A silence of fifteen degrees, slumbering in the midsummer forest.
At the foot of Mount Shiho in Nio-cho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture, lies the “Shiho-yama Wind Cave.” After walking along the hiking trail from the roadside parking area, a moss-covered, stone-walled space quietly reveals itself.
As you make your way through the intense midsummer sun and the chorus of cicadas, the air shifts abruptly the moment you reach the vicinity of the cave. The breeze flowing from the crevices in the rocks remains at approximately 15°C, even under the scorching sun. The cool air brushes against your sweaty skin, making the clamorous sounds of summer seem to fade into the distance.
This wind cave was discovered during the Meiji era (specifically, the 1907–1916 period). It once supported the local sericulture industry by utilizing this natural chill to store silkworm eggs. It is a site of great value—both geologically and as an agricultural heritage site—where one can experience the mysterious airflow created by nature and the wisdom of our forebears who harnessed it for their livelihoods.
There are no flashy landscapes or massive tourist facilities here—only mossy stones, deep greenery, the cool air against your skin, and silence. Hidden within this small cave—known to few, even among locals—lies a different season entirely, one that feels worlds apart from a typical Setouchi summer.
For Visitors
It is approximately 200 meters from the parking lot to the trailhead, and another 400 meters from the trailhead to the wind cave. The walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes in total; however, as the path is a mountain trail, please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for hiking.
As there are many insects—such as mosquitoes—during the summer, we strongly recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, and bringing insect repellent. The surrounding area is private forest land made accessible through the owner’s generosity. Please refrain from using open flames or smoking, be sure to take all trash with you, and observe quietly without damaging the vegetation or stone structures.
Access
As the wind cave does not have a street address like typical tourist attractions, please search for “Shihoyama no Fuketsu” (Shihoyama Wind Cave) on map apps. While your navigation system may direct you to a point in the mountains, you cannot drive all the way to the cave itself; please park in the lot along the prefectural road and proceed on foot.
The walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes in total, but the latter half follows a mountain trail. Please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and exercise extra caution after rainfall or when the ground is wet.
Address
At the foot of Mt. Shiho, Nio-otsu, Nio-cho, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture
Travel guide / Transportation overview
By Car
There is a parking area for the Fuzana (Wind Cave) trailhead located along Prefectural Road 220, about 200 meters down from Yoshizu Pass toward Nio-cho. Look for the information sign by the roadside. As the site is difficult to access via public transportation alone, we recommend using a private vehicle or rental car.
From the Parking Area to Fuzana
From the Fuzana trailhead to Fuzana: Approx. 400 meters (approx. 10–15 minute walk)
From the parking area to the Fuzana trailhead: Approx. 200 meters (approx. 5-minute walk)
Parking
Available