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Shikoku Karst – Sky-High Grasslands, Scenic Drives and Star-Filled Nights

Shikoku Karst – Sky-High Grasslands, Scenic Drives and Star-Filled Nights
Straddling the border of Ehime and Kochi, the Shikoku Karst is a plateau around 1,400 meters high known as a “sky meadow,” with rolling grasslands, limestone outcrops and one of Japan’s most scenic driving routes. This guide introduces key areas like Tengu Kogen and Mezurudaira, hiking and picnic spots, stargazing tips and local dairy treats, as well as how to access the area by car, the best seasons to visit and what to pack for the cool highland weather.

Highlights

Shikoku Karst Quick Guide

A highland plateau at roughly 1,000–1,400 m where grasslands and dramatic limestone formations create a “sky-high meadow,” ideal for scenic drives and stargazing.

Must-See Highlights

Tengu Plateau and Himezurudaira, plus distinctive limestone outcrops. With low light pollution, it’s also known for night skies—on summer nights, you may see the Milky Way.

Access Basics

By car, it’s about 2.5 hours from central Matsuyama and about 2.5 hours from central Kochi. Public transportation is difficult, so a rental car or tour is often more suitable.

Things to Do

Enjoy viewpoint drives, hiking, picnics, photography, and nighttime stargazing—there’s a wide range of ways to spend time here.

Local Treats Nearby

You can find fresh dairy products such as karst milk and highland ice cream in the area.

Weather & Clothing Tips

Temperatures can be lower and winds stronger on the plateau, so warm layers are helpful. Weather can change quickly.

Recommended Time Needed

Including the drive, planning at least a half-day visit makes it easier to enjoy the area.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Shikoku Karst? A Highland Plateau with Spectacular “Sky” Views

Shikoku Karst is a highland area at an elevation of around 1,400 meters, stretching along the border of Ehime and Kōchi prefectures.

It is counted as one of Japan’s three major karst landscapes, alongside Akiyoshidai in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Hiraodai in Fukuoka Prefecture, and is a popular sightseeing area known for grand mountain scenery and natural beauty.

The area is characterized by a unique terrain of vast grasslands dotted with white limestone (karrenfeld), and is also called the “Sky Grassland.”

In addition to seasonal scenery throughout the year, it is also famous nationwide as a stargazing spot thanks to low light pollution.


Highlights and Attractions of Shikoku Karst

1. Spectacular Scenic Drive Route “Road in the Sky”

Shikoku Karst is known as one of Japan’s top scenic driving routes.

The road across the karst plateau is sometimes called the “Road in the Sky,” where you can enjoy views of grasslands spreading out on both sides and mountains in the distance.

There are viewpoints along the route where you can stop your car and enjoy photography.

It is often enjoyed as a leisurely 1 to 2 hour drive.

2. Tengu Kōgen and Mezuru-daira | Popular Spots on the Karst Plateau

Among the karst area’s many attractions, Tengu Kōgen and Mezuru-daira are especially popular.

  • Tengu Kōgen: Located on the Tsuno Town side in Kōchi Prefecture, it is known for magnificent mountain ranges and expansive grasslands.
  • A promenade known as the “Therapy Road” is maintained here, making it ideal for hiking and picnics.
  • Mezuru-daira: Located on the Seiyo City side of Ehime Prefecture (near the Kuma Kōgen Town boundary), this peaceful spot is known for its pastoral scenery where grazing cows calmly eat grass.
  • It also has a campsite and lodge, where you can stay overnight and enjoy stargazing.

3. Limestone Formations of Shikoku Karst

Limestone typical of karst topography is scattered throughout the grassland, and its unique shapes are eye-catching.

The white limestone groups called “karrenfeld” are natural artworks formed over long years by rainwater erosion.

The scenery of white limestone standing out against the green grassland is a spectacular view that can only be seen here.

4. Stargazing | A Sacred Spot Where You Can See the Milky Way with the Naked Eye

Because there are no large cities nearby and light pollution is low, Shikoku Karst is famous as a place to enjoy a sky full of stars.

Especially on summer nights (July to September), the Milky Way is easy to see, making it an irresistible destination for astronomy fans.

In winter (December to February), winter constellations including Orion shine vividly.

The campsite at Mezuru-daira is popular as a base for stargazing.

5. Seasonal Natural Beauty

  • Spring (late April to May): Fresh greenery spreads across the plateau, and wildflowers bloom.
  • Summer (July to August): Cool highland breezes and lush grasslands can be enjoyed, making it a popular summer retreat.
  • Autumn (mid-October to early November): Silver grass sways in the wind, creating dreamlike scenery together with autumn colors.
  • Winter (December to February): Snow-covered limestone and grasslands create a magical atmosphere.

However, roads may be closed in winter due to icy conditions or snow, so please check road information in advance.


How to Get to Shikoku Karst

Access by Car

  • About 2 to 2.5 hours from central Matsuyama
  • You can access the area via National Route 33 and other roads.
  • About 2 to 2.5 hours from central Kōchi
  • Head to the karst plateau via National Route 440 and other roads.
  • Note: Roads to the karst area are mountain roads and include narrow sections, so careful driving is required.

Access by Public Transportation

Access by public transportation is difficult, so using a rental car or tour bus is recommended.

Renting a car from Matsuyama or Kōchi City is convenient.


Things to Do in Shikoku Karst

1. Enjoy a Scenic Drive and Views

Take a slow drive along the Shikoku Karst route and enjoy photography at the best scenic viewpoints.

Observation decks and ranches you can stop by along the way are also highlights.

2. Hiking and Picnics

You can enjoy hiking and picnics on the Therapy Road at Tengu Kōgen and the walking trails at Mezuru-daira.

Spend relaxing time in nature on the wide-open grasslands.

3. Stargazing

If a nighttime visit is possible, be sure to try stargazing.

If you stay at the campsite or lodge in Mezuru-daira, you can enjoy the starry sky through the night.

Bring a tripod and camera to try photographing the Milky Way.

4. Enjoy Local Gourmet Food

Around Shikoku Karst, you can enjoy fresh dairy products and dishes made with local ingredients.

At the restaurant at Himetsuru-sō and the café at Tengusō, soft serve ice cream and dairy-based sweets unique to the highlands are popular.

5. Visit Photogenic Spots

From the white limestone of the karst landscape and grazing cows to mountain views in the distance, the area is full of photogenic spots.


Useful Travel Information for Visitors

  • Visiting Hours
  • Shikoku Karst can generally be visited freely, but if visiting at night, please prepare lights and warm clothing.
  • In winter (around December to March), roads may be closed due to snow or icy conditions.
  • Parking
  • Free parking is available at Tengu Kōgen and Mezuru-daira.
  • Recommended Clothing
  • As temperatures in the highlands can be several degrees lower than in lowland areas, bring a long-sleeved jacket even in summer.
  • Comfortable shoes will also make hiking more enjoyable.
  • Facility Information
  • There are restrooms and vending machines at Mezuru-daira.
  • Tengu Kōgen has “Tengusō” (lodging, café, and restaurant), where you can rest and eat.
  • Notes
  • Weather changes quickly in the highlands, so please check the forecast in advance.
  • Please help protect the natural environment by taking your trash home.
  • Please be careful not to get too close to grazing cows.

Summary

Shikoku Karst is a special place where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature, including vast grasslands, unique limestone formations, and a sky full of stars.

With a wide range of activities such as scenic driving, hiking, and stargazing, and with seasonal landscapes throughout the year, it captivates visitors in every season.

Why not spend a special time at this spectacular “sky” viewpoint connecting Ehime and Kōchi?


Frequently Asked Questions

A. Shikoku Karst is a scenic highland route dotted with limestone formations, with elevations in the ~1,400 m range; the Tengu Plateau reaches about 1,485 m. Clear skies are great, but even on days when clouds move quickly, the “sky-high” feeling can be part of the charm. Weather and crowds can extend travel time, so it’s best not to pack your schedule too tightly afterward.
A. New greenery through early summer is popular for easy driving, and there are seasons when you may see grazing cattle. Fog is also common, so if visibility is poor, it’s safer to stop and wait rather than pushing on, and photos can improve too. Having some coins ready can make ticket and shop payments smoother.
A. Shikoku Karst is primarily a mountain drive, with long stretches of continuous curves. Gas stations are limited, so filling up before climbing is important, and saving offline maps in advance is reassuring in areas with weak mobile signal. Some areas have little shade, so preparing a hat and water early helps keep your visit comfortable.
A. In winter, snowfall and icy roads can lead to seasonal closures of prefectural roads, and closures are possible roughly from early December to mid-March in many years. Even with winter tires, the wind can make conditions feel harsher, so choosing to switch to viewpoints at the foothills rather than forcing the drive can also be a smart call. Signage can differ by location, so snapping a photo of a map at the entrance helps you avoid getting lost.
A. On the plateau, wind can make temperatures feel lower, so even in summer a light warm layer is reassuring. With limited shade, a hat and sunscreen are important, and in pasture areas where footing can be slippery, trekking shoes can feel more secure. Checking your return transport schedule in advance helps you enjoy the visit without rushing at the end.
A. There are walking paths where beginners can enjoy the views, so even a short stroll can give you the highland atmosphere. On windy days, fatigue builds faster, so plan shorter distances based on how much energy you’ll need to get back safely. Comfortable shoes and a lighter bag help reduce stress for both walking and photos.
A. Around the Tengu Plateau area, there are facilities where you can rest, and toilets are available. To feel prepared even on busy days, bring drinks and light snacks, and take your trash with you so you can enjoy the landscape while helping keep it clean. Weather and crowds can extend travel time, so it’s best not to pack your schedule too tightly afterward.
A. To highlight the contrast between limestone and grassland, morning and evening sidelight adds depth and dimension. On days with low clouds, visibility can close in quickly, so instead of waiting only for blue skies, switching your mindset to capturing a “sea of clouds” style shot can make your trip photos more interesting. Having some coins ready can make ticket and shop payments smoother.

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