This trail is the most iconic among the many trails in Shiga Kogen, and many hikers enjoy it as a day or a half-day hike.
There are signboards along the way, so you should not get lost even without a guide.
Ikemeguri Trail infromation :
https://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/green/trekking/trekking_course08.html
Ikemeguri Trail photo article :
https://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/topics/ikemeguri-trail.html
Exclusive Tour for Ikemeguri Trail with official guides :
https://shizenhogo-center.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/activity/
🚗 How to access “Ikemeguri Trail” by your car 🚗
If you are coming to Shiga Kogen by your car, the following two plans would be ideal.
【Plan A】
In this plan, since a car is pre-arranged at the destination,
you can walk freely without worrying about the bus schedule.
Park your car at 〈Onumaike Iriguchi Bus Stop〉🅿🚻 https://maps.app.goo.gl/WLLHXuafmCqE7tZAA
08:35 Boarding and Departing by route bus bound for 〈Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Termial〉🅿🚻
08:41 Arriving at 〈Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Termial〉🅿🚻 https://maps.app.goo.gl/V4NcCk9D4EjVj4fg6
09:01 Boarding and Departing by route bus bound for 〈Shibu Touge Bus Stop〉
09:14 Getting off at〈Hotaru Onsen Bus Stop〉🅿🚻https://maps.app.goo.gl/w9edvxQx7P8WC1zo7
🏔️ Start hiking! 🚶
You can choose your return time freely.
【Plan B】
In this plan, you need to arrive at the destination by the bus schedule
Park your car at 〈Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Terminal Free Parking〉🅿🚻 https://maps.app.goo.gl/V4NcCk9D4EjVj4fg6
09:01 Boarding and Departing by route bus bound for 〈Shibu Touge Bus Stop〉
09:14 Getting off at〈Hotaru Onsen Bus Stop〉🅿🚻 https://maps.app.goo.gl/w9edvxQx7P8WC1zo7
🏔️ Start hiking! 🚶
14:25 or 15:30 Boarding and Departing at 〈Onumaike Iriguchi Bus Stop〉🅿🚻https://maps.app.goo.gl/4rzH9NHT524rpwLN8
14:31 or 15:35 Getting off at 〈Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Terminal Free Parking〉🅿🚻https://maps.app.goo.gl/dzZpWYKAGN1edQTj6
As for trail information, like all other trails, there are no water supply spots or shops along this trail. There are no convenience stores or supermarkets in Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, so we recommend preparing everything before you come to Shiga Kogen area.
Additionally, the only restrooms on the trail are at the starting point, the finishing point, and the way at Onuma-ike Pond. For environmental considerations, please make sure to use only the designated restrooms.
The trail is around 9.6 to 10 km long. If you walk straight without any breaks, it will take about 3.5 hours. However, we usually recommend taking 5 hours to allow for enjoyable breaks along the way.
The best spot for a lunch break is at Onuma-Ike Pond.
*One thing, please note that the Mae-yama Summer Chair Lift can only take CASH (500 yen one-way).
The trail itself is well-maintained and clearly marked, so you shouldn’t get lost. However, some parts of the wooden path at the Shiju-Hachi-Ike Wetlands are getting old. Please avoid standing on any parts of the wooden path marked with bright pink tape.
👉 Near the end of the trail, it splits into two different routes.
One continues on the same trail towards “Onumaike Iriguchi Bus Stop,” while the other leads into a beautiful forest again, which is shorter and more enjoyable. This last forest section passes beside another pond. When you reach the road, continue down for another minute to the clear spring water park (Shimizu Park).
🚌 Nagaden bus timetable for green season 2024 🚌:
http://www.nagadenbus.co.jp.e.aaf.hp.transer.com/local/diagram/route.php?route=YDS02