Mount Ibuki
About This Destination
The usual photo of Mount Ibuki is a green dome above the Shinkansen line near Sekigahara, and the usual way up used to be a long hike from Kamino on the Maibara side. That changed on July 12, 2023, when heavy rain tore away large parts of the south slope trail. Maibara city now bans entry from the foot on its side in every season and on every route, winter climbing included, and further debris flows hit the village below in 2024. What remains is the Ibukiyama Driveway: 17 km and about 30 minutes from the toll gate in Sekigahara, Gifu, to a parking area at 1,260 meters with about 532 free spaces. From there three paths reach the 1,377-meter summit. The west trail is about 1 km and 40 minutes on loose gravel with views over Lake Biwa; the central trail is 500 meters of steep steps, about 20 minutes; the rougher east trail is one-way, for descending only. Expect the summit to be 8 to 10 degrees colder than the foot, and fog rolls in fast. The meadows that drew botanists here have thinned badly in recent years as the grassland declined, and the prefecture and city are working on restoration.
Location
Prefecture: Shiga
Address: Maibara, Shiga, Japan
Hours note: The Ibukiyama Driveway runs from the third Saturday of April to around November 23 and is closed in winter. Road hours: 8:00 to 20:00 in spring and September, 3:00 to 21:00 from the third Saturday of July to the end of August, 8:00 to 19:00 in October and November. Last entry is 2 hours before closing, and some summer and autumn days follow a different calendar on the official site.
Best time to visit: July and August for the summit wildflowers; the driveway is open from the third Saturday of April to around November 23
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Access
Shiga, Japan
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I hike Mount Ibuki from the bottom?
No. After the July 2023 landslides, Maibara city banned entry from the foot on its side, on every route and in every season, including winter. The only way up is the Ibukiyama Driveway to the summit parking, from which three short trails reach the top while the driveway is open.
How much does the Ibukiyama Driveway cost?
The round-trip toll is 3,400 yen for a car (kei or standard) and 2,300 yen for a motorcycle of 126 cc or more; scooters under that size cannot use the road. Parking at the summit is free. The city also asks hikers for a voluntary 300 yen cooperation fee at the trail entrances.
How long is the walk from the parking area to the summit?
The central trail is the shortest, about 500 meters and 20 minutes, but almost all steps. The west trail is about 1 km and 40 minutes on a gentler slope. The east trail, about 1.5 km and 60 minutes, is for going down only.
Can I reach the summit without a car?
Only on the seasonal climbing buses from Ogaki, Sekigahara or Maibara stations, which run on limited dates each year, or by taxi from Sekigahara Station. Check the bus operators' timetables before you go, since schedules are posted only once each season is fixed.
⭐ Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!
Sign In to Review