Mt Miune

Mt Miune (Japanese: 三嶺) is a nihyakumeizan* that rises above the remote Iya Valley as one of Shikoku’s most beautiful highland peaks, a mountain defined by long grassy ridges and open bamboo‑grass slopes. It is slightly lower than nearby Mt Tsurugi (剣山), yet its topography is more dramatic: a broad, rolling crest surrounded by sweeping bamboo grass meadows and a long ridge that continues to the west. The mountain’s open upper slopes and wide ridgelines give it a sense of spaciousnes.

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The hike from Nagoro, which is the most popular route that I used, begins at a quiet trailhead. The ascent starts in deep forest, climbing steadily through beech and conifer woods before emerging onto higher ground where the vegetation thins and the views begin to open. It's not an easy hike with over 1,000 metres of elevation gain. The trail is well‑defined and has no major dangerous sections, making it accessible to hikers with stamina. As the ridge rises, the scenery transforms: the forest falls away, and the summit ridge appears as a long, grassy arc stretching toward the horizon.

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The views from the summit are among the finest in Shikoku. The peak opens into a wide panorama of rolling ridges, deep valleys, and layered mountains extending toward Mt Tsurugi and the western highlands. The summit area includes a small hut and a famous crater lake . On clear days, the long ridgeline is visible, inviting hikers on the multi‑day journeys that some undertake here. The ridge walk from Miune toward Tsurugi is especially celebrated for its open bamboo‑grass slopes and uninterrupted horizons, although I only attempted this mountain as a day hike. 

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* 200 famous mountains of Japan

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)