Hiking is a staple in Shiga prefecture. Numerous mountains adorn this prefecture’s landscape, ranging from the relaxing to the physically taxing. Only three mountains will be covered in this guide; Mt. Ibuki, Mt. Horai and the Biwako Valley, and Bunagatake, but there’s countless more out there for your pleasure.
Ibuki
Nestled in the north of Shiga, a little ways from Maibara, Ibuki Mountain is the tallest mountain in the prefecture. Standing at 1377m, it’s known as one of Japan’s famous 100 mountains, as well as having received the heaviest snowfall in recorded history. Mt. Ibuki can be described as being split into 3 distinct areas. Firstly, from the foot of the mountain, the ascent begins in thick woods that spiral up for around thirty minutes. Once beyond the woods, the mountain opens up to a vast clearing, where one can clearly see the upcoming ascent. A small café and vending machines can be found here.
Continuing the ascent, the climb becomes easier as the gentle slopes, surrounded by lush flora continue upwards. There is some difficult terrain along the way, but clear this second area, and you’re in the final ascent.
The final ascent to the peak is slightly steeper but still relatively manageable. At the top of the mountain Mt. Ibuki has many small cafés and restaurants, a small temple, souvenir stores, and unforgettable scenery.
A staple of Shiga AJET, the ‘Ibuki Climb’ usually takes place in the early autumn, during the national holiday Sports Day (体育の日).
You can get to Mt. Ibuki by taking the JR Biwako Line northbound to Maibara, transferring to the JR Tokaido Line bound for Ogaki, getting off at Omi-Nagaoka station, where you can catch a bus to the base of the mountain.
The climb will take you about 4 hours round-trip.
Continuing the ascent, the climb becomes easier as the gentle slopes, surrounded by lush flora continue upwards. There is some difficult terrain along the way, but clear this second area, and you’re in the final ascent.
The final ascent to the peak is slightly steeper but still relatively manageable. At the top of the mountain Mt. Ibuki has many small cafés and restaurants, a small temple, souvenir stores, and unforgettable scenery.
A staple of Shiga AJET, the ‘Ibuki Climb’ usually takes place in the early autumn, during the national holiday Sports Day (体育の日).
You can get to Mt. Ibuki by taking the JR Biwako Line northbound to Maibara, transferring to the JR Tokaido Line bound for Ogaki, getting off at Omi-Nagaoka station, where you can catch a bus to the base of the mountain.
The climb will take you about 4 hours round-trip.
MT. HORAI & BIWAKO VALLEY
On Shiga’s west side, there's a bit of a hidden gem. A paradise that is unattainable without raw effort and determination. Biwako Valley – located atop Mt. Horai in the Hira Mountai Range – is a resort with an unmatched view of the entirety of Lake Biwa. From the Biwako Terrace, one can sit back and relax whilst taking in the Mother Lake in all her grandeur. Should you be famished, the resort has a large food hall and many cafés for you to peruse. After a lengthy meal, this vast resort offers many activities that will let you work off the food, or if you are more inclined towards a siesta, there are many places to just kick back and relax.
Ahh~ how heavenly – But there is a catch!
To reach the heavens isn’t without its trials and tribulations. The mountain on which the valley sits upon is no walk in the park. Mt. Horai itself, albeit shorter than Ibuki at 1174m, is a far more taxing hike and one not suited for the faint-hearted. Dense groves and winding paths for a large portion of the hike, coupled with steepness the likes of which you have never encountered await you.
Traversing the entirety of Horai can be a challenge but the reward (see aforementioned Biwako Valley) surely more than makes up for it.
But fear not, for if you do not wish to hike the mountain, a ropeway can be found at the base of Biwako Valley. This ropeway is right next to the biggest souvenir store – Biwako Street – in all of Shiga, making the journey just as worthwhile without the hike.
For the Climb: Take the JR Kosei line to Horai station. Climb.
For the Ropeway: Take the JR Kosei line to Shiga station and then a bus bound for Biwako Valley.
The climb will take you about 5 hours round-trip (less if you take the rope-way descending)
Ahh~ how heavenly – But there is a catch!
To reach the heavens isn’t without its trials and tribulations. The mountain on which the valley sits upon is no walk in the park. Mt. Horai itself, albeit shorter than Ibuki at 1174m, is a far more taxing hike and one not suited for the faint-hearted. Dense groves and winding paths for a large portion of the hike, coupled with steepness the likes of which you have never encountered await you.
Traversing the entirety of Horai can be a challenge but the reward (see aforementioned Biwako Valley) surely more than makes up for it.
But fear not, for if you do not wish to hike the mountain, a ropeway can be found at the base of Biwako Valley. This ropeway is right next to the biggest souvenir store – Biwako Street – in all of Shiga, making the journey just as worthwhile without the hike.
For the Climb: Take the JR Kosei line to Horai station. Climb.
For the Ropeway: Take the JR Kosei line to Shiga station and then a bus bound for Biwako Valley.
The climb will take you about 5 hours round-trip (less if you take the rope-way descending)
Mt. Bunagatake
Mt. Bunagatake, found on the Hira mountain range, is a challenging climb reserved for the brave, avoided by the sane. With many winding routes and narrow passages, this mountain offers something exhilarating to those looking for a challenge within Shiga. From waterfall paths to cliff faces you can climb, to thick woods and a slippery underfoot, Bunagatake is the whole package.
If you wish to try your luck, take the JR Kosei line to Omi-Takashima. From there, take a bus to Gulliver’s Travel Village, which will be the start of your trek. A hike of about 7 hours, the utmost care in preparation is necessary here, coupled with a good map and a compass.
On a more lighter note, you can just as well enjoy the hike in Bunagatake by taking the more established routes.
If you wish to try your luck, take the JR Kosei line to Omi-Takashima. From there, take a bus to Gulliver’s Travel Village, which will be the start of your trek. A hike of about 7 hours, the utmost care in preparation is necessary here, coupled with a good map and a compass.
On a more lighter note, you can just as well enjoy the hike in Bunagatake by taking the more established routes.