20 Mountains in Niigata worth your time

A 336-meter mountain in Niigata featuring the ruins of Kiroku Castle and a temple dedicated to its fallen lord.

What it is

• A 336.3-meter mountain that served as the site of the former Kiroku Castle.
• The historical seat of power for the Shittaka clan who ruled the surrounding area.
• Home to Ryusen-in Temple, established in 1463 to mourn the castle lord Shittaka Shinzaburo.
• A natural landmark situated near the junction of the Nobori and Kushi Rivers.

What to see

• A horizontal cave known as Ranna located near the mountain summit.
• The remains of a signal fire site on the northeastern slope of the mountain.
• Ryusen-in Temple, which commemorates the lord who died in battle in 1459.
• Panoramic views of Minamiuonuma City from the various historical castle points.

Getting there

• Take a 15-minute bus ride from Muikamachi Station to the Yoshiyama stop.
• The hike to the summit takes approximately 30 minutes from the parking lot.
• Accessible by car via the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway.

Read more about Mount Atago

A 1,278-meter peak in Niigata offering a three-hour hike through the Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park.

What it is

• A 1,278-meter mountain peak located in the Echigo Mountain Range
• Part of the protected Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park
• A natural border between Minamiuonuma City and Yuzawa Town
• A hiking destination situated near Mount Makihata and Mount Asahi

What to see

• Views of the surrounding Echigo Mountain Range from the summit
• The Nobori and Nishiyago rivers flowing near the mountain base
• Natural landscapes preserved within the Prefectural Natural Park

Getting there

• Three-hour climbing route starting from the Minamiuonuma side
• Three-hour ascent beginning from the Asahihara trailhead
• Buses run from Muikamachi Station to the Nishiyago bus stop
• Buses travel from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to the Asahihara stop
• Rokurozawa parking lot is accessible via National Route 291
• Twenty-minute drive from Yuzawa Interchange to the Asahihara area

Read more about Mount Takadairanokashira

A 1,487-meter peak in Hakuba Sanroku Prefectural Natural Park famous for massive winter icicles and scenic highland trails.

What it is

• A mountain standing 1487.4 meters tall in Itoigawa City.
• Part of the Hakuba Sanroku Prefectural Natural Park.
• A destination featuring the Umiya Highlands on its eastern side at 732 meters altitude.

What to see

• Large icicles reaching over 100 meters long during the winter season.
• Views of nearby peaks including Mount Nokogiri, Mount Amakazari, and Mount Myojo.
• The active volcano Niigata Yakeyama located in the surrounding vicinity.
• Hiking trails passing through the Umiya Highlands and Umiya Sankyo Park.

When to go

• Winter to see the formation of massive icicles over 100 meters long.

Getting there

• The Saikai climbing route begins at Umiya Sankyo Park.
• The Nechi climbing route starts from the Daigando district.
• A connecting trail allows access from the neighboring Mount Amakazari.

Read more about Mount Kubiki-koma

A 481-meter peak in a Quasi-National Park offering seven hiking trails and seasonal wildflowers for nature enthusiasts.

What it is

• A 481.7-meter mountain located within the Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Quasi-National Park.
• A designated peak on the list of New 100 Famous Flower Mountains.
• A natural site also known by the name Mount Chojahara.
• Home to the Kakudayama Nature Museum which opened in 1994.

What to see

• Seven established hiking courses leading to the mountain summit.
• A spacious peak area characterized by dense natural vegetation.
• Snowwort and dogtooth violets blooming across the landscape during spring.
• Active persimmon orchards located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

When to go

• Springtime to see the blooming snowwort and dogtooth violets.

Getting there

• Bus services connect Maki Station directly to the various trailheads.
• Parking lots are provided at most of the mountain trailhead locations.

Read more about Mount Kakuda

A 2,003-meter peak in the Echigo Sanzan range, famous for its dramatic slab walls and year-round snow in the valleys.

What it is

• A 2,003-meter mountain also known as Uonuma Komagatake.
• One of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains located in Niigata Prefecture.
• Part of the Echigo Sanzan mountain group alongside Nakano-dake and Hakkai.
• A prominent peak featuring large slab walls suitable for climbing.

What to see

• Deep valleys where snow remains visible even during the midsummer months.
• Expansive views of neighboring peaks Mount Nakano-dake and Mount Hakkai.
• The Koma-no-koya mountain hut located near the summit.
• Large granite slab walls that define the mountain's rugged landscape.

When to go

• Midsummer to see the contrast of green slopes and lingering valley snow.
• Winter months when the area experiences exceptionally heavy snowfall.

Getting there

• Access the main hiking trail starting from Shiori Pass.

Read more about Mount Echigo-Komagatake

A 1,760-meter peak on the Gunma border offering national park views and access to the extensive Gunma Border Ridge Trail.

What it is

• A 1,760-meter mountain located within the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park.
• One of the 100 Mountains of Gunma situated on the border of Yuzawa and Minakami.
• A key point along the long-distance Gunma Border Ridge Trail.
• A natural watershed near the Yubiso and Uono rivers.

What to see

• Views of nearby peaks including Mount Tanigawa and Mount Asahi.
• The eastern ridge scenery protected within the national park boundaries.
• Yomogi Hut, a mountain lodge at 1,529 meters that accommodates twenty people.
• Shirakaba Shelter, a small mountain refuge located at 1,267 meters.

Getting there

• The Yomogi trailhead is a fifty-minute walk from Tsuchitaru Station.
• The trailhead is a thirty-minute drive from the Yuzawa Interchange.
• Free parking for 100 cars is available at the Shigekura trail parking lot.

Read more about Mount Bunō

A 2,145-meter stratovolcano featuring a massive summit plateau with high-altitude marshes and shrines within a national park.

What it is

• A 2,145-meter stratovolcano located on the border of Niigata and Nagano prefectures.
• Part of the Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park since its designation in 1949.
• A mountain featuring a 600-hectare flat summit plateau with protected high-altitude wetlands.
• Home to the Ime and Naeba Shrines and the Kagura Ski Resort.

What to see

• Numerous ponds and wetlands scattered across the expansive summit plateau.
• The Ime Shrine and Naeba Shrine located on the mountain grounds.
• Andesite lava formations that compose the structure of the volcano.
• The Nature Experience Exchange Center mountain hut serving hikers near the top.
• Vast marshes designated as important wetlands by the Japanese government.

Getting there

• The summit plateau is accessible via the Koakazawa and Haraikawa hiking trails.

Official site

www.naeba.gr.jp

Read more about Mount Naeba

A 1,967-meter peak in Niigata and Gunma featuring high-altitude wetlands and status as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains.

What it is

• A 1,967-meter peak located within the Mikuni Mountains on the Niigata and Gunma border.
• One of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains protected within Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park.
• A sacred site worshipped by local residents as a deity of weaving.
• A vital headwater source for both the Tone and Shinano rivers.

What to see

• High-altitude wetlands and ponds located near the summit area.
• Diverse alpine flora growing across the upper slopes of the mountain.
• The actual highest point situated 400 meters away from the official summit sign.
• An unmanned mountain hut positioned between Maemakihata and the main peak.

Getting there

• The main climbing route begins from the Shimizu settlement in Minamiuonuma.
• Buses provide transportation from Muikamachi Station to the Shimizu trailhead.

Read more about Mount Makihata

A 1,111-meter stratovolcano known as Ueda Fuji, offering panoramic mountain views and hosting popular ski resorts on its slopes.

What it is

• A Quaternary stratovolcano active between 200,000 and 500,000 years ago.
• The mountain features large lava domes at the peak and Shigura Mountain.
• A grain deity is enshrined at the summit of the 1,111-meter peak.
• The peak is locally referred to as Ueda Fuji due to its shape.

What to see

• A 360-degree view of the Echigo Mountains from the summit.
• Maiko Snow Resort located on the northern slope of the mountain.
• Iwappara Ski Resort situated on the southern slope.
• Azaleas and Tamushiba flowers blooming near the summit.

When to go

• Early May to see the blooming azaleas and Tamushiba near the peak.

Getting there

• The nearest train access is Iwappara-Skiing-Ground Station.
• Hiking from the Iwappara Ski Resort trailhead takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Read more about Mount Iiji

A prominent peak in Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park famous for its dramatic rock faces and accessible alpine hiking trails.

What it is

• A 1,977-meter mountain located on the border of Gunma and Niigata prefectures
• Part of the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park and a designated UNESCO Eco Park
• One of Japan's Three Major Rock Faces known for challenging climbing routes
• A site where over 800 people have died since record-keeping began in 1931

What to see

• The twin peaks of Toma-no-mimi and Oki-no-mimi at the summit
• The sheer Ichinokurasawa rock face popular with experienced rock climbers
• Views from the Tanigawa-dake Ropeway connecting the base to Tenjin Ridge
• The Kan-etsu and Shimizu tunnels which pass directly through the mountain

When to go

• An annual safety prayer festival is held on the Gunma side every July

Getting there

• Accessible via Doai Station located on the Joetsu Line

Read more about Mount Tanigawa

A 1,188-meter limestone mountain in Niigata featuring a massive rock wall, wild bonsai trees, and views of the Hida Mountains.

What it is

• A 1,188-meter peak composed entirely of limestone within Hakuba Sanroku Prefectural Natural Park.
• A designated Itoigawa Geosite known for its massive 400-meter southern rock wall.
• The natural source area where the Hime River originates.
• A popular destination for rock climbing and mountain trekking in Niigata Prefecture.

What to see

• The sheer 400-meter limestone rock wall on the southern face of the mountain.
• Wild Itoigawa Shinpaku bonsai trees growing directly on the steep rock surfaces.
• Panoramic views of the Hida Mountains and the Sea of Japan from the summit.
• The nearby Kotakigawa Jade Gorge, a known site for jade production.

Getting there

• Access the mountain via trailheads located at Oka village.
• Alternative hiking trails begin at the Kotaki Jade Gorge area.

Read more about Mount Myojo (Niigata)

A 1,771-meter peak in Bandai-Asahi National Park offering views of Lake Otori and the northern Asahi Range.

What it is

• A 1,771.4-meter mountain located on the border of Yamagata and Niigata prefectures
• Part of the Bandai-Asahi National Park and listed among Japan's 200 Famous Mountains
• The northern end of the Asahi Range hiking trail
• A natural site featuring Lake Otori at an elevation of 966 meters

What to see

• Panoramic views of Lake Otori and Mount Oasahi from the summit
• A modern evacuation hut established near the summit in 2017
• The Takitaro Sanso hut which can accommodate up to 100 people
• Two suspension bridges located along the mountain trails

When to go

• Between June and October when the road to the trailhead is open
• Avoid winter when the suspension bridges are removed for the season

Getting there

• The main trailhead is located at the Awataki Dam

Read more about Mount Ito

A 1,983-meter peak in Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park famous for alpine flowers and panoramic views along the Tanigawa mountain range.

What it is

• A 1,983.8 meter mountain peak located within the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park.
• Part of the Tanigawa mountain range bordering Niigata and Gunma prefectures.
• Designated as one of Japan's 100 Famous Flower Mountains.
• A central junction connecting four different hiking trails at the summit.

What to see

• A third-class triangulation point marking the highest point of the summit.
• The Tairappyo Mountain House which provides seasonal accommodation for hikers.
• A guiding bell at the mountain house used to direct hikers during heavy fog.
• The Senpei-shimizu water source located near the mountain lodging area.
• Diverse alpine flora protected within the Minakami UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Getting there

• Buses run from Echigo-Yuzawa Station directly to the mountain trailhead.

Read more about Tairappyō Yama

A rocky mountain ridge in Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park offering challenging hiking trails and views of Mount Waribiki.

What it is

• A rocky mountain peak located in Minamiuonuma City directly below Mount Waribiki.
• Part of the protected Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park landscape.
• A destination for experienced hikers situated near Mount Makihata and Mount Imosu.

What to see

• Rugged rock formations along the Tengu Ridge hiking route.
• The surrounding river valleys of Futagozawa and the Nobori River.
• Views of the neighboring peaks including Mount Waribiki and Mount Imosu.

Getting there

• Drive thirty minutes from the Shiozawa Ishiuchi Interchange to the Sakurazaka parking lot.
• Take a twenty-five minute taxi ride from Muikamachi Station to the trailhead.
• Ride a bus from Muikamachi Station to the Shimizu stop.
• Walk fifty minutes from the Shimizu bus stop to reach the Sakurazaka trailhead.

Read more about Tengu Iwa

A mountain in Niigata offering panoramic basin views, hiking trails, and a summit rest area accessible from a major station.

What it is

• A mountain located in Yuzawa Town within Niigata Prefecture.
• The slopes host the NASPA Ski Garden for winter sports.
• A rest area with an observation deck stands at the summit.
• The mountain overlooks the Uonuma Basin and Yuzawa Town.

What to see

• Views of Mount Makihata and Mount Iiji from the summit observation deck.
• The Omine Hyakuban Kannon trail starting from Kandatsu Onsen.
• Panoramic views overlooking the Uonuma Basin and the town below.

Getting there

• Echigo-Yuzawa Station is situated at the eastern foot of the mountain.
• The Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway is a ten minute walk from the station.
• A hike from Yuzawa Kogen to the summit takes approximately forty minutes.
• Kandatsu Onsen is a thirty minute walk or fifteen minute bus ride from the station.

Read more about Mount Ōmine

A 946-meter peak in Niigata offering accessible hiking trails and views of the surrounding Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing at an elevation of 946 meters in Minamiuonuma City.
• Also known by the local names Matsudeyama or Takidani Fuji.
• Part of the protected Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park area.
• Situated directly opposite Mount Kinjo near the Komatsuzawa and Nobori rivers.

What to see

• Views of nearby peaks including Mount Makihata and Mount Asahi.
• Natural landscapes within the Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park.
• The surrounding river valleys of the Komatsuzawa and Nobori.

Getting there

• One hour hiking trail starting from the Maiko Gondola station.
• Three hour ascent available via the trail from Takidani.
• Three hour hiking route starting from the Ichinosawa area.
• Buses run from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to the nearby Maiko Snow Resort.

Read more about Mount Ubaminokashira

A 2,191-meter peak in Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park offering a challenging hike along the border of Nagano and Niigata.

What it is

• A 2,191-meter mountain located within the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park.
• The highest point in both Sakae Village and Yuzawa Town.
• One of the 200 Remarkable Mountains of Japan.
• A peak named after the Saburyu River, formerly known as Nishizawadake.

What to see

• A second-class triangulation point located at the mountain summit.
• Panoramic views from the border of Nagano and Niigata Prefectures.
• A ridge trail connecting the peak to nearby Mount Naeba.
• Rugged terrain including the Hinomata River and Warusa Peak.

Getting there

• A common climbing route begins at the Kiriake Onsen trailhead.
• The trail to the summit passes through the Hinomata River area.
• Access from Mount Shirasuna is possible but difficult due to thick brush.

Read more about Mount Saburyu

A 191-meter peak in Niigata featuring castle ruins and an observatory with views of the Agano River.

What it is

• A mountain standing 191 meters tall surrounded by the Tokonami and Agano rivers
• The former site of Tsugawa Castle with a triangulation point named Shiroyama
• Named after the Qilin, a mythical creature from Chinese folklore
• A location associated with local fox legends and the poet Ujo Noguchi

What to see

• The White Fox observatory providing views of the town and river
• The triangulation point located at an elevation of 194.75 meters
• Natural scenery where the Tokonami and Agano rivers meet the mountain base

When to go

• Visit during the Fox Wedding Festival held in the local area

Getting there

• Located near Tsugawa and Kanose stations for rail access
• Accessible by car via National Routes 49 and 459

Read more about Mount Kirin

A prominent peak in the Mikuni Range offering high-altitude hiking within the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

What it is

• A mountain peak situated on the border of Gunma and Niigata prefectures.
• Part of the Mikuni Mountain Range between Ichinokura Dake and Buno Dake.
• Located within the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• The Joetsu Line railway tunnels pass directly beneath the mountain mass.

What to see

• An evacuation hut located just below the mountain summit.
• Mountain views from the peak within the Uonuma Renpo Prefectural Natural Park.
• The Shigekura Shindo trail winding up from the Tsuchitaru area.

Getting there

• The summit is a seventy minute walk from Tanigawadake Okinomimi.
• The Shigekura Shindo trail begins near the Tsuchitaru Parking Area.
• The ascent from the Tsuchitaru trailhead takes over four hours.

Read more about Shigekura Dake

A 1,956-meter peak on the Gunma-Niigata border offering high-altitude hiking within the Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park.

What it is

• A mountain peak reaching 1,956 meters within the Tanigawa range.
• Part of the central watershed of Japan on the Gunma and Niigata border.
• A featured stop along the Gunma Border Ridge Trail.
• Located inside the protected Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park.

What to see

• A ventilation tower for the Kan-etsu Tunnel located on the mountainside.
• The unmanned Daishōji emergency hut which provides shelter for hikers.
• Panoramic views from the summit situated between Mount Tanigawa and Mount Taira-hyō.
• The Gosaku Shin-do trail which leads hikers to the peak.

Getting there

• The ascent from Tsuchitaru takes approximately four hours to reach the top.
• Parking spaces are available at the Gosaku Shin-do trailhead for visitors.

Read more about Mount Mantarō