【Adventure tourism】Experience low-altitude mountain climbing at Takamatsu Crater Goza in Kagawa and walking tours in Busshozan

The adventure tourism trend, focused on nature and cultural experiences in travel destinations, is capturing the interest of many travelers. Its appeal is in profound experiences that enable you to be rejuvenated and reconnect with your inner self. We invite you to immerse yourself in calm nature intertwined with the essence of the land.

Engage in adventure tourism in Takamatsu City, Kagawa, an experience that will leave a lasting impression on your mind long after your trip ends.

Climb mountains at Takamatsu Crater Goza, a group of five mountains located in the heart of Takamatsu

The Busshozan area of Takamatsu City is home to Takamatsu Crater Goza mountains that are cherished by hiking enthusiasts.

The five mountains in this group are Mt. Hiyama, Mt. Hizumayama, Mt. Umayama, Mt. Jissoujiyama and Mt. Uwasayama. These mountains are situated near an underground crater, approximately 4 km in diameter, which was formed by volcanic eruptions in the Seto Inland Sea 14 million years ago.

A team of researchers at Kanazawa University discovered that the gravity level in the Busshozan area is lower than in other areas. This is believed to be a result of a significant buildup of groundwater within the crater following the volcanic eruptions. The quiet countryside holds a romantic essence that dates back to prehistory.

Gravity Map

Gravity Map

Source：Geographical Survey of Japan, AIST　Website　GeomapNavi（https://gbank.gsj.jp/geonavi/）
Gravity lines processed by Gofield Inc. using GeomapNavi's gravity maps (https://gbank.gsj.jp/geonavi/)

Let's hike up one of the five mountains, Mt. Uwasayama.

The trailhead can be found on the north side of the mountain, close to the monument in Takamatsu Peace Park Cemetery. The monument was created by Shiro Hayami, a sculptor from Kagawa Prefecture.

In a peaceful atmosphere, we head towards the trailhead.

The initial part of the climb is steep. The mountainside is covered in decomposed granite soil. Be cautious and advance slowly on the soft ground.

The sunlight peeking through the trees is refreshing.

As you glance at your feet, you see tiny creatures and nuts. The sound of birds chirping can be heard in the distance.

Use ropes when climbing steep slopes.

It is encouraging to spot the signs in various places telling you you've reached the Xth station.

The Ousayama-jo mountain castle was constructed on Mt. Uwasayama in about 1400. The ruins of the castle wall, the kuruwa, are visible near the sixth station.

As we reach the eighth station, the sky begins to open up. We are just about to reach the summit.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the 255 meter summit from the trailhead.

The summit offers a complete 360° panoramic view that includes Yashima, Megijima, Mt. Goken and the bare rock of Mt. Yurayama.

▼Hiking in Kagawa — Ideal for beginners and families! Omusubiyama in Takamatsu
https://www.art-takamatsu.com/jp/travel/sightseeing/entry-760.html

The large body of water down there is Saburo Pond, famous for its dragon legend.

Pause and rest under the shade of the symbolic jolcham oak tree.

You can write a post in the Uwasayama Journal to mark your climb.

Descend the path that you have climbed.

Discover the legend of the dragon at Saburo Pond

Visit Saburo Pond which you could see from the summit.

During the 1600s, Saburo Pond was constructed under the orders of Takatoshi Ikoma, the feudal lord of Sanuki Province, who delegated the task to his vassal, Hachibei Nishijima.
Legend has it that the pond was once home to a mother and son snake. Because her body was too big for Saburo Pond, the mother snake rode a tornado to Manno Pond, a large pond in the west. Hearing the cries of her baby snake being bullied by village children, the mother snake turned into a dragon and came back. A statue of the mother snake turned into a dragon is next to the pond.

When looking at the pond, Mt. Uwasayama is unexpectedly impressively high, evoking a feeling of accomplishment in having climbed the mountain. The iconic tree at the summit is just visible.

When standing at Jurenji Pond, which is west of Sanshiro Pond, you can admire all five of the Takamatsu Crater Goza mountains at the same time.

Take a leisurely walk through Busshozan, a nostalgic temple town.

From Jurenji Pond to the temple town area of Busshozan

Onari Kaido road links Busshozan Station of Kotoden Line and Honen Temple, which was the family temple of Matsudaira Yorishige, the first lord of the Takamatsu Domain. Along this road is a streetscape that makes you sense the history of the once flourishing temple town.

Search for restaurants that you like.

The historic Kanzakiya building is a vinegar shop that dates back to the Edo period. Vinegar is crafted in cedar barrels using the age-old method of static fermentation. Busshozan offers a chance to experience a unique culinary tradition like this.

To cap off your adventure tourism activities, enjoy a relaxing and reinvigorating soak at Busshozan Onsen, a hot spring fed by water from 1,750 meters below Takamatsu Crater.

Introduction to the Takamatsu Crater Goza Mountains

Things to be careful when hiking low mountains:

Wear a long-sleeved shirt, full-length trousers and sneakers. Wear light colored clothing to deter mosquitoes and bees. Avoid black clothing.
If you encounter a hornet, avoid brushing it off with a hand. Instead, wait patiently until it is gone. Take extra care in autumn because hornets are more active in this season.
Use insect repellant to deter mosquitoes and ticks. Check the ingredients of repellants carefully if you use them on children.

Mt. Uwasayama

Address: Mitanicho, Takamatsu, Kagawa

It is about 40 minutes on the Kotoden Bus (either the Kawashima line or the Nishiueta line) from Takamatsu Station to the Ikeda bus stop. （Via SUNMESSE KAGAWA）
The trailhead is a fifteen-minute walk from the Ikeda bus stop.

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