【Cloud Sanctuary】Ride the cable car to Shikoku's highest spiritual site and explore a paradise of sea clouds and hydrangea swings.

This journey truly gave me the magical experience of "walking step by step towards the clouds." Located in Shikoku, Japan, Kumakogen Temple is the 66th spiritual site of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and the highest-altitude temple on the entire route. What makes it special is that reaching this temple requires taking Japan's largest cable car—an exciting start to the adventure!

The cable car spans approximately 2,600 meters and takes just 7 minutes to reach the summit. The spacious cabin can accommodate over 100 people, making the ride very comfortable. As the cable car ascends, the mountain scenery gradually unfolds before your eyes, and you can even catch a glimpse of the Seto Inland Sea in the distance. The feeling of leaving the city behind and heading towards the clouds is truly mesmerizing.

⛅ A misty cloud sanctuary

The moment you arrive at the summit, it feels like stepping into another world. The mountain is enveloped in swirling mist, with the temple and surrounding peaks appearing and disappearing like they are floating above a sea of clouds. Walking through this ethereal landscape, surrounded by drifting fog, the dreamy atmosphere is so breathtaking that you can't help but hold your breath. This is a sight that can only be fully appreciated in person.

🌸 Summer's hydrangea paradise

July marks the peak bloom of hydrangeas, with the entire mountain adorned in shades of blue, purple, and pink flowers, complemented by lush green scenery. The beauty is like a painting, and as the gentle breeze passes through, the flowers sway gracefully, filling your heart with joy. Every snapshot captures postcard-worthy views, and smiles are impossible to hide.

🌌 The giant swing above the clouds

The highlight of the mountaintop park is undoubtedly the Cloud Swing! Sitting on the swing, swaying in the breeze, with misty clouds below and endless mountains ahead, you truly feel as if you're flying between heaven and earth. Romantic and thrilling, it's a must-try spot for photos and social media posts!

🛕 The solemnity and spiritual cleansing of the temple

Entering Kumakogen Temple, the solemn and sacred atmosphere immediately calms your mind. As an important stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the temple carries a thousand-year-old legacy of faith and the footsteps of countless pilgrims. Standing on this misty highland, a sense of reverence and tranquility washes over you, as if all worldly worries dissipate in that moment.

📝 Travel Tips

🚡 Transportation: You must take the "Kumakogen Temple Cable Car," which spans approximately 2,600 meters and takes about 7 minutes one way to reach the summit.

🌸 Best visiting season: Summer (June-July) for hydrangea blooms, and autumn for vibrant foliage.

⏳ Recommended duration: Plan at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the temple, swing, and flower fields.

📸 Photography essentials: The swing and misty clouds are perfect photo spots, so make sure your camera or phone is fully charged!

✨ Final thoughts

This trip to Kumakogen Temple is not just a sightseeing tour but a profound journey combining natural beauty, spiritual ambiance, and inner peace. From the anticipation of ascending by cable car to the awe of swirling clouds, the joy of blooming flowers, and the spiritual cleansing offered by the temple—every step is unforgettable.

If you're looking for a "dreamy journey above the clouds," Kumakogen Temple in Shikoku is a destination you simply cannot miss!