UFO Line
The UFO Line is a road that runs on the border between Kochi and Ehime prefectures on the Kochi side. It runs for 27 km along Mt. Kamegamori at 1,300 to 1,700 m above sea level, at the highest point of the Shikoku Mountain range. It offers views of Mt. Ishizuchi and the summits of Higashikuromori and Nishikuromori. On clear days, you can see Tosa Bay and the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the Seto Inland Sea to the north. The mountains along the route reflect the seasons, with bright greens and flowers in spring, vivid red, orange and yellow in autumn, and in winter, rime-coated vegetation and snowy peaks.
Why is it called ‘UFO Line’? It’s complicated. First of all, ‘Line’ is a Japlish word used in the names of scenic routes. So this is some kind of road with fine views. Can you see UFOs here? We haven’t seen one. But you can see amazing vistas of grand mountains for miles all around. And the word ‘yūhō’ (雄峰) means ‘majestic mountains’. So ‘UFO Line’ means ‘a scenic route with majestic mountains’. In Japanese, ‘UFO’ is pronounced ‘yūhō’, not ‘U-F-O’. Somebody thought it would be cute to use the alphabet characters in place of the difficult and little-known kanji characters. We told you it was complicated.
The UFO Line is an ideal spot for adventure. You can cycle some or all of it. There are hiking trails from the UFO Line to the peaks beside the road. There’s a branch of Ishizuchi Shrine. And there are restaurants, cafés, and accommodation along the route.
Information
Name in Japanese: UFOライン
Pronunciation: yoo-fō rine
Address: Unnamed Rd, Teragawa, Ino-cho, Agawa-gun, Kochi 781-2605
