Ontake Climbing: 100 Famous Mountains Sacred Peak Climbing with Lessons of Eruption

Mt. Ontake's History and Faith

Ontake (3,067m) is an independent peak on the boundary of Gero City, Gifu and Kiso District, Nagano, one of "Japan's 100 Famous Mountains." A sacred mountain long revered by a faith group called "Ontake-ko," with Ontake Shrine enshrined at the summit.

The 2014 Eruption

On September 27, 2014, Ontake suddenly erupted with a phreatic explosion, engulfing climbers and tourists near the summit in a massive eruption. Becoming the worst volcanic disaster since WWII, many precious lives were lost. Currently mountain entry restrictions are in place, with sufficient preparation and information gathering necessary when climbing.

Climbing Ontake

Ontake can currently be climbed within the scope of mountain entry restrictions according to volcanic alert levels. Many climbers visit in summer (July-October) with grand panoramas of Japanese Alps, Mt. Fuji, and Lake Biwa enjoyable from the summit.