Mt Iino

Panoramic views of Sanuki

Mt Iino (Japanese: 飯野山) rises gently above the plains of western Kagawa as one of Shikoku’s most iconic small mountains. It's a near‑perfect cone that has earned it the affectionate nickname Sanuki Fuji. It's modest in height, yet its symmetry and its position above the Marugame–Sakaide area give it a presence far larger than its elevation suggests. The mountain’s topography is simple and elegant: a clean conical form, forested lower slopes and a rounded summit that opens into wide views of the Seto Inland Sea and the island‑scattered coastline of northern Shikoku.

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Despite its size, Mt. Iino offers a surprisingly rich hiking experience, with multiple climbing routes that circle the mountain and rise toward the summit from different directions. The most commonly used trailheads each provide a steady ascent through quiet forest. These routes are well‑maintained and suitable for beginners, winding gently up the mountain’s flanks, offering occasional openings toward the plains before emerging onto the broad summit area. This was a great and convenient short hike before I returned home by train from Marugame.

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From the top, the panorama is unexpectedly expansive. The Seto Inland Sea spreads out in a great arc to the north, dotted with islands and framed by the distant Okayama coastline, while to the south the gentle hills of Kagawa roll toward the Shikoku Mountains. 

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