You cannot hike up Mt. Omuro: the operator prohibits it, and the only way to the crater rim is the chairlift. So whether you get up depends on the lift running. It stops in strong wind, and in December 2026 it is scheduled to be shut for maintenance from the 7th to the 18th (the operator says the dates may change). Check the official operating status on the morning you go (Mt. Omuro Lift).
Hours and price
We checked these on the official site on 26 October 2026.
From March to September the lift runs from 9 am to 5 pm, and the last ride down is 15 minutes after that. From October to February it runs from 9 am to 4 pm, with the last ride down again 15 minutes after closing. These are the regular hours; they differ from 6 to 15 March (closing at 4:45 pm) and on New Year's Day, so check the official site if you travel then.
An adult return ticket (junior high school and older) is ¥1,000, and a child (elementary school) is ¥500. Children under school age ride free. The ticket is return only and sold at the window by the lift. Once issued it is not refunded, unless the lift stops for a reason on the operator's side. You can pay in cash, by card, by e-money or by QR code.
Why you cannot walk up
The whole mountain is a national natural monument, and climbing on foot is prohibited to protect it. The old trail is closed too. Each chair seats two people, or three if one of them is a child under school age.
When the lift stops
The lift stops in strong wind and in bad weather. The official site lists no fixed day off: it says closures happen in bad weather, plus the maintenance periods below. It can also stop while you are up there: with lightning or a gust, staff may ask everyone to come down at once, and in that case the fare is not refunded.
Twice a year the lift closes for longer maintenance, in June and December. For 2026 the December closure is announced as Monday 7 to Friday 18 December, and the notice says the dates may change. If the dates stand and you are in Izu-Kogen then, you cannot go up.
If the lift is stopped on your day, the official site is where to check the current status again. We checked it on 26 October 2026; it showed the lift as not running because of weather that day, so look on the morning you go.
At the top
The path around the crater is about 1,000 m and takes 20 to 30 minutes. The crater is up to about 300 m across. On a clear day the official site says you can see Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps, as well as the Izu Islands. It suggests walking the loop to the left.
The summit path is steep, so the operator asks you not to take a stroller around the crater rim. A baby can ride if an adult holds them securely.
Bags, dogs and food
There are paid coin lockers near the toilets at the foot of the mountain. You can carry a suitcase up with you, but the summit has no lockers or luggage storage.
Dogs up to 45 cm at the shoulder can ride, as long as you hold them in your arms. Keep them on a lead of 1 m or less on the grounds.
You may eat while you ride, but take care not to drop food as you get on and off. The summit has snack stalls selling soft ice cream, dumplings and similar.
Getting there
By bus, take Tokai Bus from Ito or Izu-Kogen Station to the end of the line on the Shaboten Park / Omuroyama service. The mountain is directly in front of the stop. Check times on Tokai Bus's route search. By car, there are three car parks for about 500 cars, all close to the lift.
On the map
Mt. Omuro chairlift ↗Questions we get
How much is the Mt. Omuro lift?
¥1,000 return for adults (junior high school and older) and ¥500 for children in elementary school; younger children are free. Tickets are return only and sold at the lift window. Once issued they are not refunded, unless the lift stops for a reason on the operator's side.
Can I walk up Mt. Omuro?
No. Climbing on foot is prohibited because the mountain is a national natural monument. The lift is the only way up.
Is the lift running in December 2026?
Not from 7 to 18 December 2026. The lift is closed for maintenance then, and the notice says the dates may change. Check the official site before you go.
How do I know if the lift is running today?
The official website shows the lift's current operating status. In strong wind or thunder the lift stops, and it can also stop while you are on the summit.
Can I take a dog up?
Dogs up to 45 cm at the shoulder can ride if you hold them in your arms. Keep them on a lead of 1 m or less on the grounds.
Where do I leave my luggage?
There are paid coin lockers near the toilets at the foot of the mountain. Suitcases can be carried up with you, but there is nowhere to leave them at the summit.