- 2023.12.01
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The harmony of icy blue and lush green on Mt. Iyo-Fuji
Although Kochi is known for its relatively mild weather, you can still experience winter conditions especially in the highlands. Mt. Iyo-Fuji is part of the Ishizuchi Mountain Range that runs along Kochi’s northern border, reaching up to 1,756 meters above sea level. Although it is a stunning place to visit during the warmer months, there’s a natural phenomenon that can only be seen here when the cold hits under specific conditions
You may notice from the photos that only one side is covered in a layer of frost, while the other remains relatively dry and green. Can you guess why?
It is because of the cold wind that blows only on the northern side of the mountain from the Seto Inland Sea! The frost starts to emerge around November, and if you time it right, you can witness the icy slope collaborate with vibrant autumn foliage
Since the mountain roads are closed during the winter months from late November to early April, the only way to see this phenomenon would be to hike up the mountain! The fastest route takes about two hours one way, starting from the Mt. Kanpu Tunnel South Entrance
On your way back down from the trailhead, definitely stop by Michi-no-Eki Konoka for a rejuvenating hot spring dip and scrumptious curry meal–both of which never fail to hit the spot especially after an active day
Mt. Kanpu Tunnel South Entrance
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yoT4GTdR3Jcha6em9
Hiking details (Japanese): https://yamap.com/model-courses/756#model-courses-id-passing-mountains
Blog (Japanese): https://www.narisuba.com/entry/2022/08/17/144506#%E5%AF%92%E9%A2%A8%E5%B1%B1%E3%83%88%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB%E7%99%BB%E5%B1%B1%E5%8F%A3%E6%A1%91%E7%80%AC%E5%B3%A0
Pro tip! The articles linked above are originally in Japanese but you can right click anywhere on the page and choose ""Translate to English"" to get a pretty good idea of what it says!
Michi-no-Eki Konoka
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qDbEY7Qb8Vdg8MCw9
Ishizuchi Mountain Range: https://ishizuchisankei.com/en/about/
UFO Line: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10501
Thank you to Instagram user @akimrn for the stunning photos of Mt. Iyo-Fuji!
@akimrn: https://www.instagram.com/akimrn/
You may notice from the photos that only one side is covered in a layer of frost, while the other remains relatively dry and green. Can you guess why?
It is because of the cold wind that blows only on the northern side of the mountain from the Seto Inland Sea! The frost starts to emerge around November, and if you time it right, you can witness the icy slope collaborate with vibrant autumn foliage
Since the mountain roads are closed during the winter months from late November to early April, the only way to see this phenomenon would be to hike up the mountain! The fastest route takes about two hours one way, starting from the Mt. Kanpu Tunnel South Entrance
On your way back down from the trailhead, definitely stop by Michi-no-Eki Konoka for a rejuvenating hot spring dip and scrumptious curry meal–both of which never fail to hit the spot especially after an active day
Mt. Kanpu Tunnel South Entrance
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yoT4GTdR3Jcha6em9
Hiking details (Japanese): https://yamap.com/model-courses/756#model-courses-id-passing-mountains
Blog (Japanese): https://www.narisuba.com/entry/2022/08/17/144506#%E5%AF%92%E9%A2%A8%E5%B1%B1%E3%83%88%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB%E7%99%BB%E5%B1%B1%E5%8F%A3%E6%A1%91%E7%80%AC%E5%B3%A0
Pro tip! The articles linked above are originally in Japanese but you can right click anywhere on the page and choose ""Translate to English"" to get a pretty good idea of what it says!
Michi-no-Eki Konoka
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qDbEY7Qb8Vdg8MCw9
Ishizuchi Mountain Range: https://ishizuchisankei.com/en/about/
UFO Line: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10501
Thank you to Instagram user @akimrn for the stunning photos of Mt. Iyo-Fuji!
@akimrn: https://www.instagram.com/akimrn/
