From $1,245 per person (subject to change based on seasonality and group size).
Experience the raw, spiritual beauty of Tokushima on a high-altitude journey that balances physical challenge with deep cultural immersion. From the sacred slopes of the second-highest peak in Western Japan to the crystal-clear currents of the Yoshino River, this is the ultimate adventure for the soul-seeking traveler.
Day 1: Ascent to the Sacred Heights
Your journey begins with a scenic drive deep into the heart of the Shikoku Mountains. We start our ascent of Mount Tsurugi (1,955m), a peak shrouded in legends of hidden treasures and ancient mountain asceticism.
- Highlight: Enjoy a moderate hike through subalpine forests to the summit, where 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea await on clear days.
- The Experience: Settle into a traditional mountain hut for the night, enjoying a hearty local meal as the stars emerge in one of Japan's least light-polluted regions.
Day 2: Ridgelines and Ravines
After a breathtaking sunrise over the "sea of clouds," we traverse the rolling ridgelines toward Mount Jirogyu. This path offers some of the most iconic trekking photography in Japan, featuring golden bamboo grass and rugged limestone outcrops.
- Highlight: Descent through the Iya Valley gateway, passing through ancient forests where wild deer and serow are frequently spotted.
- The Experience: Relax your muscles in a secluded Iya Onsen, where mineral-rich waters flow from the mountainside into deep cedar-wood baths.
Day 3: The Pulse of the Yoshino River
We transition from the peaks to the "Sabu-ro" (the third-greatest river of Japan). We explore the Yoshino River basin, a lifeline of Tokushima culture.
- Highlight: A cultural walk across the Iya no Kazurabashi (Vine Bridge) followed by a gentle river-trekking or rafting experience in the Oboke Gorge, where 200-million-year-old crystalline schist formations tower above the emerald water.
- Conclusion: The tour concludes with a visit to a local indigo workshop, connecting the blue of the river to Japan’s traditional "Japan Blue" craft before your departure.
