19 Mountains in Shiga worth your time

A 1,212-meter peak in Suzuka Quasi-National Park offering unique rock formations, seasonal skiing, and panoramic views via a ropeway.

What it is

• A 1,212-meter mountain located on the border of Mie and Shiga prefectures.
• Part of the Suzuka Quasi-National Park and one of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains.
• A granite peak featuring the only ski resort in Mie Prefecture at the summit.
• The southern limit for several plant species and a habitat for migrating Akiakane dragonflies.

What to see

• Large granite rock formations including the Tonai-heki rock wall used for climbing.
• Panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding Suzuka Mountains from the peak.
• A first-class triangulation point marking the summit area.
• The Gozaisho Ropeway which has operated year-round since 1959.

When to go

• Summer months to see the migration of Akiakane dragonflies to the summit.
• Winter season to visit the ski resort located at the mountain top.

Getting there

• The Gozaisho Ropeway connects Yunoyama Onsen directly to the summit area.

Read more about Mount Gozaisho

A 284-meter mountain in Hikone featuring ancient burial mounds, historic shrine ruins, and active hiking trails with hang gliding spots.

What it is

• A 284-meter mountain in Hikone City dedicated to the deity Sanpo Daikojin.
• Site of Okuyama-dera Temple founded by the monk Gyoki during the Nara period.
• Location of the Kojinyama Burial Mound, a large keyhole-shaped tumulus.
• Home to the ruins of Kojinyama Castle and a modern television relay station.

What to see

• Kojinyama Shrine and the historical ruins of the former castle at the summit.
• A hang glider runway offering views from the mountain heights.
• Kojinyama Park featuring a baseball field and tennis courts for public use.
• Multiple hiking courses that lead visitors through the natural mountain landscape.

When to go

• The Minazuki Festival is held annually on June 29th and 30th.
• Visit before 2025 if you intend to see the Kojinyama Nature House before it closes.

Getting there

• The mountain is accessible from the nearby Kawase Station and Inae Station.

Read more about Mount Kōjin

A scenic 421-meter mountain peak offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the site of a historic 1583 samurai battle.

What it is

• A 421-meter mountain located in Nagahama City within Biwako Quasi-National Park.
• The historic site of the Battle of Shizugatake which took place in 1583.
• A natural barrier separating Lake Biwa and Lake Yogo.
• Recognized as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Chikubu Island and Mount Ibuki from the summit.
• A chairlift that connects the foot of the mountain to the summit ridge.
• The Yogo River flowing along the eastern foot of the mountain.
• Vistas of Lake Yogo and Lake Biwa from a single vantage point.

Getting there

• The nearest train access is via Kinomoto Station.
• A shuttle bus operates from Kinomoto Station on specific dates.
• The Kinomoto Interchange is the closest exit for those traveling by car.
• National Route 8 provides access through the Shizugatake Tunnel.

Read more about Shizugatake

The highest peak of the Hira Mountains offering 360-degree views of Lake Biwa and distant Japanese Alps.

What it is

• The highest peak in the Hira Mountains standing at 1214.4 meters.
• Part of the Biwako Quasi-National Park in Shiga Prefecture.
• One of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains named for its native beech trees.
• A mountain composed primarily of sedimentary rocks like sandstone and mudstone.

What to see

• A summit providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding region.
• Clear day sightings of distant peaks including Mount Hakusan and Mount Ontake.
• Natural landscapes featuring extensive groves of beech trees on the slopes.
• Remnants of former ropeways and ski resorts that are now closed.

When to go

• Weekends and holidays outside of the winter season for bus access.

Getting there

• Access the mountain trails from Hira Station.
• Take the Kojak Bus climbing line to the Bomura bus stop.

Read more about Mount Bunagatake

A sacred mountain featuring a shrine built into steep cliffs with panoramic views over Lake Biwa and the surrounding plains.

What it is

• A 357 meter peak also known as Mount Tarobo located in Higashiomi City.
• The sacred object of worship for the Tarobogu Aga Shrine.
• A spiritual site featuring shrine buildings scattered across the rugged mountainside.

What to see

• Numerous unusual rock formations located throughout the mountain slopes.
• An observation deck providing views of Lake Biwa to the west.
• The main shrine complex situated ten minutes up from the trailhead.
• Vending machines and restroom facilities available for visitors on the mountain.

Getting there

• The trailhead is a twenty minute walk from Tarobogumae Station.
• The main shrine is a ten minute hike from the trailhead.
• The mountain summit is a twenty minute walk from the main shrine.
• Parking lots are available at both the base and the mountainside.

Read more about Mount Akagami

A 1,144-meter peak in Suzuka Quasi-National Park famous for its limestone landscape and seasonal alpine flower colonies.

What it is

• A 1,144-meter mountain located on the border of Mie and Shiga prefectures.
• Part of the Suzuka Mountains and designated as one of Japan's 300 Famous Mountains.
• A peak within the Suzuka Quasi-National Park featuring limestone mined by Taiheiyo Cement.
• Site of a former ski resort that originally opened in 1931.

What to see

• Natural colonies of Fukujuso and Setsubunso flowers blooming on the slopes.
• A mountain villa and public toilet facilities located near the summit.
• Views from the top of one of the designated Suzuka Seven Mountains.
• Trailheads situated near the historic Seibo-ji Temple.

Getting there

• The main trailhead is located 2.6 kilometers from Nishifujiwara Station.
• Access the mountain via trails starting near Nishifujiwara Station or Seibo-ji Temple.

Read more about Mount Fujiwara

A 303-meter mountain in Shiga offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding peaks from its summit.

What it is

• A mountain standing 303.2 meters tall in the Bodaiji area of Konan City
• The source of the Amano River with the Sasaji River flowing on its eastern side
• A historic site identified as Mount Amano on maps dating back to 1492
• The former location of Hachioji Shrine which once stood at the southern foot

What to see

• A fourth-class triangulation point marking the highest point of the summit
• Panoramic views of Lake Biwa and Mikami Mountain from the top
• Natural river landscapes where the Amano River originates on the southern side

Getting there

• A thirty-minute walk from the Highway Side Town bus stop
• A forty-minute walk from the Kibogaoka West Gate bus stop
• A thirty-minute walk from the Karyoku Koen bus stop

Read more about Mount Ama

A sacred 432-meter peak known as Omi Fuji, offering historic hiking trails and connections to ancient Japanese legends.

What it is

• A 432-meter mountain in Shiga Prefecture commonly known as Omi Fuji.
• The primary object of worship for Mikami Shrine located at the foot.
• A historic site mentioned in the ancient Kojiki and Engishiki texts.
• The legendary location where Fujiwara no Hidesato killed a giant centipede.

What to see

• Mikami Shrine buildings situated at the base of the mountain.
• The Yasu River flowing along the southwestern side of the peak.
• Pine and chestnut trees planted during the seventeenth-century reforestation efforts.
• Views of the surrounding landscape from the 432-meter summit.

Getting there

• The mountain is situated two kilometers from JR Yasu Station.
• National Route 8 runs along the western foot of the mountain.

Read more about Mount Mikami

The second highest peak in the Suzuka Mountains, known for rainmaking rituals, a summit pond, and views of Lake Biwa.

What it is

• A 1,238 meter peak located on the border of Higashiomi and Koka.
• The second highest mountain in the Suzuka range and part of a Quasi-National Park.
• A traditional site for rainmaking rituals within the Suzuka Seven Mountains.
• A former mining site for silver, copper, and lead on the southern slopes.

What to see

• The Otoge-no-sawa pond located near the summit of the mountain.
• Forest green tree frogs that inhabit the pond at the peak.
• Panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding Suzuka Mountains.
• The nearby Chigusa Road where Oda Nobunaga survived an assassination attempt.

Getting there

• Hikers can access the peak via the Buhei Tunnel trailhead.

Read more about Amagoi Dake

A 823-meter peak in the Suzuka Mountains featuring unique granite landscapes and high-altitude wetlands on the Mie-Shiga border.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing 823.1 meters high on the Suzuka main ridge.
• Part of the Suzuka Quasi-National Park bordering Mie and Shiga prefectures.
• A natural site featuring high-altitude wetlands and exposed granite terrain.

What to see

• White sandy ground created by exposed granite near the mountain summit.
• The Hatomine wetlands spreading across the area near the mountain ridge.
• Meiji era stone dams located within the Nekodani valley.
• Views of nearby Mount Shaka, Mount Neko, and Mount Kanayama.

Getting there

• A climbing trail ascends from the Asake Valley on the Mie side.
• A hiking route follows the Hirozawa stream from the Shiga side.

Read more about Hatomine

A 1,132-meter peak in Shiga offering views of Lake Biwa and seasonal wildflowers along its forested ridges.

What it is

• A 1,132-meter mountain in Nagahama consisting of a west and east peak.
• One of the Kansai 100 Famous Mountains and the source of the Takatoki River.
• A natural site featuring virgin beech forests along its eastern ridge.

What to see

• Panoramic views of Lake Yogo and Lake Biwa from the summit.
• Kyo-no-taki and Gochoshi-no-taki waterfalls located on the southern slope.
• Seasonal blooms of katakuri and wood peony flowers.
• A second-class triangulation point situated on the west peak.

When to go

• The recommended climbing season runs from mid-April to mid-November.
• A mountain opening ceremony takes place on the third Sunday of May.

Read more about Mount Yokoyama

The second highest peak in the Hira range offering steep cliffs, a ski resort, and views from the summit.

What it is

• The second highest peak in the central Hira Mountains reaching 1,173 meters.
• One of Japan's 300 Famous Mountains located within Biwako Quasi-National Park.
• A mountain named after a legendary Chinese peak for immortals.
• A geological site featuring granite intruded into Paleozoic layers.

What to see

• Steep cliffs located on the eastern side of the mountain.
• The Biwako Valley ski resort situated on the northern summit.
• A first-class triangulation point located at the peak.
• A ropeway providing access to the nearby Uchimi Mountain.

Getting there

• A hiking trail connects Horai Station to the summit via Kojoro Pass.

Read more about Mount Hōrai

A 353-meter mountain featuring a summit shrine, ancient burial mounds, and stone statues overlooking the Yasu River.

What it is

• A mountain standing 353.3 meters high also known as Mount Ryuo.
• The site features a north peak and a south peak.
• Home to the Ryuo Shrine located at the mountain summit.
• Location of the former Shobodaiji Temple ruins and ancient burial mounds.

What to see

• Ryuo Shrine situated at the highest point of the mountain.
• Stone statues of Enma and Jizo located on the grounds.
• The Terayashiki Kofun and other ancient burial mounds.
• Views of the Yasu River flowing to the south.

Getting there

• Accessible via the Shiga Bus line to Midorinomura-higashiguchi bus stop.
• The summit is a 30-minute walk from the bus stop.

Read more about Mount Bodaiji

A 931-meter peak on the Takashima Trail featuring ancient beech forests and historic samurai trade routes.

What it is

• The highest peak in Obama City standing at 931.3 meters above sea level.
• A significant mountain on the central watershed and the Kansai 100 Mountains list.
• Part of the Takashima Trail hiking route bordering Shiga and Fukui prefectures.
• The source of the Onyu River with a first-class triangulation point at the summit.

What to see

• A primary forest of large beech trees surrounding the summit area.
• Designated natural monument rhododendron communities located on the northern slope.
• Negorizaka Pass on the south side, a historic section of the Saba Kaido route.
• The mountain pass used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu after battle.

Read more about Mount Hyakuri

The highest peak in the Suzuka Mountains featuring a unique limestone karst plateau and scenic doline ponds at the summit.

What it is

• The highest peak in the Suzuka Mountains standing at 1,247 meters high.
• A limestone karst plateau located within the Suzuka Quasi-National Park.
• One of the Kansai 100 Mountains and part of the Suzuka 10 Seats.
• A designated wildlife protection zone made of Paleozoic limestone.

What to see

• The summit area also known as Maruyama.
• Numerous doline ponds and karrenfeld formations across the plateau.
• Views from the highest point of the Suzuka mountain range.

Getting there

• The shortest climbing path is accessible via Route 306 from Mie Prefecture.

Read more about Mount Oike

The highest peak in the Reinan region, offering a scenic ridge hike through ancient beech forests on the Takashima Trail.

What it is

• The highest peak in the Reinan region with an elevation of 950 meters.
• A mountain situated on the border of Fukui and Shiga prefectures.
• A key point along the established Takashima Trail hiking route.
• The summit features a third-class triangulation point for navigation.

What to see

• Large beech trees with diameters reaching 50 centimeters along the ridge.
• Natural forests of Mizunara and beech growing near the prefectural border.
• A mountain trail leading from the ridge to the summit peak.
• Views from the highest elevation point bordering Mihama Town and Takashima City.

Read more about Ōmikage-yama

A historic 494-meter mountain in Shiga featuring the ruins of Odani Castle and a designated national historical site.

What it is

• A 494.6-meter peak in the Ibuki Mountain Range also known as Mount Azai.
• The former site of Odani Castle built during the Sengoku period.
• A designated historical site that was historically referred to as Ozuku.
• A mountain area located near the historic Hokkoku Kaido road.

What to see

• The ruins of the Odani Castle guardhouse located near the main trailhead.
• Sugatani Onsen situated at the eastern foot of the mountain.
• Shimizu Shrine in Kohoku Town near the start of a climbing route.
• Views of Mount Toragozen located to the southwest of the peak.

Read more about Mount Odani

A 593-meter peak on the Kyoto-Shiga border offering hiking along the Tokai Nature Trail and historical poetic significance.

What it is

• A 593.2-meter mountain serving as the highest peak in Kyoto's Yamashina Ward.
• Site of Hogon-ji Temple which was founded during the Enryaku era.
• A famous location in classical Japanese poetry known as an utamakura.
• Part of the eastern ridge belongs to the Biwako Quasi-National Park.

What to see

• Hiking paths along the Tokai Nature Trail that pass through the mountain area.
• The Biwako Broadcasting headquarters located on the Shiga side slope.
• Views from the highest point on the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures.

Read more about Mount Otowa

A 325-meter peak in Otsu City featuring a historic barrier site, a poet's shrine, and major transit tunnels.

What it is

• A 325-meter mountain in western Otsu City also known as Sekiyama
• Site of the historic Osaka Barrier located at the southern border
• Part of the Biwako Quasi-National Park area
• Location of the Seki Semimaru Shrine dedicated to the poet Semimaru

What to see

• A stone monument marking the barrier site along National Route 1
• The Seki Semimaru Shrine dedicated to the famous poet
• A third-class triangulation point located at the summit
• The Tokai Nature Trail running along the eastern foot of the mountain

Read more about Mount Ōsaka