Mount Shiude - Kagawa, Japan
Mount Shiude is a popular destination, especially during spring and summer. In spring, the mountain is known for its sweeping cherry blossom views overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, while summer brings hydrangeas framing the same coastal scenery. The view is so well regarded that it has been rated as one of the “Top 15 Cherry Blossom Views in Japan” and frequently appears on lists of places people want to visit before they die.
I had known about this mountain for some time and had always been curious to visit. Although I usually travel to Japan in autumn or winter—far from the ideal season for Mount Shiude—I still wanted to see it for myself. From Takuma Station, I took a community bus that brought me close enough to hike the rest of the way. The buses are infrequent, so it’s best to check the schedule at the Takuma Visitor Centre in advance. The bus drops you off at the trailhead, from where the hike begins.
This hike is scenic from start to finish, with ocean views appearing almost immediately and continuing all the way to the summit. Along the trail, I passed several signs warning hikers about wild boars in the area. The signs noted that the population here is particularly high and emphasized the importance of staying on the trail, as traps are set to help control their numbers. Wild boars aren’t something I typically encounter while hiking in Canada, so I stopped briefly to look up what to do in the event of an encounter.
After familiarizing myself with the precautions, I continued on. About fifteen minutes below the summit, there are two small parking lots with very limited space, and even from here the views were already impressive. The islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea stretched out below, and despite the trees being bare at this time of year, the scenery was still striking. I lingered here for a while, imagining how spectacular it must be during peak bloom, before continuing the final stretch to the summit.
The last section of the trail is particularly pleasant, with trees lining both sides, occasional viewpoints, and benches where you can stop to rest. I had heard that during spring, people bring picnic blankets for flower viewing, and it’s easy to see why. Near the summit, there is a café, and beside it sits a small archaeological area. I decided to take a break at the café and ordered a late lunch, choosing a seat facing the Seto Inland Sea. With good food and a wide-open view, it was a peaceful and welcome break.
Afterwards, I explored the archaeological area. Although small, it includes reconstructions that depict what life may have been like in the past. Stone arrowheads, spearheads, and axeheads have been discovered in this area, adding a historical layer to the visit. I also walked around the mountaintop to check out the different viewpoints. One thing I learned is that Mount Shiude becomes extremely busy during peak seasons. To manage the crowds, reservations are required to drive up to the upper parking area, and shuttle services are offered during peak times.
This is definitely a place I need to return to, ideally during spring or summer, to experience it at its most vibrant.
History & Background
Mount Shiude (紫雲出山) has long been valued not only for its natural beauty but also for its historical significance. Archaeological findings near the summit, including stone tools such as arrowheads and axeheads, suggest that the area was used by early inhabitants. These discoveries point to the mountain’s role as a place of human activity long before it became a scenic lookout.
In modern times, Mount Shiude has gained national recognition for its seasonal views, particularly during cherry blossom season. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the mountain offers panoramic vistas of islands, coastline, and open water, making it one of the most celebrated viewing spots in Kagawa Prefecture. Its popularity has led to visitor management measures, especially during peak bloom periods.
Getting There
Mount Shiude is accessed via JR Takuma Station on the JR Yosan Line in Kagawa Prefecture, with train connections from Takamatsu Station. From Takuma Station, Mitoyo City community buses run toward the Ohama area, where passengers alight at the Ohama bus stop, the main access point for the mountain. Limited local buses continue toward Shiudeyama Tozanguchi, the trailhead, but services are infrequent and vary by day and season. From the trailhead, hiking paths lead up Mount Shiude, while taxis from Takuma Station are a common alternative due to limited bus schedules.
Route Overview
Distance: 12.05 km out & back (Shiudeyama Tozan Guchi Bus Stop)
Total elevation gain: 364 m
Duration: 2 hr 23 min (with breaks 3 hr 10 min)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peak: Mt Shiude 紫雲出山 352 m
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Takuma Station → Ohama Bus Stop — ¥100
Bus: Ohama Bus Stop → Shiudeyama Tozan Guchi Bus Stop — ¥100
Food: ¥1,100
