Skiing in Shikoku

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands and gets surprisingly little attention from skiers despite having two operating resorts. The mountains down the spine of the island catch enough cold air to hold a season from late December to early March. Ishizuchi-yama, the highest peak in western Japan at 1,982m, anchors the local skiing — Ishizuchi Ski Resort runs limited terrain on its lower flanks. Snow quality is maritime-warm and the season is short, but for travellers already on Shikoku for the 88-temple pilgrimage, the Iya Valley vine bridges, or Kochi cuisine, a half-day on local skis is genuinely possible. Don't make a special trip; do go if your itinerary is already there. Equipment rental is sparse — bring your own or expect basic rental gear. Lifts close earlier in the season than mainland resorts. Best for novelty rather than volume — the bragging right of having skied in a place most international visitors don't know has lifts at all.