Entry restrictions will be in place during the above dates.
- What is Mt. Shiude (Shiudeyama) -
Located on the Shonai Peninsula in Mitoyo, Kagawa, Mt. Shiude (also known as Shiudeyama) rewards those who travel off the beaten path.
Walk along the mountaintop path to the observation deck, where breathtaking views of the island-dotted Seto Inland Sea spread before you and the outline of mainland Japan beckons in the distance. Mt. Shiude has been recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful sakura sites and was featured on the New York Times’ list of 52 places to go in 2019.
A Name with Legendary Origins
Mt. Shiude's name means "the mountain where purple clouds emerge" and originates from the Legend of Urashima Taro, a popular Japanese folktale. Many people believe that the legend took place on and around the Shonai Peninsula.
According to the story, Urashima Taro was a fisherman who saved a turtle. In return, the turtle carried him to a palace below the sea where he was entertained by a beautiful princess. Eventually, growing homesick, he told the princess of his desire to return to his home, so she sent him back after gifting him with a treasure box and a warning him that he must never open it. Urashima Taro returned to his village to find that many years had passed. Forgetting the princess's instructions, he opened the treasure box -allowing a cloud of smoke to escape- and found himself transformed into an old man. It's said that when Urashima Taro opened the treasure box, the escaping smoke formed purple clouds which hung over the mountain that is now Mt. Shiude, giving it this name.
Sunset from the Summit Observation Deck This site is currently undergoing treatment (see ‘Conservation’ for more info.)
View the Setouchi in harmony with cherry blossoms
- Reservation System
The Challenge of Overtourism
No space for cars to pass
3+ hour wait to board a shuttle bus
・Beginning in 2021, advance reservations were required for entry.
・This reduced wait times, prevented crowding, and created a safer visitor experience for all guests.
Fewer guests make for better views
Safer Parking
Reserve Tickets Online in Advance5 Time Slots per Day
Group
Check-In
Start～Leave By
Agroup
8:30
9:00～10:30
Bgroup
10:30
11:00～12:30
Cgroup
12:30
13:00～14:30
Dgroup
14:30
15:00～16:30
Egroup
16:30
17:00～18:30
Each day visitors will be divided in to 5 time slots and travel to the summit in a 60-in-60-out system.
This will also limit the number of visitors to the mountain, allowing for a more comfortable viewing experience.
A better experience with fewer people blocking your shots
Check in at Ohama Fishing Port at the foot of the mountain.
The local community planted the cherry trees 60 years ago, and continues to support visitors during Sakura Season.
The price of admission directly funds the conservation Mt. Shiude’s cherry trees.
Online reservations allow for more efficient administration
90% of guests express satisfaction. Data utilized for marketing purposes.
Charging Admission Makes Conservation Possible
Large crowds put a great deal of stress on the environment and local residents. Requiring reservations relieves these problems.
- Directions -
Sat., Mar. 23～Wed., April 10, 2024
Personal Vehicles(Includes Rental Cars, Motorcycles, Private-Hire Taxis)
Online advance reservation required. Tickets available beginning March 4, 2024 at noon JST.
Each day visitors will be divided in to 5 time slots and travel to the summit in a 60-in-60-out system.
Admission
Allows entry for one vehicle of up to 6m in length.
One ticket is required per vehicle (no matter how many passengers). Prices include sales tax.
Weekdays ¥1,750 Weekends ¥2,300
Time Slots
Sat., March 23 – Wed., April 10, 2024
Group
Check-In
Start～Leave By
Agroup
8:30
9:00～10:30
Bgroup
10:30
11:00～12:30
Cgroup
12:30
13:00～14:30
Dgroup
14:30
15:00～16:30
Egroup
16:30
17:00～18:30
・Motorcycles will be treated as any other personal vehicle. (As 2 motorcycles can share a space, 2 motorcycles may travel to the summit together with one ticket.)
・For our visitors’ safety, motorized vehicles with engines below 50ccs will not be permitted entry.
・Groups may extend their time on the summit by purchasing tickets for 2 time slots in a row.
・The final group of each day, group E, may remain on the summit past 18:30, but does so at their own risk. (Please alert a staff member if you plan to do this.)
Sales Period: Noon on Monday, March 3rd until noon 3 days before the ticketed date
・Tickets cannot be returned or refunded once purchased.
・Please only purchase after you have confirmed that you have selected your desired date and time slot correctly.
- Hiking -
・Allow for 90 minutes one way (parking lot to peak)
・Reservations are not required (entry may be restricted during peak times)
・For your safety do not use the main road, instead hike on the Shikoku-no-michi Nature Trail.
・Please pay ¥500 when you reach the peak.
・The trail is not paved. Hiking is not advised for first-time hikers.
・Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking.
Large busses cannot pass through the narrow road up the mountain. Please arrive in a medium or smaller bus.
バリアフリー観光
Beautiful Sakura for All
Taxi Service for Wheelchair Users
2024 marks the beginning of greater accessibility for disabled visitors to Mt. Shiude
with a taxi service for wheelchair users.
In order to make Mt. Shiude a site that truly anyone can enjoy, a limited-time wheelchair accessible taxi service will run to the summit during Sakura Season.
Use the Takuma Line(⑧) or the Takuma-Mino Line(⑩).
Do not get off at the Mt. Shiude Trailhead Bus Stop.You will not be permitted to hike up the road. Hikers must get off at the Ohama Bus Stop and hike on the Shikoku-no-michi Nature Trail.
Many of Mt. Shiude's sakura trees are over 60 years old, and
witches' broom disease is spreading among them.
Preserving the Beauty of Mt. Shiude for Future Generations
View from the Summit Observation Deck in 2010 (now pruned significantly).
An older tree toppled by a typhoon
Pruning and treatment of infected branches
From 2021 to 2023, the sakura trees of Mt. Shiude have been undergoing large-scale pruning and treatment of infected branches. This will allow them to put out new, healthy shoots.
While the trees are recovering, the scenery on the mountaintop will not be the same as in previous years. We appreciate your cooperation and support as we await the return of a healthy, vibrant Mt. Shiude.
Your Ticket Includes a Contribution to Sakura Conservation
Help preserve Mt. Shiude for future generations.
2019. Many of the cherry trees were afflicted with witches’ broom and blooming less and less. Their weakened branches were easily broken during typhoons and strong winds.
Late March 2023.
Diseased branches which were pruned in 2021 have begun to regrow, and the vista is slowly regaining its former glory.
More Trees to be Planted in 2024
Mt. Shiude is also valued as the site of artifacts from the Yayoi Period (c.300BC-300AD). A plan is being made to plant new cherry trees while preserving this valuable history.
Constant vigilance is key. A record is kept for each tree’s condition, and its treatment is frequently checked and adjusted by an arborist.
At present, we have received
¥ 4,363,185
from our very generous donors!
These funds have allowed us to expand conservation and maintenance efforts on Mt. Shiude. We greatly appreciate your continued support.
Patient records of each tree
A withered tree, previously dead, sprouts new shoots and leaves
cooperation
Hydrangeas for Mt. Shiude
Hydrangeas improve the scenery even after their season ends as dry flowers.
Part of the proceeds for each sale go towards conservation on Mt. Shiude.
Hydrangeas set against the Setouchi
Hydrangea Walk (June-July)
This project takes hydrangea blossoms from Mt. Shiude that are past their peak and refreshes them. In cooperation with a local company, these blossoms are dried and sold, and a portion of the proceeds go to funding the ongoing conservations efforts on Mt. Shiude.
A yearly event since 2020, these dried flowers are now available at 3 locations. After enjoying the live blooms, check out these dried flowers too.
The ceiling of Seasonal Stand,
a dry flower shop by Chichibugahama Beach
- Things to Know -
Off-Hours Visitors
Notice: The road will be closed to all traffic during off-hours for visitors’ safety from March 30th due to a recent rockslide which occurred on March 26th, 2024. The road including Shikoku-no-michi nature trail will be closed again for further repairs after Sakura Season ends, beginning Thursday, April 11th.（Exact dates TBD）
Large crowds are expected outside of event hours. At this time, there will be no one to
direct traffic. The road up the mountain is steep, and there are numerous places where cars
cannot pass. All visitors travel at their own risk. For everyone's safety, please do not enter
with large vehicles at this time.
All vehicles must vacate the summit parking lots by 8am.
The summit has parking space for a maximum of 60 vehicles.
In order to allow as many visitors as possible to enjoy the cherry blossoms,
off-hours vehicles must make way for those arriving during event hours.
We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our off-hours guests.
Please Note:
・Customers can purchase up to 3 tickets (entry for 3 vehicles) at one time. Customers wishing to purchase more than 3 tickets will need to make multiple purchases.
・Tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis. The limitation on the number of tickets which can be purchased at one time is intended to allow as many people as possible to visit. Please be considerate of other guests and refrain from purchasing multiple time slots.
・Cars will depart from Ohama Fishing Port in order of arrival. Therefore, individual times of arrival on the summit and duration of visit may vary slightly.
・The road up the mountain is very narrow and there are many places with drainage trenches immediately next to the road in which cars can easily become stuck. Please drive cautiously. The event organizers are not responsible for any car-related issues or accidents during the event.
Cancellations:
・Alterations and cancellations are unavailable after purchase. Thank you for understanding.
Safety Notices:
・Due to its status as a national park, open flames are not permitted anywhere on Mt. Shiude.
・Barbecue grills of any kind are not permitted.
・Drones are prohibited. During Sakura Season, Mt. Shiude is considered to be an event space; Japanese law prohibits the use of drones in highly-populated areas such as events.
・Press affiliates should contact the Mitoyo Tourism and Exchange Authority (0875-56-5880 or info@mitoyo.org) in advance.
Additional Warnings:
・At present, the cherry trees on Mt. Shiude are undergoing significant conservation efforts, including pruning. The actual location may not appear as pictured.
・The event and traffic restrictions are subject to cancellation at any time by the organizers. The organizers are not responsible for the loss of any associated travel costs, including but not limited to transportation fees and hotel costs. ・Guests with physical disabilities are able to travel to the primary and secondary parking lots by car (see the Mt. Shiude Summit Map above). This includes the most popular cherry blossom viewing site in the secondary parking lot with a gorgeous view of the Seto Inland Sea.
・Unfortunately, the accessible summit parking lot across from the archaeological museum and café is unavailable during Sakura Season due to the volume of guests making safe navigation to the true summit impossible. The staff would be happy to offer advice on other sites suitable to guests’ needs.
Community Bus Timetable
