Mt. Ontake

Mt. Ontake at 3,067 meters is the second highest volcano in Japan and sits on the border of Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. The mountain has been a site of Shugendo mountain worship for centuries and holds over 20,000 stone spirit monuments called reijin-hi, erected to guide the spirits of the deceased back to the peak. Public access began in the late 18th century when ascetics Fukan and Kakumei opened routes to encourage pilgrims. A trailhead in the Nigorigo Onsen area near Gero leads through moss-covered conifer forest and alpine wetlands to the summit in about three and a half hours. The mountain is also popular for hot springs and river trekking.