Ontake Nigorigo (Nagano/Gifu)

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Ontakesan 3067 is an active volcano at the border of Gifu and Nagano. The plateau around the peak is vast with multiple huts and lakes. Depending on the current warning level and closed off areas Ontake makes for a great overnight hike. There is also a ropeway going up from the other side.

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⏲︎	Time: 8h
✎	Kanji: 御嶽山
⚲ 	Location: Gifu
↔	Distance: 10.2km
✮	Difficulty: Intermediate
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 1123m
☀	Dayhike
☉	Hiking Season: mid July
	to mid October
				

Access

Always check the current warning levels, they are constantly changing and access might be closed. Yamap is also really helpful as the current closures are displayed on their map.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation access for the Nigorigo trailhead. If you don't have a car your can climb from the ropeway side, check here for more info.

Car

Nigorigo Onsen Free Parking at the trailhead

Trail description

Start early as Ontake often has bad weather rolling in later in the afternoon.

The trail is pretty new and well maintained. Lots of wooden steps on the way up.

It takes about 1h30min to a little shelter.

After that it's another hour to Gonoikegoya. The owners are really nice, definitely have a chai tea or some of their famous apple pie.

The plateau of Ontake is huge and there are many trails, huts and peaks. To explore them all you'll probably have to stay overnight.

We looped around the pond and then continued on to Marishitenyama for some views of Ontakesan Kengamine. If you have extra time you can also climb the highest peak of Ontake "Kengamine".

Accomodation

Gonoikegoya: 14.000¥ incl 2 meals (stay without meals is not possible. Reservation required.

Ninoike huette: 11.000¥ incl 2 meals (bring your own cup and sleeping bag liner) Reservation required.

Ishimuro Sanso: 11.000¥ incl 2 meals. Reservation required.

Nigorigo Open Air Bath: 600¥

If you want to do some forest camping the night before we stayed at Ontake Natural Recreational Forest Kurumijima Campground, which also has a trailhead connecting to Ontake. Very beautiful, cold and quiet in June.

Elevation Profile & Map

Gallery