A Day of Discovery in Sakaide: Explore Kagawa’s Mountains with Kids

As you follow the hiking trail, you may come across large Kankan Stones, made of Sanukite, a type of volcanic rock found in the Sanuki region. Give one a gentle tap with a smaller stone, and you’ll hear a surprisingly clear, metallic ring. It’s such an unexpected sound that you might find yourself wondering, “Can that really be a rock?”

Children especially love this little discovery. Once they hear the sound, they’ll be eager to try it again, calling out, “One more time!” It’s a simple but unforgettable experience that makes a visit to Mount Tsunoyama so much fun.

A little farther along the trail, you’ll find a small Buddha statue tucked into a hollow in the rock. Who placed it here, and when? What hopes or wishes might they have had?

Wondering about these things together with your children can turn an ordinary mountain walk into something that feels like a story unfolding along the way.

Halfway up the mountain, you’ll find a spot known as Shiomiba, or “Tide-Viewing Point.” It is said that Michikata Kume, who played a key role in developing Sakaide’s salt fields, once stood here to look out over the town below.

The sweeping view of Sakaide is much as it was in his day, offering a quiet connection to the lives and history of the people who have called this place home.

Mount Tsunoyama still holds traces of its past as a place where local people gathered to pray, relax, and spend time together.

Small stone Buddha statues and other historical remains can be found scattered across the mountain. For children, counting the stone Jizo statues along the trail can turn the walk into a little adventure of its own.

Beyond Shiomiba, the trail becomes a little steeper as it approaches the summit. But there’s no need to rush. Take your time, enjoy the surroundings, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself nearing the top.

From the summit, you can enjoy views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge to the north, downtown Sakaide to the east, and Mount Iino (Sanuki Fuji) and the Sanuki Plain to the south.

One of Mount Tsunoyama’s charms is how the scenery changes depending on which direction you look, with something new to discover at every turn.

In spring, the mountain comes alive with cherry blossoms, wild azaleas, violets, greenbrier flowers, and akebia blossoms. Summer brings the buzzing of cicadas and all kinds of insects to discover, while autumn is perfect for collecting acorns along the trail.

Every season offers something different, making Mount Tsunoyama a wonderful place for children to explore, ask questions, and let their curiosity run free.

▲ Basic Information

• Elevation: 184 m
• Hiking Time: Approximately 40–60 minutes from the trailhead to the summit at a relaxed pace
• Parking: Available
• Restrooms: Please check before visiting
• Recommended Age: Elementary school children and older
• Note: Some sections of the trail are steep, so younger children may need extra support from an adult.
• Best Seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms and azaleas), summer (insect watching), and autumn (acorn collecting)

▲ Before You Visit

You can hike Mount Tsunoyama in sneakers, but some sections are steep or slippery, so shoes with good grip are recommended. Be sure to bring enough water, and consider packing insect repellent if you’re visiting in summer.

Allow around two hours for the round trip, and enjoy the hike at a comfortable pace without rushing.

Please leave rocks and plants where you find them. Take time to observe and appreciate the mountain’s natural treasures without taking them home.

Near the summit, you’ll come across exposed rock formations known as columnar joints, formed as lava cooled and hardened. Their neatly arranged, often hexagonal cracks look almost too perfect to be natural, yet they’re entirely the work of the Earth itself.

You’ll need to watch your footing as you climb, but that’s part of the adventure. Wondering aloud with your children, “How did the rocks end up looking like this?” can make the walk up Mount Kasayama all the more fascinating.

At the summit, a spectacular 360-degree view of Sakaide awaits. The city, the Seto Inland Sea, its scattered islands, and the Seto Ohashi Bridge all stretch out before you. It’s hard to imagine such sweeping scenery from a small mountain right in the middle of town until you see it for yourself.

Mount Kasayama may have the quiet charm of a neighborhood mountain, but the sense of freedom you feel when you reach the top is something truly special.

▲ Basic Information

• Elevation: 109 m
• Hiking Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes from the trailhead to the summit
• Parking: Not available
• Restrooms: Not available
• Recommended Age: Preschool children and older (the trail is relatively gentle, but take care around the rocky sections near the summit)
• Access: Within walking distance of JR Sakaide Station

▲ Before You Visit

Sneakers are fine for this hike, but watch your footing around the columnar rock formations near the summit, as they can be slippery. Allow about an hour for the round trip. Mount Kasayama is a great choice for a short, casual hike, even if you only have a little time to spare.

子どもの「もう一回！」が聞こえたら、この山に来てよかったということだと思います。大人も、知らなかった坂出に出会える場所です。またいつか、季節を変えて来てみてください。