Mt. Ibuki Snow Hike (Shiga/Gifu)

Ibuki 1377m is a very snowy and cold but easy winter hike reachable as a dayhike from Nagoya. There are some steeper sections at the top but this is a good beginner hike to practice walking with crampons and self-arrest. Even though Ibuki is not that high, the weather can be quite harsh. Bring proper winter gear and enough layers if you go in winter/spring.

		
⏲︎	Time: 6h
✎	Kanji: 伊吹山
⚲ 	Location: Shiga
↔	Distance: 11km
✮	Difficulty: Easy
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 1229m
☀	Dayhike
☉	Hiking Season: year-round

Attention: since July 2023 the trail up to Ibuki has been closed because of a landslide and trail erosion. (Jan 1st 2024)

Access

Car

Park around the trailhead at one of the many small parking lots run by locals. Parking is ~ 300-500Y.

Public Transportation

Take the train to Omi-Nagaoka Station and change to the bus. Get off at Ibukinoboruyamaguchi bus stop. It costs 370Y one way and takes about 20min. First bus is at 8:24, last one back 18:10.

There are toilets next to the trailhead too. This hike is easiest as a dayhike from Nagoya.

Trail description

The first part of the trail is through the forest. Depending on when you go it might be pretty muddy. After about 30min you get to the former ski resort, there are some huts and shops here, on the weekend they should be open. Next section is a bit steep, but not too bad. After another 1:30min you'll get to a small evactuation hut. From there its 1h more to the peak.

I saw some people climb without crampons and just use spikes. Some were fine others slipped and fell on the way down. If you go in winter I would bring crampons and axe. It's a good place to practice self-arrest without any danger or exposed sections. On the way down you can slide down, bring a slider if you have one. Super fun!

The top was really windy and cold. Bring warm layers and go on a day with nice weather. Even though Ibuki isn't that high the peak gets quite extreme weather in winter.

Also the many shops and huts at the top won't be open so it's a bit more calm and less busy than the summer. From what I've heard its like Fuji in summer. (But don't get me wrong, even in winter Ibuki is very busy on a sunny Saturday)