20 Mountains in Gifu worth your time

A 2,817-meter peak in the Norikura range offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji and rare alpine flora along accessible hiking trails.

What it is

• A 2,817-meter high peak located within the Norikura mountain range.
• A scenic destination known for views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
• A protected natural area where private cars are prohibited year-round.
• A hiking spot featuring two distinct routes leading to the summit.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Mount Yarigatake and the Hotaka Peaks to the north.
• Rare Komakusa and other native alpine plants growing along the trails.
• The distant peak of Mount Fuji visible from the mountain summit.
• High-altitude landscapes accessible via a forty-minute walk from the bus terminal.

When to go

• Visit between May 15th and October 31st before the winter closure begins.
• Take the shuttle bus during operating hours from 3:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Avoid planning trips between November 1st and May 14th due to road closures.

Getting there

• Take a shuttle bus from Honoki-daira to reach the mountain area.
• Walk forty minutes to the summit starting from the Tatamidaira Bus Terminal.

Read more about Mount Fujimi

A 1,292-meter peak in Gifu featuring a scenic pond, dramatic rock walls, and vibrant autumn colors for seasonal hikers.

What it is

• A 1,292-meter mountain in Ibigawa selected as one of the 100 Mountains of Gifu.
• The natural source of the Nishitani River featuring a first-class triangulation point at the summit.
• A hiking destination known for the Yashagaike Pond located on its southwest ridge.

What to see

• Yashagaike Pond situated along the southwest ridge of the mountain.
• The Yashakabe sedimentary rock wall located on the south face.
• Panoramic views from the summit's first-class triangulation point.

When to go

• The primary climbing season runs from June through November.
• Peak autumn colors are visible from late October to early November.
• Avoid winter as access roads close during periods of heavy snow.

Getting there

• A trailhead with parking is located at the end of Ikenomata Forest Road.
• The mountain is situated 13.5 kilometers southeast of Imajo Station.

Read more about Mount Sanshu

A 2,592-meter peak in Chubu Sangaku National Park famous for its diverse alpine flora and scenic mountain hut.

What it is

• A 2,592-meter mountain located within the Chubu Sangaku National Park in Gifu Prefecture.
• One of Japan's 100 Famous Flower Mountains known for its rare alpine plant species.
• A peak situated on a ridge between Momisawa and Onoma with rivers flowing to the Sea of Japan.
• The site where Prince Chichibu completed a climb in August 1928.

What to see

• The Kagamidaira area located on the eastern slope of the mountain.
• The Kagamidaira Sanso mountain hut which has been operating since 1965.
• The Pinguicula macroceras flower which serves as the representative flora of the area.
• Rare alpine moths including the Alps Kuroyotou species in their natural habitat.

When to go

• August is the historical month when Prince Chichibu visited the summit.

Getting there

• Access the mountain via the Koike-shindo trail starting from Shinhotaka Onsen.

Read more about Mount Yumiori

A 923-meter peak in Gifu offering paragliding sites, hot springs at the base, and scenic views from the summit road.

What it is

• A 923.9-meter mountain located within the Ibi-Sekigahara-Yoro Quasi-National Park.
• Part of the Ibuki Mountain range featuring two shrines named Yakiishi and Akiba.
• A recreation area known for sodium bicarbonate hot spring sources at its base.
• The eastern foothills serve as a path for the Tokai Nature Trail.

What to see

• Hang gliding and paragliding launch sites situated near the eighth station.
• A second-class triangulation point marking the highest point of the summit.
• The Kasumaga-ke valley at the foot of the mountain.
• A summit road connecting the local hot springs to the peak area.

When to go

• Visit during cherry blossom season to see the blooms at Kasumaga-ke valley.
• Avoid mid-December to late March when the summit road is closed.

Getting there

• The nearest railway access is via Ikeno and Kita-Ikeno stations.

Read more about Mount Ikeda

A 2,439-meter peak in the Northern Alps offering panoramic views of Mount Yari and the surrounding Hida Mountains.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing at 2,439 meters in the Chubu Sangaku National Park.
• Part of the Hida Mountains located entirely within Gifu Prefecture.
• A summit situated on the Nakazaki Ridge branching from Senjozawa Nokkoshi.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Mount Yari and Mount Hotaka from the summit.
• Clear sightings of Mount Kasagate and Mount Norikura from the peak.
• The surrounding alpine landscape of the Northern Alps mountain range.

When to go

• Autumn is a popular time to use the trail opened in 2005.
• Winter offers a variation climbing route along the Nakazaki Ridge.

Getting there

• Follow the climbing route starting from Yaridaira Hut in Migimatadani.
• Take the trail from Hidarimatadani which connects Shinhotaka Onsen to Mount Yari.
• Access the peak via the Nakazaki Ridge route starting from Shinhotaka.

Read more about Mount Okumaru

A 1,625-meter composite volcano in Gifu offering summit views of the Northern Alps and Mount Ontake.

What it is

• A 1,625.2-meter high composite volcano located in the Hida Highlands.
• One of the 100 Mountains of Gifu spanning Takayama and Gujo cities.
• A watershed for the Kiso River system formed from andesite lava.
• Site of a massive landslide caused by the 1586 Tensho earthquake.

What to see

• Panoramic views of the Northern Alps and Mount Ontake from the summit.
• A second-class triangulation point located at the mountain peak.
• The Meiho Ski Resort situated on the northeastern slope.
• Andesite lava and pyroclastic materials forming the mountain structure.

When to go

• Winter season for skiing as there are no established snow-free hiking trails.

Getting there

• The peak is located 10.7 kilometers east of the Takasu Interchange.
• National Route 472 runs along the eastern side of the mountain area.

Read more about Mount Eboshi

A 1,751-meter peak in Gifu known for morning sunlight, offering off-trail skiing and views of Lake Miboro during winter.

What it is

• A 1,751-meter mountain spanning Takayama City and Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture.
• One of the 100 mountains of Gifu and part of the Ryohaku Mountains range.
• The name refers to the peak receiving the first morning sunlight.
• A natural site with no established hiking trails for summer visitors.

What to see

• Miboro Dam located at the northeastern foot of the mountain.
• Lake Miboro situated along the eastern base of the peak.
• Rivers that flow from the slopes into the Sho River system.

When to go

• The snowy season is the primary time for climbing or skiing.
• Early morning offers the chance to see the first sunlight hit the peak.

Getting there

• The peak is located 11 kilometers from the Shokawa Interchange.
• National Route 156 passes directly along the eastern foot of the mountain.

Read more about Mount Hideri

A 3,180-meter peak in Chubu-Sangaku National Park famous for its distinct spear-like shape and challenging alpine climbing routes.

What it is

• The fifth highest mountain in Japan standing at 3,180 meters above sea level
• Located within the borders of Chubu-Sangaku National Park
• First climbed by the Buddhist monk Banryu in 1828
• Features four major ridges extending from the summit in different directions

What to see

• A distinct glacial peak shaped like the head of a spear
• A small shrine located at the northern end of the summit
• Iron ladders and chains installed on the steep final approach to the top
• Expansive views of the surrounding Matsumoto, Omachi, and Takayama areas

When to go

• July through late August for the peak alpine flower season

Getting there

• Access the mountain through the Kamikochi trailhead
• Reach the summit via the Shinhotaka Onsen entrance
• Start the climb from the Nakabusa Onsen trailhead

Read more about Mount Yari

A 1,058-meter peak in Gifu offering panoramic views of the Hida Mountains and famous seasonal morning fog.

What it is

• A 1,058-meter mountain spanning Hida City and Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture.
• One of the Continued 100 Mountains of Gifu.
• A scenic location featured on a Japan Post stamp for its sea of clouds.
• The site of Keta Wakamiya Shrine located at the southwestern foot.

What to see

• A summit observation deck overlooking the Furukawa town area.
• Views of the Hida Mountains and Mount Ontake from the peak.
• A small shrine and a rest area located at the summit.
• Sites where twenty-five Bodhisattva statues were formerly located on the mountainside.

When to go

• Late October to December to see the morning fog and sea of clouds.

Getting there

• Located 2.5 kilometers northeast of Hida-Furukawa Station.
• Vehicle access is available near the mountain top via a forest road.

Read more about Category:Mount Anbo (Gifu)

A 2,812-meter peak in the Hida Mountains known for its dramatic eastern collapse area and vibrant alpine plant life.

What it is

• A 2,812-meter mountain located in the Chubu Sangaku National Park of Gifu Prefecture.
• One of the 100 Mountains of Gifu situated between Yumiori Peak and Mount Kasagatake.
• A peak named for the large collapse area visible on its eastern slope.
• The source of several rivers that flow into the Takahara River system.

What to see

• The Okukasagatake third-class triangulation point located at the summit.
• Alpine plants growing within the Chichibudaira and Shakushidaira cirques.
• Rocky summit terrain covered with patches of Siberian dwarf pine.
• Views of the massive collapse area that defines the mountain's profile.

Getting there

• The peak is located 4.9 kilometers north of the Shinhotaka Onsen bus stop.
• Access the summit via the Kasa-shindo or Koike-shindo climbing trails.

Read more about Mount Nukedo

The highest peak in the Hida Highlands offering spring snow climbing and skiing near the historic Shirakawa-go village.

What it is

• The highest peak in the Hida Highlands standing at 1,875 meters tall.
• A featured peak on the list of 300 Famous Japanese Mountains.
• Part of the Amo Prefectural Natural Park located east of Shirakawa-go.
• A mountain containing a third-class triangulation point northwest of the summit.

What to see

• A summit area densely covered with Maries' fir trees.
• Mount Kiun which serves as a front peak to the main summit.
• Views of the surrounding Gifu Prefecture landscape from the high elevation.

When to go

• Visit during the spring season for snow climbing and backcountry skiing.

Getting there

• Start the climbing route next to Myozenji Temple in the village of Ogimachi.
• The peak is located 5.3 kilometers southeast of the Shirakawa-go Interchange.

Read more about Mount Sarugabanba

A 970-meter mountain and national recreation area featuring highland lakes, campgrounds, and scenic hiking trails on the Byobuyama fault scarp.

What it is

• A 970-meter mountain standing on the border of Nakatsugawa and Ena cities.
• Part of the Byobuyama fault scarp designated as a National Recreation Area.
• A plateau near the summit known as the Nenoue Highlands.
• One of the 100 famous mountains listed by the Gifu Prefecture Mountaineering Federation.

What to see

• Two reservoirs named Lake Hoko and Lake Nenoue located on the plateau.
• A public lodge and campground facilities for visitors staying overnight.
• Two golf courses situated at the foot of the mountain.
• Rivers originating from the slopes that flow toward Ise Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Getting there

• Iinuma Station on the Akechi Railway is the nearest train station to the site.
• Gifu Prefectural Road 413 provides vehicle access near the mountain summit.

Read more about Mount Hoko

A remote 1,841-meter peak in Hakusan National Park known for its historical burial mound and challenging off-trail spring climbing.

What it is

• The highest peak in the northern Ryohaku Mountains at 1,841 meters above sea level.
• A sacred site reportedly opened by the monk Taicho within a Special Protection Zone.
• The mountain borders the three prefectures of Ishikawa, Toyama, and Gifu.
• A summit burial mound where artifacts dating back to 1518 were discovered.

What to see

• A third-class triangulation point installed at the very top of the mountain.
• Headwaters of several rivers that flow directly into the Sea of Japan.
• Panoramic views from the highest point in the northern Ryohaku range.
• The historical summit burial mound containing ancient artifacts.

When to go

• The snowy spring season is the typical time for climbers to visit.
• May is a recorded month for successful ascents of the peak.

Read more about Mount Oizuru

A historic mountain summit featuring medieval castle ruins and the strategic campsite used by Kobayakawa Hideaki during the Battle of Sekigahara.

What it is

• A 292.9 meter mountain serving as a Sekigahara Town designated historic site.
• The former campsite of Kobayakawa Hideaki during the historic Battle of Sekigahara.
• Location of the medieval Matsuo Castle ruins featuring preserved earthworks and enclosures.

What to see

• Remains of medieval castle structures including various enclosures and earthwork fortifications.
• Panoramic views of the Sekigahara urban area from the mountain summit.
• An observation deck and public restroom facilities located at the top.

Getting there

• A hiking trail leads from the base to the summit in approximately 40 minutes.
• The trailhead is situated two kilometers south of the Matsuo Intersection.
• A dedicated parking lot is available at the entrance of the hiking trail.

Read more about Mount Matsuo

A 419-meter peak in Gifu featuring a historic samurai campsite, ancient burial mounds, and a prominent Shinto shrine.

What it is

• A 419-meter mountain located within the Ibi-Sekigahara-Yoro Quasi-National Park.
• The site where Mori Hidemoto stationed forces during the Battle of Sekigahara.
• A natural water source for the Kiso River system also known as Mino no Nakayama.
• A mountain range featuring active limestone quarrying on its southern face.

What to see

• Nangu Taisha shrine situated at the foot of the mountain.
• A hiking trail connecting the shrine to the historic Mori camp site.
• The Zobizan burial mounds located on the southeastern edge of the range.
• A second-class triangulation point marking the mountain summit.
• Views from the peak situated on the border of Ogaki and Tarui.

Getting there

• Tarui Station is located three kilometers northeast of the mountain.

Read more about Mount Nangū

A 1,479-meter peak in Gifu offering hiking trails, a summit shrine, and seasonal sunflower gardens at its base.

What it is

• A 1,479-meter mountain in Gifu Prefecture located between Takayama and Gero cities.
• One of the Kuraiyama Three Mountains and designated as a prefectural natural park.
• A peak also known as Hida Fuji belonging to the Mount Norikura watershed.
• The site of Funayama Shrine which is located on the eastern side of the summit.

What to see

• Multiple radio and telecommunication facilities situated at the mountain summit.
• Orchards at the mountain base where apples, pears, and peaches are cultivated.
• A sunflower garden event held at the site of the former Alcopia snow resort.
• Hiking trails that lead from Kuraiyama Pass and Lake Araragi to the peak.

When to go

• The sunflower garden event takes place following the closure of the local ski resort.

Read more about Funa Yama

A 3,026-meter active volcano in Chubu Sangaku National Park offering high-altitude hiking accessible by shuttle bus.

What it is

• An active Rank C volcano located in Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
• The nineteenth highest mountain in Japan with twenty-three different peaks.
• A protected area designated as Chubu Sangaku National Park in 1934.
• One of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains with its highest peak at Kengamine.

What to see

• Gongen-ike, which is the second highest volcanic lake in Japan.
• The Kengamine summit reaching an elevation of 3,026 meters.
• Rare and protected rock ptarmigan birds living in their natural habitat.
• Panoramic views from the Tatamidaira area at 2,702 meters altitude.

Getting there

• Shuttle buses transport visitors to the Tatamidaira station at 2,702 meters.
• Private cars are banned on the main access roads to the mountain.

Official site

norikuradake.jp

Read more about Mount Norikura

A 1,996-meter peak on the Toyama-Gifu border offering a flat plateau summit within the Chubu Sangaku National Park.

What it is

• A mountain standing 1,996 meters high on the border of Toyama and Gifu.
• Part of the Tateyama Range within the Hida Mountains.
• A designated area of the Chubu Sangaku National Park.
• One of the 100 Mountains of Gifu featuring a third-class triangulation point.

What to see

• A flat summit plateau surrounded by dense coniferous forests.
• The Kagamiikedaira pond located on the western side of the summit.
• The Hieetsu Shin-do trail established for climbers in 1995.
• A watershed area feeding into the Joganji and Takahara rivers.

When to go

• Avoid early November to early June when roads are closed for winter.

Getting there

• The Hieetsu Tunnel trailhead is located on the south side of the tunnel.

Read more about Mount Teraji

A 1,625-meter peak in Gifu offering 360-degree views of the Northern Alps and seasonal alpine flowers.

What it is

• A 1,625-meter mountain spanning Gero City and Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture.
• One of Japan's 300 Famous Mountains and part of the Kurai Sanzan group.
• A sacred site where a female deity is said to reside.
• A peak connected by a trail to the neighboring Mount Kurai.

What to see

• A 360-degree panoramic view of the Northern Alps from the summit.
• Lilium japonicum flowers blooming near the peak during the summer months.
• Enkianthus perulatus leaves turning bright red across the slopes in autumn.
• Climbing routes originating from the Yamanokuchi and Ichinomiya trailheads.

When to go

• Summer to see the blooming Lilium japonicum flowers near the summit.
• Autumn for the red foliage of the Enkianthus perulatus plants.

Read more about Kaore Dake

A 1,709-meter peak in Hakusan National Park featuring a historic summit statue, a 60-meter waterfall, and three active ski resorts.

What it is

• A 1,709-meter mountain in Gifu Prefecture located within Hakusan National Park.
• Founded by Taicho Daishi in 717 and formerly known as Mount Mikuni.
• One of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains composed of andesite rocks.
• The source of rainwater for the Nagara, Sho, and Kuzuryu rivers.

What to see

• A statue of Dainichi Nyorai enshrined at the mountain summit.
• The 60-meter Amida Falls located on the southern side of the mountain.
• A first-class triangulation point positioned at the highest peak.
• Three different ski resorts operating on the mountain slopes.

Getting there

• Accessible via hiking trails starting from the Hirugano Highlands.
• The mountain can be reached by travelers from the Hinoki Pass area.

Read more about Mount Dainichi