Yahiko Shrine
Yahiko Shrine, The Old Shrine Of Niigata At The Foot Of Mount Yahiko In A Cedar Forest, With A Ropeway To The Summit, A Deer Park And A Trail Past An Inner Shrine. A Quiet Place That Fills At New Year And During Its Lantern Festival. · Yahiko, Niigata
Yahiko Shrine is the old shrine of the Niigata plain, set at the foot of Mount Yahiko, a peak of about 634 m - confirm the height. It is dedicated to Amenokagoyama-no-mikoto, a deity linked in tradition to salt, fishing and the founding of the region - confirm. The approach runs from Yahiko Station through a cedar forest to a red gate and the main hall, and has a calm, forested feel. Above the shrine, a ropeway reaches the summit, where an inner shrine, Okunomiya, stands near the top - confirm the name and the walk. A small deer park on the grounds keeps sika deer in a pen - confirm. In late July, the Yahiko Lantern Festival, locally known for large lit lanterns carried in procession, draws crowds - confirm the dates. Yahiko Onsen lies below the shrine. It suits pilgrims, walkers and anyone driving across Niigata. It is a half-day stop, quiet most days and very busy at New Year. Bears live on the mountain.
2887-2 Yahiko, Yahiko, Nishikambara District, Niigata, a short walk from Yahiko Station on the Yahiko line, at the foot of Mount Yahiko, Yahiko, Niigata, Japan
The shrine grounds are open at all hours and free to enter, though the offices, the amulet shop and the treasure hall keep daytime hours, commonly from about 8:30 to 16:30 - confirm. The ropeway runs in daytime on a seasonal timetable and closes in strong wind or snow; confirm the last car and any closing days. New Year brings huge crowds with late openings and special trains. Reach the shrine from Tokyo by shinkansen to Niigata or Nagaoka, then a local line to Yahiko; confirm connections and the last train, since the local line runs infrequently. Carry coins for offerings.