Niigata

Mt. Naeba (2,145 m), straddling Niigata-Nagano in Joshinetsu-kogen National Park, is a 100 Famous Mountain of Japan known for Japan's largest high-altitude wetland (~4 km², ~800 tarns). The 'Sky Garden' summit has skunk cabbage, yellow daylily and autumn grass colours. Taxi (~¥4,000) from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Haraigawa trailhead, via Wada-goya (5th station, kenchin udon), intermediate 7 hours, summit-hut overnight recommended.

Mt. Myoko (2,454 m, Echigo Fuji) is an active stratovolcano in Niigata's Joshinetsu-kogen National Park, principal peak of the Kubiki Sanzan, a 100 Famous Mountain of Japan. Three accesses: Hokuriku Shinkansen + Echigo Tokimeki + Keinan Bus to Tsubame Onsen (year round), Sasagamine (summer), or Akakura Sky Cable. The Mt. Hiuchi traverse from Sasagamine bags both peaks in one trip. Kōyaike Hut reservation required. Volcanic alert Level 1.

Mt. Hiuchi (2,462 m) is the highest peak of the Kubiki massif in Niigata's Joshinetsu-kogen National Park, a 100 Famous Mountain of Japan. Highlights: Tengu-no-niwa high-altitude wetland, Hakusan-kozakura flower fields, the only rock-ptarmigan habitat outside the Japanese Alps. Sasagamine direct bus from Myoko-kogen (summer 7/12-10/26), Kōyaike Hut reservation required (☎0255-78-7588), 2-peak traverse with Mt. Myoko popular, intermediate 9-10 hours.

Mt. Hiragatake (ひらがたけ, 2,141m) straddles the border of Uonuma City, Niigata and Minakami Town, Gunma in the Echigo-Sanza...

Mt. Echigo-Komagatake (2,003 m, Uonuma Komagatake) is the principal peak of the Echigo Sanzan in Niigata, Echigo Sanzan Tadami Quasi-National Park, 100 Famous Mountain of Japan. Intermediate ★★★ 9 hours via the Shiori-toge course; Koma-no-koya unstaffed emergency hut (cooperation fee ¥2,000) overnight recommended. Minami Echigo Kanko Bus from Koide Station only 1 run/day in summer; Ginzandaira or Koma-no-yu Onsen pre-night realistic. Famous for September-October 'taki-gumo' flowing clouds at dawn.

Mt. Amakazari (1,963 m) is a twin-peak mountain on the Niigata-Nagano border in Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, a 100 Famous Mountain of Japan. Known for the 'Goddess's profile' silhouette and Sasadaira's autumn grass colours (late Sep-early Oct). Otari Village Bus from Minami-Otari Station 6 runs/day, Amakazari-so pre-night recommended, intermediate 7-hour popular course.