GUNUNG · Jepang

Mount Ibuki

伊吹山 (Ibuki-yama)

Information

Elevation: 1.377 m
Country: Jepang (JP)
Location / Range: Ibuki Mountains, on the Shiga–Gifu border near Lake Biwa
Mountain type: Non-volcanic limestone mountain
Volcanic?: No (non-volcanic)
Coordinates: 35.4178, 136.4061
Difficulty: Maibara foothill routes are closed; the short Driveway summit paths are rocky, with a steeper central path.
Best Season: Early to midsummer for flowers; visits depend on Driveway operation and weather.
Permits & Rules: Climbing from the Maibara foothills is prohibited in every season. Use summit parking-area paths only while the Driveway operates and follow conservation rules.
Hazards: Rain-damaged lower trails; limestone and gravel, narrow sections and slippery mud on the eastern path; fog may obscure the views.

Description

Mount Ibuki (伊吹山, 1,377 m in Wikidata) is Shiga Prefecture’s highest peak on the Gifu border, with limestone slopes and mountain flowers. Lake Biwa can be seen from the summit in clear weather. As checked on 13 September 2026, Maibara City prohibits climbing from the Maibara foothills following major damage in the rain of 12 July 2023; the restriction covers all seasons, including winter, and alternative routes. Summit paths from the Ibukiyama Driveway parking area remain available while the road is operating. From the parking area, the western and central paths allow travel in both directions, while the eastern path is descent-only. A foggy July 2025 trip illustrates that the views are not guaranteed even when the summit paths are accessible.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Ibukiyama Driveway + jalan kaki singkat ke puncak

Pendek, tetapi berbatu; jalur tengah lebih curam

Jalur barat ±40 menit naik; jalur tengah ±20 menit naik

From the summit parking area, the 1 km western path climbs more gently with views toward Lake Biwa; the 500 m central path is steeper and mostly stepped. Both allow ascent and descent. Large gravel and exposed limestone require careful footing. Access depends on Ibukiyama Driveway operating.

Source

Jalur pendakian tradisional sisi Shiga (10 gōme)

Ditutup — kerusakan jalur dan larangan masuk

The route from Ueno on the Maibara side suffered major damage in the rain of 12 July 2023. The Maibara City notice checked on 13 September 2026 prohibits foothill ascents in every season, including alternative routes and winter climbs. Older hiking accounts do not demonstrate that access has reopened.

Source

Jalur timur dari puncak ke parkir (turun satu arah)

Berbatu dan sempit; licin setelah hujan

1.50 km ±60 menit turun; 1,5 km

The eastern path is for descent only from the summit to the Ibukiyama Driveway parking area. This 1.5 km route retains more natural terrain, with exposed limestone, narrow sections and soil that becomes muddy after rain; suitable hiking footwear and equipment are needed.

Source

Climbing Experiences

The five linked videos introduce hikes on Ibuki, including its front trail, a hot solo outing and short trip footage. Older videos document past trips rather than confirming that foothill access remains open. A July 2025 account adds a walk from the Driveway parking area in fog, trailside flowers and a brief view of Lake Biwa. Consult the official notices in the profile and routes for current access.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.