四国カルスト

Shikoku Karst Natural Park


Useful Information

Location: Nishidani, Kumakogen, Kamiukena District, Ehime 791-1802.
Follow road 383 across Godan Plateau.
(33.471955, 132.980926)
Open: no restrictions.
[2022]
Fee: free.
[2022]
Classification: KarstCovered Karst KarstKarren KarstStone Forests
Light: n/a
Dimension: L=25 km.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: yes
Bibliography:  
Address: Shikoku Karst Natural Park, Nishidani, Kumakogen, Kamiukena District, Ehime 791-1802,
Environmental Sustainability Division, Department of Forestry Promotion & Environment, Kochi Prefectural Government, Yoshiuno-otsu, Tsuno Town, Takaoka Gun, Kochi Prefecture, Tel: +81-88-823-1111. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History


Description

The 四国カルスト (Shikoku Karst Natural Park) is located on the 五段高原 (Godankōgen, Godan Plateau). It is easily accessible on road 383, which is designated one of the 100 most scenic roads in Japan. It is called 天空の道 (road in the sky) because it actually runs along a mountain ridge, not on one side, but on top of the ridge. Asn as this ridge is also the border between Kōchi Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture it is the border between prefectures.

Shikoku Karst is one of the three most important karst areas and about 25 km long. It has peaks up to 1485 m asl high and numerous karren fields and stone forests. There are parking lots along the road which are trailheads for education trails through the stone forests. The ridge is used as a high pasture for cows, so there are no trees, shrubs or other plants except grass. As a result it is quite easy to see all the limestone rocks with karren and strange forms.