Ontake Nigorigo (Nagano/Gifu)
- Apr 22, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 24
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.
⏲︎ 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
An early start is recommended, as weather on Ontake often deteriorates later in the afternoon.
The Hida-Osaka-guchi trail is an old pilgrimage route for worshipping Ontake. The trailhead is located at the end of the Nigorigo Onsen area. It's a newly constructed trail, which is easy to follow.
After going up through the forest and passing the 7th, the trail enters a moss-covered zone with large boulders. Shortly afterwards, a small shelter hut is reached. After the shelter, the trail rises above the tree line with increasingly open views. Next you'll reach Gonoikegoya which makes for a great early lunch spot. The hut is famous for their delicious apple pie.
From the Hida summit, continue along the ridgeline to Ninoike-sanso Mountain Hut. Just before the hut, turn right and continue to the summit of Ken-gamine, Ontake’s highest peak. The panoramic views from the summit are incredible. Descent follows the same route used for the ascent.
Access to the summit area is typically limited to the period from early July to mid-October. Since the fatal eruption in 2014 the area is monitored and its not recomended to trespass to the peak when it's closed.
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 you can stay at Ontake Natural Recreational Forest Kurumijima Campground, which also has a trailhead connecting to Ontake. Very beautiful, cold and quiet in June.
