Things to see in Kuma Kogen & Omogo Gorge

Kuma Kogen town, on Route 33, is the hub. Daiho-ji is on its edge, Iwaya-ji and Furuiwaya are 20 minutes east, Omogo Gorge 45 minutes east, and the Shikoku Karst about an hour south.

01

Omogo Gorge

The Omogo River rises on Mount Ishizuchi and here runs over smooth white rock between cliffs and mixed forest, its pools tinted turquoise. From the car park at the gorge entrance a level path follows the main stream past the Goraiko waterfall viewpoint and broad rock slabs where people picnic and paddle; a second, wilder trail climbs a side valley past cascades. This is the headwater of the Niyodo, a river known across Japan for the clarity of its “Niyodo blue”.

Practical: Free; always open, but the road can close after heavy rain or snow. The main walk takes 1–2 hours return. Autumn colour peaks from late October to mid-November. A small mountain museum stands near the entrance.

02

Shikoku Karst

One of Japan’s three great karst landscapes stretches for about 25 kilometres along the border with Kochi at between 1,000 and 1,400 metres. White limestone pinnacles poke through rolling pasture where cattle graze in summer, wind turbines turn on the ridge and, on clear days, the view runs from the Pacific side to Mount Ishizuchi. A narrow road follows the crest between the Himezuru-daira meadows and the Tengu highland.

Practical: About 1 hour by car from Kuma Kogen town, 2 hours or more from Matsuyama. No public transport. The road is closed by snow in winter, roughly December to March. Bring a jacket — it is windy and cool even in August.

03

Iwaya-ji (Temple 45)

The most dramatic temple site in Ehime. From the car park a steep path of stone steps climbs for about 20 minutes through giant cedars and ranks of moss-covered statues to halls built hard against a pitted conglomerate cliff. A wooden ladder leads up to a shallow cave in the rock face, and a narrow cleft behind the main hall holds an inner sanctuary. The place has been a mountain training ground since before the pilgrimage existed.

Practical: Free; halls open roughly 7:00–17:00. The climb is steep but paved with steps. Allow 1–1.5 hours.

04

Daiho-ji (Temple 44)

Hidden in old cedar forest on the edge of Kuma Kogen town, Daiho-ji is number 44 of 88 — the halfway temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage. Its mossy approach, massive gate with oversized straw sandals and quiet main hall make it one of the most atmospheric stops on the route.

Practical: Free; roughly 7:00–17:00. 20 minutes’ walk or a short drive from the bus terminal. 30 minutes.

05

Furuiwaya

On the road to Iwaya-ji, a row of weathered rock towers up to a hundred metres high rises straight out of the forest beside the river. A short trail threads between them, and they are especially striking when the maples at their feet turn red.

Practical: Free, roadside. A national place of scenic beauty. There is a public lodge with a hot bath nearby. 20–30 minutes.

Opening hours, closing days and admission fees change — especially around New Year, festivals and renovation works. Treat the details here as a guide and confirm on the official site before you set out.