Mount Ibuki

Mount Ibuki is a 1,377-meter limestone summit on the border between Shiga and Gifu prefectures. Wide grasslands cover the upper slopes and provide space for more than a thousand plant species that thrive in alpine conditions.

The peak once served as a natural boundary marker between provinces and gained military importance during the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Its slopes were later developed into sites for weather observation and scientific research.

The summit is surrounded by sacred shrines scattered across different routes, visited by pilgrims for centuries. Hikers encounter Buddhist statues and stone markers along the trails that point to the religious importance this peak holds.

Several hiking trails lead to the summit from the towns of Maihara, Ibigawa, and Sekigahara, with climbs taking between three and five hours. A road allows drivers to reach a higher parking area from which shorter walks are possible.

In February 1927, this summit recorded 230 centimeters of snow in a single day, among the highest daily totals ever measured worldwide. This extreme snowfall resulted from moist air masses moving from the Sea of Japan into the mountain range.

Location: Maihara

Location: Ibigawa

Location: Sekigahara

Elevation above the sea: 1,377 m

Made from material: limestone

Part of: 100 Famous Japanese Mountains

GPS coordinates: 35.41777,136.40626

Latest update: December 15, 2025 01:08