Mt. Ibuki 伊吹山 (Kyogoku Clan Castle Ruins Approach) - Shiga Prefecture

GPS Tracks

ibukiyama (GPX)

Mount Ibuki, located in Maibara near Lake Biwa is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. It has great views over the surrounding mountains and lake. Unfortunately the summit has undergone a lot of development and is more akin to a shopping centre. There is a road that leads to the summit and it isn't rare to find women knocking about in high heels and fashion not suitable for climbing mountains.
There are also lots of abandoned buildings on the mountain such as omiyage gift shops and a gondola station which housed the old ski lift. If you are adventurous you can explore the abandoned buildings.

Alpine

1377m

Maximum Elevation

1131m

Total Climb

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Getting there

You can get to this hike by either driving to the Kyogoku Clan Castle Ruins (京極氏城跡) in Maibara city, Shiga Prefecture or by catching the train to Sekigahara station and then walking the remainder of the way.

Maps

Yamap

Route/Trail notes

Note that I hiked this route in the depths of Winter and I couldn't actually see the path, so my description may differ if hiking in other seasons.

The key difference between this trail head and the main one down the road that I also wrote a description on, is that this one does not follow the old ski lift route. This path is a lot narrower and less used. The benefit is there is also reduced traffic.

From the carpark, continue upwards past a gate. It should lead you into a forrested area. Continue going straight until you reach a large torii gate. Going straight ahead will take you to the Castle Ruins, taking the left fork will take you towards Mt. Ibuki. Do not pass the torii unless you want to take a detour up to the castle ruins.

From here, it is a straight forward hike, there is only one path. It will wind through the forest, eventually spitting you out at a ridgeline where you can see Mt. Ibuki right in front of you. From the ridge line, the trees will start thining out. Here you are actually traversing mountains.. Once you passed the ridge, the hike will become very exposed. During summer, this is fine, but during Winter, caution is advised as there may be strong winds and deep snow. Crampons and snow shoes are recommended.

From the exposed section, the hike becomes much steeper, you'll have to work your muscles, but its only a short climb to the top. You know you have summited once you reach a fence which is used to keep deer out of the summit. Enter through the fence and welcome to the shopping centre that is Mt. Ibuki. In the Winter, the only building which is open is a temple which doubles as an emergency hut, feel free to rest here and warm up.

Follow same route down.