Mount Tsurugi is the highest peak in Tokushima Prefecture, standing at 1,955m above sea level. Take the single-seater mountain lift from Minokoshi (1,420m) to Nishijima Station (1,750m). From there, it takes about an hour to reach the summit, choosing from well-maintained footpaths and ridge paths. The summit features a boardwalk and observation deck, offering panoramic views stretching west to Mount Ishizuchi and north to the Seto Inland Sea and Awaji Island. Easy even for beginners, it's also ideal for family hikes and hiking.

The ridgeline leading to Jirogui is particularly beautiful.

Highlights along the way include the sacred landscapes of Daiken Shrine, sacred water, and sacred stone shrines. From late July to mid-August, the "flower of the end of the world," the Kirengeshoma, blooms, revealing its delicate yellow blossoms around the pilgrimage site. Known as one of the 100 famous flowering mountains, this seasonal beauty is unique to Mount Tsurugi, making it a popular destination during the summer vacation season. For photography, the best time to visit is during the morning slanting light or a break in the fog.

If you're physically in good shape, the standard route is to extend the ridgeline extending east from the summit to Jirogui (1,930m). While there are some ups and downs, on clear days it's a great route with the undulating mountain ranges of the Shikoku Mountains unfolding. For a quieter traverse, consider Ichinomori in the northeast. Both offer excellent views and a greater sense of accomplishment than climbing Mount Tsurugi alone.

[Fun Facts]
- Mount Tsurugi is located in the eastern part of the Shikoku Mountains and is the second highest peak in western Japan west of Kinki, after Mount Ishizuchi. The summit is a sacred mountain that flourished as a mountain of mountain worship, and is home to Tsurugi Shrine, Jirogui Shrine, and a third-order triangulation point called "Mount Tsurugi."
- Mount Tsurugi Hongu Tsurugi Shrine is located near the summit. The summit festival is held there every year on July 17th.

[Hidden Gem Spots]
- Ichinomori: A small peak with a quiet ridge walk and a beautiful moss-covered forest. A round-trip hike feels like a mini-traverse.
- Nishijima Shrine to Otsurugi Shrine area: A religious landscape dotted with sacred rocks and small shrines. Foggy mornings are a mystical experience.

[Useful Points to Note]
- The parking lot fills up early in the morning during peak season.
- The access road is not so narrow that it's impossible to pass other vehicles, but caution is required as the narrow, winding mountain path continues. Seasickness medication is essential for passengers and others.
- Even without using the lift, the journey takes an additional 30 to 60 minutes on foot (approximately 330 meters of elevation gain). Taking into account wait times for the lift during peak seasons, it may be quicker for physically fit people to walk.