Mt. Ibuki — Wildflower Meadows and Lake Biwa Views

Trail Overview

Mt. Ibuki (伊吹山, 1,377m) straddles the border between Shiga and Gifu prefectures and is one of the most accessible peaks in the Hyakumeizan list. Its two signature attractions are the panoramic view taking in both Lake Biwa (Japan’s largest lake) and Ise Bay, and the extraordinary alpine wildflower meadow that blankets the summit plateau in midsummer.

Mt. Ibuki holds a world record for the deepest single-season snowfall (11.82m, recorded in 1927), and the nutrient-rich environment created by heavy snowmelt has produced a unique and diverse plant community. The mountain also appears in Japan’s oldest poetry anthology, the Man’yoshu — it has been revered for well over a thousand years.

Recommended Route: Omote-tozando (Main Hiking Trail)

Take a bus from Omi-Nagaoka Station to the Ueno trailhead, then follow the well-marked main trail straight to the summit.

Course Time

Section	Duration
Ueno Trailhead → 5th Station	About 1 hr 10 min
5th Station → 8th Station	About 50 min
8th Station → Summit	About 40 min
Total (ascent)	About 2 hrs 40 min
Total (descent)	About 2 hours

Tip: The 5th station has a rest shelter and toilets — a perfect halfway break. Above the 9th station the trail opens onto an open alpine plateau; take your time here and enjoy the wildflowers and the vast panorama.

Access Information

• Nearest Station: JR Tokaido Main Line, Omi-Nagaoka Station
• From Nagoya: JR Tokaido Main Line (rapid) to Maibara, then transfer to Omi-Nagaoka (total about 30–40 min)
• From Osaka/Kyoto: JR Shinkaisoku (Special Rapid) to Maibara, then transfer to Omi-Nagaoka (total about 1.5–2 hours)
• Bus: Ohmi Bus from Omi-Nagaoka Station to Ueno Trailhead (about 10 min; runs during hiking season, April–November)
• By Car: About 15 min from Maibara IC on the Hokuriku Expressway. Paid parking at Ueno trailhead

Note for foreign visitors: The area around Maibara and Omi-Nagaoka is rural; English signage is limited. Screenshot the kanji for your destination (近江長岡駅 / 上野登山口) before leaving the city.

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores

• 7-Eleven near Maibara Station: Walking distance from the station; good stop during your transfer
• Lawson near Nagaoka: Close to Omi-Nagaoka Station — buy lunch and snacks here, as options on the mountain are limited to the summit area

Shops

• 5th Station Rest Shelter: Drinks and light snacks; hiking badges also sold
• Summit Shops (3 stores): Several stalls near the summit sell udon noodles, soba, soft drinks, and snacks. Hours vary by season

Restrooms

• Ueno Trailhead: Public toilets available
• 3rd and 5th Stations: Toilets available
• Summit: Public toilets (small usage donation requested)

Highlights

Spring (April–May)

• Snow patches and fresh green growth create a striking contrast
• Katakuri (dogtooth violet) and Ichirinsou (wood anemone) bloom along the lower trail

Summer (July–August)

• Prime wildflower season: Shimotsukeso, Ruri-toranoo, and Metakarakoso cover the summit plateau
• Panoramic views over Lake Biwa, Mt. Hiei, the Yoro Mountains, and Mt. Ontake on clear days
• The summit is about 8°C cooler than the lowlands — a popular escape from summer heat

Autumn (October–November)

• Susuki (silver grass) and gentian colour the summit in muted autumnal tones
• Sea of clouds (unkai) can appear in early morning, particularly in October

Wildlife Note

Japanese serow (Nihon kamoshika) inhabit the mountain — a rare and protected species that hikers occasionally encounter on the trail. Keep your distance and do not feed them.

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes (low-cut acceptable)
• ✅ Rain jacket and pants
• ✅ Windproof layer (strong winds common at the summit)
• ✅ Lunch and trail snacks
• ✅ Water (at least 1.5L)
• ✅ Hat and sunscreen
• ⬜ Trekking poles (helpful on the steep middle section)
• ⬜ Light crampons (for spring snow, April–early May)