A Loop Course to Mt. Ibuki from Sky Terrace

From the Sky Terrace parking lot, set out for a round trip hike to the peak via the Nishi (west) trail. From the gravel-covered hiking trail, you can also enjoy views of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa-ko. From the Sky Terrace parking lot, it’s about a 40 minute walk to the mountaintop. At the peak, you will find a statue of the legendary Japanese Prince, Yamato Takeru, as well as a mountain hut, toilets, and other facilities. For the return hike, follow the descent-only path to the Higashi (east) trail and make your way back to the parking lot.

The hike begins along a gently sloping path of red clay soil, but in time you will begin to see a series of limestone rock faces. The level path gradually gives way to a slope before you come to some steep wooden stairs. After about an hour of walking from the peak, you will arrive at Sky Terrace parking lot. A variety of alpine flora blooms from July to August to turn the grasslands around the trail into flowery meadows.

The “Plant Communities of Mt. Ibuki’s Peak” have been officially designated a National Natural Monument. Several of the plant species endemic to Mt. Ibuki bear the mountain’s name, including: Ibukijakoso (Thymus quinquecostatus), Ibukireijinso (Aconitum chrysopilum), and Ibukiazumi (Ibuki thistle). You can also see the colorful blossoms of shimotsukeso (Filipendula), kugaiso (Veronicastrum japonicum), and Shishiudo (wild celery) along the way.