Ikawa Skijo Kainayama

Ikawa Skijo Kainayama sits on the northwestern slopes of Mt Kaina in Miyoshi City, a small resort with deep roots—the area has been operating since 1927, with major renovation work in 1997. It's the only ski area in Tokushima Prefecture and one of just a handful on Shikoku, Japan's smallest main island, which shapes both its identity and its draw for local riders and those seeking something off the typical resort circuit.

The terrain is split evenly: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced, served by a triple and pair chairlift. The vertical is modest at 92 meters, and the longest run stretches 800 meters, so this is a place for shorter laps and quick runs rather than all-day descents. Snowboarders make up 60% of the rider split, and the resort caters to families with a dedicated Chibbiko area for young children near the base, plus equipment rental and lessons available.

Night skiing runs on Saturday evenings in January and February, extending the day for those with limited daylight hours. However, the resort announced in December 2025 that the 2025–26 season would be its last, adding urgency for anyone wanting to experience this historic, low-key corner of Japanese skiing before it closes.