Mount Benten

Mount Benten is a small natural hill in Tokushima that rises just 6.1 meters above the surrounding land near Prefectural Road 210. The rocky summit is roughly 60 meters across and sits amid paddy fields in an otherwise flat agricultural area.

The hill sits near the former Tosa Kaido, an old trade route that once connected different regions of Japan. This historical path was important for moving goods and people across the island during feudal times.

The shrine at the summit honors Benzaiten, a goddess of wisdom whom visitors come to pay respects to. Cherry trees and camellias grow on the rocky slope, creating a small sacred space within the agricultural landscape.

Visitors can pick up an official certificate at the summit to mark their climb and use the designated parking area nearby. The minimal height makes it accessible to anyone without special equipment or physical difficulty.

This location holds the record as Japan's lowest natural elevation and draws more than 10,000 visitors each year despite being almost flat. Many people enjoy the humor of receiving a summit certificate for climbing something so tiny.

Location: Tokushima

Elevation above the sea: 6.1 m

GPS coordinates: 34.02394,134.54189

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30