UFO Line / Ishizuchi Skyline

Cycling along the UFO Line and Ishizuchi Sky Line in Kochi Prefecture offers a breathtaking ride through some of Shikoku’s most stunning mountain landscapes. These high-altitude roads wind along the ridges of the Ishizuchi Mountain Range, providing dramatic views of deep valleys, rolling peaks, and, on clear days, the Seto Inland Sea in the distance.

The climbs are long and challenging, but the rewards are worth it—riders will experience quiet, open roads, fresh mountain air, and panoramic vistas at nearly every turn. The UFO Line, in particular, follows a narrow ridgeline at over 1,300 meters, making it one of Japan’s most scenic cycling routes. For those seeking an unforgettable mountain ride, these routes offer both beauty and adventure in equal measure.

Route

The Route offers a wide variety of scenery above the tree line offering spectacular scenery. However, the climb to get there is over 1000 vertical meters from each of the entrances

One thing to note is that the Ishizuchi Skyline is on the South side of Mt. Ishizuchi and does not go the Ishizuchi cable car to climb the mountain which is on the North side of the mountain.

Winter Closure

Due to the high altitude and difficultly of clearing snow. The Ufo line and Ishizuchi Skyline are closed each winter.

The UFO line is typically closed from Mid November to Mid April and the Ishizuchi Skyline is typically closed from from Dec 1 to Mar 31st of each year.

Things to Do

Easy Hiking

Easy walks off the road give even better views of the scenery

There are some easy to access walking trails right off the road making for some good walks off the bike. Not having to focus on the road ahead and traffic makes it easier to enjoy the scenery

Fall Colours

Brilliant fall colours of the Ishizuchi Skyline

The fall colours of the Ishizuchi Skyline can be spectacular especially when paired with the backdrop of Mt. Ishizuchi. The colours move from top to bottom through the month of October

Getting there and away

North

The Northern has two entrances, one on either side of the massive Kanpu Tunnel. The Kanpu tunnel is a 6.3km tunnel that goes uphill from West to East. Consequnetly, the Western entrance (the one on the route above) is significantly lower than the one on the East.

South

The southern entrance is right of National Route 494 with easy access from Matsuyama.

Other Links

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