Embark on a breathtaking 17-km journey along the Mt. Ibuki Driveway, famously known as a "drive in the sky." As you ascend above the clouds, you will be treated to panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the Japanese Alps, accompanied by dramatic seasonal landscapes ranging from rare summer alpine flowers to brilliant autumn foliage. Led by an experienced, fluent English-speaking guide-driver, you will learn fascinating details about Japan's unique nature and the mountain's characteristics. Because this is an exclusive private tour for just your group, you have the ultimate flexibility to stop the car wherever you like to snap photos, take a break, and fully immerse yourself in the magnificent scenery before arriving at the Skyland parking area, which connects directly to the entrance of your summit hike.

At an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,300 feet), the hike to the summit of Mt. Ibuki is a gentle, 40-minute walk that even young children or senior hikers can comfortably enjoy. Most of the trail is well-paved and perfectly suitable for regular walking shoes or sneakers. (though sandals are not recommended as the path includes some rough stairs and rocky sections) Each season brings its own unique magic to the peak: spring and early summer boast a vibrant bloom of rare alpine flowers, summer offers a refreshingly cool mountain paradise, and autumn transforms the slopes into a breathtaking tapestry of fiery crimson and gold. Walking through the Japanese "sky" while taking in the shifting seasonal landscapes and the vast expanse of Lake Biwa will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. Rest assured, our expert mountain guide will ensure your safety every step of the way, making this a memorable and secure adventure for everyone.

Reaching the majestic 1,300-meter summit of Mt. Ibuki rewards you with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views. As the highest peak in the region with no trees blocking your sight, the summit features a rare limestone karst landscape that resembles the beautiful alpine meadows of Switzerland, offering unobstructed vistas of Lake Biwa and beyond. On a clear day, you can spot Mt. Hakusan 80 km away, the Northern Alps 150 km away, and under perfect conditions, even Mt. Fuji over 200 km in the distance. As you explore, you will encounter numerous stone monuments, Buddhist statues, and shrines, revealing the mountain's deep heritage as a mystical sacred site and a historic training ground for Yamabushi (mountain ascetics) from ancient times to the present day. To complete your adventure, relax at one of the charming mountaintop restaurants, where you can enjoy a refreshing break and savor local specialties like traditional Ibuki Soba noodles.