Mount Myojo (Niigata)

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.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.