Mount Yahiko

Located in the central part of the Niigata Plain and facing the Sea of Japan, Mount Yahiko is the highest peak of the Yahiko Mountain Range, with an elevation of 634 meters, matching the height of Tokyo Skytree.

From Yahiko Station, you can easily walk to the trailhead. The main hiking route, starting from the Omotesando trailhead, takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the summit. The well-maintained paths are relatively easy to walk, making this hike suitable for beginners and families with children. Alternatively, you can take the Yahiko Ropeway or drive up the Yahiko Skyline, which both offer convenient access to the summit. A popular option is to hike up and then take the ropeway down for a different perspective.

At the ninth station, you'll find Yahiko Summit Park, home to a panoramic restaurant and the 100-meter-tall revolving observation tower, Panoramatower. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Echigo Plain, the Sea of Japan, and Sado Island. At night, the area around the summit offers stunning views of the Echigo Plain's nightscape, which is recognized among Japan's top 100 night views and listed as a Japanese Night View Heritage site.

Additionally, the summit is home to the Okunomiya Shrine, a sacred site of Yahiko Shrine, allowing visitors to experience the spiritual atmosphere of this mountain, which has been revered as a holy site for centuries.