tradition, it was established during the early settlement of the Iya Mountains, when Oyama-tsumi-no-Mikoto, a deity associated with mountains and nature, was enshrined as a guardian of the surrounding community.
The shrine was formerly known as Otsurugi Gongen. During the early Meiji period, when Japan reorganized its religious institutions, it was renamed Tsurugi Shrine. In 1870, it received recognition as a highly revered shrine, and in 1873 it was elevated to the status of a village shrine under the shrine classification system of the time.
The Deities Enshrined at Tsurugi Shrine
Tsurugi Shrine enshrines three principal deities, each associated with different aspects of Japanese mythology and religious tradition.
Oyama-tsumi-no-Mikoto is a deity associated with mountains and the natural world. The deity’s presence reflects the importance of mountain worship in the communities of the Iya region.
Emperor Antoku was the young emperor who died during the Genpei War in the late twelfth century, when the Taira clan fell from power. His tragic story is closely connected with legends of the Taira clan, which are preserved in various parts of Shikoku.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a powerful figure in Japanese mythology, known for his courage and association with protection against calamities. He is widely worshipped at shrines throughout Japan.
Mount Tsurugi’s Opening Festival
One of the shrine’s most important annual events takes place on April 29, when the traditional opening of the Mount Tsurugi climbing season is celebrated. A religious ceremony is held to pray for the safety of climbers as the mountain becomes more accessible in spring.
During the event, local parishioners carry a portable shrine, or mikoshi, from Tsurugi Shrine to the mountain trailhead, a distance of approximately 300 meters. The procession creates a striking scene against the mountain backdrop. Mochi rice cakes are also thrown to the crowd in the parking area in front of the chairlift boarding point, a festive tradition enjoyed by visitors and local residents.
Annual Festival on July 17
The shrine’s main annual festival is held on July 17. Local parishioners and worshippers gather to express gratitude to the deities and offer prayers. Traditional ceremonies and community activities help pass the shrine’s history and religious customs on to future generations.
Mount Tsurugi: A Mountain of Faith and Natural Beauty
Mount Tsurugi rises to 1,955 meters and lies across the area around Miyoshi City, Mima City, and Naka District in Tokushima Prefecture. It is the prefecture’s highest mountain and one of the most celebrated peaks in the Shikoku Mountains. Its expansive landscapes, highland vegetation, and panoramic views attract hikers throughout the climbing season.
The mountain is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and one of Shikoku’s 100 Famous Mountains. Its natural environment is protected within Tsurugi Quasi-National Park. For centuries, it has also been regarded as a sacred mountain associated with Shugendo, a Japanese religious tradition that combines mountain asceticism with elements of Buddhism and Shinto.
Legends of the Sacred Sword
According to one legend, the name Mount Tsurugi, meaning “Sword Mountain,” comes from a sword belonging to Emperor Antoku that was buried near the summit and revered as a sacred object. This story contributes to the mountain’s mystical reputation and its association with the history of the Taira clan.
Near the summit, Otsurugi Shrine stands among the mountain scenery, while steep and rugged areas known as gyoba have traditionally been associated with ascetic religious practices. These features illustrate how Mount Tsurugi’s dramatic terrain has shaped both its spiritual significance and its appeal to visitors.
Panoramic Views from the Summit
Despite its name, Mount Tsurugi does not have a sharply pointed, sword-like summit. Instead, the top is characterized by broad, gently sloping grasslands and open views across the surrounding mountains. A first-order triangulation station is located at the summit, and the mountain is also included among Japan’s famous peaks with first-order triangulation points.
At approximately 1,955 meters, Mount Tsurugi is the second-highest mountain in western Japan. On clear days, hikers can enjoy sweeping panoramas across the Shikoku Mountains, making the summit a rewarding destination for photography and mountain sightseeing.
Natural Highlights of Mount Tsurugi
Tsurugisan Sacred Water
Mount Tsurugi is home to Tsurugisan Oshikimizu, a spring recognized among Japan’s 100 Famous Waters. The water emerges from limestone strata and is associated with the headwaters of the Iya River. Its clear flow symbolizes the rich natural environment of the region.
The spring is regarded as sacred, and hikers may encounter people visiting to appreciate its water. When exploring the area, follow local guidance and any posted instructions regarding access and water collection.
Rare Highland Vegetation
The mountain’s elevation supports vegetation characteristic of subalpine environments. Coniferous forests include Japanese hemlock and Momi fir, while the endemic Shikoku fir can also be found in the area.
Part of the region has been designated by Japan’s Forestry Agency as the Yarido Forest Tree Genetic Resources Conservation Forest, helping protect valuable forest ecosystems and their genetic diversity.
Wildlife and Conservation
The wider Mount Tsurugi area provides habitat for wildlife including Japanese serows and sika deer. The Shikoku population of the Asiatic black bear has been identified as a threatened regional population, making conservation particularly important.
In recent years, increasing numbers of sika deer have also raised concerns about damage to vegetation and the resulting effects on mountain ecosystems. Visitors can help protect the environment by staying on designated trails and avoiding disturbance to wildlife.
Hiking Mount Tsurugi
Mount Tsurugi offers an accessible mountain experience for many visitors, particularly those who use the Tsurugi Mountain Chairlift. From Mi-no-Koshi Station at approximately 1,420 meters, the chairlift travels to Nishi-jima Station at approximately 1,750 meters in around 15 minutes, reducing the amount of climbing required to reach the upper mountain.
After leaving the chairlift, hikers can choose from several routes to the summit. The 刀掛ノ松 route, commonly known as the ridge route, offers a walk through the mountain landscape, while another route passes Otsurugi Shrine. Both typically take around one hour from the upper chairlift area to reach the summit, although actual times depend on weather, trail conditions, and walking pace.
Using the Chairlift or Walking from Mi-no-Koshi
The Tsurugi Mountain Chairlift generally operates from mid-April through the end of November, allowing visitors to experience the changing seasons in the highlands. Spring brings fresh mountain greenery, summer offers a cool escape from lower elevations, and autumn transforms the landscape with colorful foliage.
Visitors can also climb on foot from the parking area at Mi-no-Koshi without using the chairlift. A trail runs beside the shrine buildings and follows a route parallel to the lift. Regardless of the route chosen, suitable footwear, warm clothing, and attention to changing mountain weather are essential.
Other Places to Visit Around Mount Tsurugi
The Mi-no-Koshi area has other sites of interest for visitors exploring the mountain’s religious and natural heritage. Enpuku-ji Temple is located nearby, offering another opportunity to discover the area’s spiritual traditions. Within Tsurugi Quasi-National Park, places such as Tsurugi Suigen no Mori, or the Forest of Mount Tsurugi’s Water Sources, provide further opportunities to appreciate the mountain environment.
Access to Tsurugi Shrine
By car: Tsurugi Shrine is approximately 90 minutes by car from Mima Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway. The route passes through mountainous terrain, so allow sufficient travel time and check road conditions before departure.
By public transport: From Awa-Ikeda Station on the JR Tokushima Line, Shikoku Kotsu buses run toward Mi-no-Koshi, with a journey of approximately two hours according to the supplied information. Services may be limited or seasonal, so check current timetables and operating dates before planning your trip.
Experience the Spiritual and Natural Heritage of Tokushima
Tsurugi Shrine offers a distinctive combination of mountain worship, historical legends, and spectacular natural scenery. Its position high on Mount Tsurugi makes it an appealing destination for visitors who want to experience the spiritual traditions of Shikoku while exploring one of Tokushima Prefecture’s most impressive mountain landscapes.
Whether you visit to pay your respects, attend the seasonal mountain-opening festival, or begin a hike toward the summit, the shrine provides a memorable introduction to the deep relationship between Japanese religious culture and the natural world.