Mount Ontake is Japan’s second-highest volcano at 3,067 metres, straddling the border of Gifu and Nagano, and has been revered as a sacred mountain for centuries, serving as a major centre of the shugendo and Ontake-kyo mountain-worship traditions with shrines, stone monuments and pilgrim trails on its slopes. The mountain offers dramatic high-altitude volcanic scenery and hiking, though it is an active volcano; following an eruption in 2014, access to certain areas near the summit has at times been restricted, so current conditions and any restrictions should always be checked before planning to climb.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Gifu–Nagano border |
| Hours | Trails seasonal (roughly summer); check current status |
| Admission | Free; check access restrictions |
| Time needed | Full day or multi-day for climbing |
| Best time | Summer for hiking; check volcanic activity status |
What to See
- Japan’s second-highest volcano at 3,067 metres.
- A centre of shugendo and Ontake-kyo mountain-worship pilgrimage.
- Shrines, stone monuments and pilgrim trails on the slopes.
- Dramatic high-altitude volcanic scenery.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Norikura Highland for more alpine scenery.
- Pair with Gero Onsen for a relaxing base.
- Read our Gifu overview .
Getting There
- By car: the most practical way to reach the trailheads on the mountain’s slopes.
- By bus: seasonal buses reach some trailhead areas from nearby towns.
Tips
Mount Ontake is an active volcano, and following the 2014 eruption some areas near the summit have faced access restrictions, so always check the current volcanic activity status and any climbing restrictions before planning an ascent. If not climbing, the mountain’s shrines, pilgrim history and lower-slope scenery can still be appreciated, and the sacred mountain-worship culture is a distinctive aspect worth understanding.
