Ontake-san
Key information: Ontake-san 
- Traverse the second-highest volcano in Japan. Ontake-San is active, so enjoy the action, with all the associated visual and aural drama.
- Important pilgrimage for the syncretic Shugendō school, so you will meet white-clad pilgrims.
- Some of the thrill is reduced by the access roads and consequent large number of "pilgrims".
- Best months: Spring to Autumn. Rainy season is very wet.
- Serious walking in remote mountains, where altitude can be an issue. Come prepared. A section in Lonely Planet's Trekking in Japan. Find relevant books by using our Amazon search function:
- ANYONE GOT ANY GOOD PHOTOS? WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO POST THEM!
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating87
- Beauty33
- Natural interest18
- Human interest4
- Charisma32
- Negative points0
- Total rating87
Vital Statistics
- Length: 12 km / 2 Days
- Maximum Altitude: 3,007 m
- Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
This walk description page is at an early stage of development, and will be expanded over time. Your comments on this walk, your experiences and tips, and your photos are very welcome.
Other accounts: share your experiences
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Contents
Other great walks in Japan
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Basho Tour
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Nakasendo Way
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Chugoku, Daisen
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Chugoku, Miya-Jima
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Hokkaido, Hokkaido Walking
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Hokkaido, Shikotsu Toya
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Hokkaido, Shiretoko Peninsula
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Hokkaido: Daisetsu-zan, Daisetsu-zan Grand Traverse
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Hokkaido: Daisetsu-zan, Daisetsu-zan NP
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Hokkaido: Daisetsu-zan, Mts. Asahi-dake, Hokkai-dake, Kuro-dake
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Hokkaido: Daisetsu-zan, Tokachi-Dake
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Kansai, Atago-san
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Kansai, Daimonji-yama and Philosopher's Path, Kyoto
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Kansai, Fushimi Inari, Kyoto
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Kansai, Konpira-san
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Kansai: Kii Peninsula, Kohechi Trail
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Kansai: Kii Peninsula, Kumano Kodo
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Kansai: Kii Peninsula, Nakahechi Trail
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Kansai: Kii Peninsula, Odagi-ga-hara to Osugi
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Kansai: Kii Peninsula, Omine San
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Kansai: Kii Peninsula, Yoshino
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Kyushu, Mount Aso/ Taka-Dake
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Kyushu, Mount Kaimon
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Kyushu, Mount Kuju
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Nansei-shoto (SW Islands): Okinawa, Yaeyama/ Iriomoto
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Nansei-shoto (SW Islands): Yaku-shima, Mt. Mocchomudake
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Nansei-shoto (SW Islands): Yaku-shima, Yaku-shima
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Nansei-shoto (SW Islands): Yaku-shima, Yaku-shima Traverse
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Shikoku, Ishizuchi-san and Circuit
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Shikoku, Shikoku
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Shikoku, Shikoku Pilgrimage
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Shikoku, Tsurugi-san and Traverse
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Tohoku, Bandai-san
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Tokyo Region, Fuji-san (Mount Fuji) Area
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Tokyo Region, Mount Fuji Ascent
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Tokyo Region, Nikko Area
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Tokyo Region, Tanigawa-dake
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Tokyo Region: Izu Peninsula, Izu Peninsula
RESEARCH ESSENTIALS
Information and review
Finding flights, organising travel
Car hire
Accommodation
- Booking.com
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TripAdvisor
Equipment & Clothing
Books and Maps
- Amazon
- Maps and guides from Maps Worldwide
- Cicerone � explore the world�s best collection of walking books
Holidays and Activities
Japan's best selection of inspiring walks
MAGAZINE
Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
