Mount Washu - Okayama, Japan
I made a quick stop in Kojima—famous for its denim—but my main goal was hiking the Kaze no Michi trail and visiting Mt. Washu (133 m). The trail follows the old Shimotsui Electric Railway line. While most of the railway is gone, signs mark former stations and tracks, offering a fascinating glimpse into its history. Walking along it felt like stepping back in time, imagining the small trains that once threaded through this seaside region.
Starting near Kojima Station, the trail was easy and scenic, with paved paths and gentle inclines. About two-thirds of the way, I turned off to climb Mt. Washu. The ascent was short, with a few viewpoints along the way offering glimpses of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. At the summit, the views were spectacular: the bridge stretching across the Seto Inland Sea, rolling waves, and small islands scattered across the horizon. Because the bridge is 13.1 km long, you can’t see it all at once, but the visible sections from Mt. Washu were breathtaking.
I paused at the visitor center to rest and chat with the friendly staff. They showed me photos of the trail and even presented me with a certificate for completing the hike—a small, personal touch that made the experience all the more memorable.
On my way back to Kojima Station, I stumbled upon a local boat race and stopped for a few minutes to watch. It was a first for me and surprisingly thrilling, adding an unexpected twist to the day. With time to spare before my train, I grabbed a quick conveyor-belt sushi meal near the station, savoring the fresh seafood while reflecting on the hike.
Though the trail is short and relatively easy, it’s packed with history, coastal charm, and panoramic vistas—a perfect mix of outdoor exercise, sightseeing, and unexpected discoveries.
Background
Mt. Washu and the Kaze no Michi trail in Kojima offer a unique mix of history, coastal scenery, and cultural charm. Mt. Washu has long been a vantage point for viewing the Seto Inland Sea, and the trail itself traces the route of the former Shimotsui Electric Railway line. Walking it allows hikers to enjoy sweeping sea views, spot remnants of the railway, and feel connected to Kojima’s past as a small, industrious port town.
Getting There
The closest major station is Kojima Station. As my journey starts in Marugame in Shikoku, there are two options: a Limited Express (18 minutes) or two Local trains (39 minutes). I opted for the Shiokaze Limited Express — it cost a bit more, but the local train requires a transfer. From Kojima Station, it’s a short walk to the Kaze no Michi trailhead, making it easy to access the hike.
Route Overview
Distance: 10.58 km out & back (Kojima Station)
Total elevation gain: 176 m
Duration: 2 hr 11 min (with breaks 2 hr 33 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Peak: Mt Washu 鷲羽山 133m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Marugame Station → Kojima Station — ¥1,730
Food: ¥2,610
