Hakkaisan Niigata
To the sacred mountain Hakkaisan, shrouded in beauty in each season
Hakkaisan has been worshiped as a sacred mountain since the days of old. Today, Hakkaisan draws many visitors who come to enjoy its many different charms throughout the four seasons. They come to do trekking in summer, admire the colorful foliage in fall, and ski in winter.
Halfway up the mountain is the final station of the Hakkaisan Ropeway. From the ropeway’s final station, visitors have a superb view of a landscape that is all surrounded by crisp and clear air, and magnificent nature. It invites you to spend a special day of thoughtful contemplation, letting your mind rejuvenate itself as you enjoy the scenery and walk along the mountain paths.
Activities
Hakkaisan Ropeway
From the final station of the ropeway, at the fourth station of Hakkaisan and 1,147 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a beautiful 360-degree panorama. Below your feet, the Uonuma Plain with the best rice fields in all of Japan lies. In the distance, you can see the Joshinetsu mountains, and on clear days, you can see as far as the Sea ofJapan and Sado Island. Experienced mountaineers should definitely continue from here and climb the series of rugged peaks that leads to the summit of Hakkaisan. The route is challenging, as it makes it all the more of a joy to climb.
At the foot of the mountain, there is a spot where you can drink spring water that bubbles up amid the magnificent nature of Hakkaisan. There is also a free dog park. Try them to have a brast vacation.
| 2024 Schedule | April 27 (Sat) - November 10 (Sun) *Between May 7 (Tue) and May 17 (Fri), this is only available for groups of 21 people or more (Advance reservation required at least one week in advance). |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 8:00A.M.-4:00P.M. (Last time to take the ropeway down: 4:30P.M.) |
| Prices |
From April 27 (Sat) to September 30 (Mon) Adults: Round trip ¥2,600, One way ¥1,600 Children: Round trip ¥1,500, One way ¥1,000 From October 1 (Tue) to November 10 (Sun) Adults: Round trip ¥2,800, One way ¥1,800 Children: Round trip ¥1,700, One way ¥1,200 |
Hike up mountain with Hakkaisan Ropeway
Several trekking routes start at the point of its summit station. There are a variety routes for beginners to use the ropeway, and a route for experienced mountaineers that follows the rugged rocky peaks called “Yatsumine,” which lead to the summit of Hakkaisan. Challenge and explore the wild nature of Hakkaisan to your heart’s content.
- [Ropeway Route]
- This route takes you straight to the station near the summit of the mountain in one easy ropeway ride. Enjoy the spectacular view from the observation deck, then take an easy walk down to the station at the foot of the mountain. It takes approximately two hours for beginners.
- [Experience Route]
- A route which lets you enjoy mountain walking with the Hakkaisan Ropeway. Near the meeting point at the fourth station is a pond where forest green tree frogs live. For intermediate mountaineers, it takes approximately two hours and thirty minutes round trip.
- [Challenge Route]
- Past the Nyonindo, there is a river in which worshipers purify themselves before praying. Past the watering hole by the river, there is a sudden incline leading up towards the Yasushidake peak. For experienced mountaineers, it takes approximately four hours and ten minutes round trip.
- [Yatsumine Route]
- This route takes you along the rugged rocky peaks that lead to the summit of Hakkaisan (Jizodake, Fudodake, Shichiyodake, Shirakawadake, Shakadake, Marishidake, Kengamine, and Dainichidake). It involves a great deal of ascending and descending, and some thrilling near-vertical inclines. For experienced mountaineers, it takes approximately six hours and ten minutes round trip.
- *This route is for experienced mountaineers because it includes a succession of near-vertical inclines. Make sure you have the appropriate experience and equipment. There is also an alternative route for intermediate mountaineers that runs between Jizodake and Dainichidake peaks.
The flowers that bloom on Hakkaisan
Mt. Hakkaisan is home to numerous alpine plants. The small flowers that bloom along the sides of the trail are dainty and somehow endearing. Please look for them during your mountain hike.
[Spring]
Visitors can enjoy the fresh greenery of beech trees against the lingering snow, the clusters of dogtooth violet flowers near the ropeway base station, and alpine plants such as mountain sakura, willow-leafed magnolia, and Grandiflora Rosea.
[Summer]
In late June, the entire trail is in full bloom with alpine flowers. The temperature near the ropeway summit station is 5 to 8°C cooler than at the foot of the mountain, so it’s a refreshing experience.
[Autumn]
From around late September, the leaves of Japanese maples, acers, beeches, and other trees gradually begin to change color, starting from the top of Mt. Hakkaisan, and in November, visitors can enjoy the contrast of the fall foliage against the white of the snow cap of Hakkaisan.
Restaurants
Trattoria Izumi
- Here in Echigo Uonuma, the land is called "Izumi," meaning "spring," where clear water originating from the top of Mt. Hakkaisan, a sacred mountain, flows down the gently sloping alluvial fan of land.
The facilities formerly used as Izumi Village in Minami-Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, have been reborn as a hotel. Enjoy creative European cuisine at Trattoria Izumi, a restaurant inside the beautiful hotel Auberge Mizuakari, which is located by a tranquil spring.
Uonuma-no Sato
- Snow country “Uonuma” is a nature-blessed place with rich soil, water and beautiful four seasons. Villagers’ wisdom and heartful embrace towards nature in the older days has since created a long living tradition and mountain village culture passed down till today. To help visitors to understand a little more of Uonuma’s lifestyle and snow culture, “Uonuma no Sato” was born.
It is situated on the foot of sacred mountain Hakkaisan, countryside surroundings houses and iconic shops representing this area. To list some, the consolidated “Hakkaisan Yukimuro” a sake shop combined with café and shops selling souvenirs and kitchen goods. Then noodles restaurant “Sobaya Nagamori”, Japanese dining “Jyonai Shokudo Bukabunka”, Japanese sweets ”Sato-ya” and souvenir shop “Tsutsumiya Hachikura”.
Let the beauty of four seasons together with the nostalgic feeling of tradition lead you to a charming Uonuma.
Wine Restaurant Budo-no Hana
- “Budo no Hana” is built with the concept following half-timbered constructed buildings mostly found in Europe. Vineyard is just next to the building, can be easily viewed from inside. Please try wines produced in our local winery and seasonal menu from local produces, to make your trip a memorable one.
- You can see more information in the website of Minami Uonuma City Resort Tourist Association.
Accommodation
Click here for details about nearby accommodations (Japanese text only)
Learn more about the Naeba Prince Hotel
Hot Springs
Muikamachi Onsen
Muikamachi Onsen Village is renowned as the biggest hot spring area in this region, with the five main onsen: Muikamachi Onsen itself, Kawarasawa Kousen, Uenohara Kougen Onsen, Ikazawa Onsen and Azechi Onsen.
Do enjoy the changing scenery of every season and the natural water of hot spring. About 15-25 min by car.
Access
By Public Transportation
By Car or Taxi
From Airport
