Mt. Echigo-Komagatake

Mt. Echigo-Komagatake (越後駒ヶ岳, 2,003 m) in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, is the principal peak of the Echigo Sanzan (Echigo-Komagatake, Naka-no-dake, Hakkai-san) within Echigo Sanzan Tadami Quasi-National Park — a 100 Famous Mountain of Japan (Kyūya Fukada’s selection).

Also known as “Uonuma Komagatake“, this majestic free-standing peak is best reached via the Shiori-toge course (standard, most popular), a long ridge walk through Michiyukiyama and Ogura-yama with an overnight option at Koma-no-koya (unstaffed emergency hut below the summit), intermediate ★★★ / ~9 h round trip. Famous for the “flowing-cloud waterfall” (taki-gumo) phenomenon at dawn and the yellow-daylily fields in summer / autumn colours.

*Timetable last checked: May 22, 2026

1. [Round trip] Koide Station ⇔ Shiori-toge (Minami Echigo Kotsu Bus, summer 1 run/day)

For the Shiori-toge course trailhead at Shiori-toge (1,065 m), the Minami Echigo Kotsu Bus (Koide Station → Oyu Onsen → Ginzandaira → Shiori-toge) takes about 1 h 5 min / ¥680 / only 1 run per day in summer (typically late June – October). Because of this limit, Ginzandaira Campsite or Koma-no-yu Onsen pre-night is the standard plan. The “Uonuma Taki-gumo Shuttle Bus” (typically late September – early November weekends/holidays) eases congestion. Self-drive: ~1 h from Kan’etsu Expressway Koide IC via Okutadami Silver Line; Shiori-toge parking ~30 spaces, free (full in peak autumn).

Operating period : Typically late June – October (summer climbing season only)
Travel time : Koide Station → Shiori-toge about 1 h 5 min
Fare : ¥680 (one way)
Frequency : 1 run/day (summer regular) + Taki-gumo Shuttle on weekends/holidays (late Sep – early Nov)

Koide Station → Shiori-toge (Minami Echigo Kotsu Bus, summer 1 run/day, hiker excerpt)

Shiori-toge → Koide Station (Minami Echigo Kotsu Bus, return, summer 1 run/day)

Note : Operating periods and times vary by year — always confirm with Minami Echigo Kotsu Bus or Uonuma City Tourism. With only 1 daily run, a same-day return is tight (arrive 7:35, last bus 15:30 = ~8 hours), so the 9-hour course is hard. Overnight at Ginzandaira / Koma-no-yu Onsen with early-morning self-drive or minshuku transfer is realistic. After descending, bathe at “Koma-no-yu Sanso” (secluded onsen, ~¥600).

Reference : Niigata Tourism Mt. Echigo-Komagatake ｜ Snow Country Shiori-toge trailhead
Inquiries : Minami Echigo Kotsu Bus ☎025-792-2151 / Uonuma City Tourism Association ☎025-792-7300

2. Koma-no-koya, Ginzandaira, suggested plans

About Mt. Echigo-Komagatake
The principal peak (2,003 m) of the Echigo Sanzan (Echigo-Komagatake, Naka-no-dake, Hakkai-san) in Uonuma City, Niigata, within Echigo Sanzan Tadami Quasi-National Park. Locally called “Uonuma Komagatake” to distinguish it from other Komagatake in Japan (Kiso, Kai, Aizu, etc.). Selected by Fukada as one of his 100 Famous Mountains, this majestic free-standing peak is famous for the “taki-gumo” (flowing-cloud waterfall) at dawn — clouds streaming down the ridge in September – October — and is popular among photographers.

Trail summary (3 main courses)

• Shiori-toge course (intermediate, ~9 h, most popular): Shiori-toge → Michiyukiyama → Ogura-yama → Koma-no-koya → summit out-and-back, long ridge walk
• Koma-no-yu course (advanced, ~12 h): from Koma-no-yu Onsen, long steep climb, for fit hikers
• Ginzandaira course (advanced, ~11 h): from Ginzandaira Campsite, long north-side approach

Huts and hot springs
– Koma-no-koya (1,890 m, below summit, no phone, unstaffed emergency hut): cooperation fee ¥2,000, bring bedding and food, toilet available, water at Maekoma (30 min downhill)
– Ginzandaira Campsite: tent / cottage, recommended for climbing pre-night, ☎025-795-2398
– Koma-no-yu Sanso: Koma-no-yu course trailhead, secluded onsen, lodging ¥10,000+, bath ¥600
– Oyu Onsen: between Koide and Shiori-toge, many inns

Climbing season / flowers: June – October. July: yellow daylily and Hakusan-kozakura flower fields; late September – October: autumn colours and taki-gumo (best for sunrise photography). Residual snow on the ridge lingers until early June.

Cautions
– Shiori-toge bus only 1 run/day: same-day return tight, pre-night recommended
– 9-hour course / limited water: only at Maekoma — carry at least 2 L
– Koma-no-koya unstaffed: bring bedding, food, water; cooperation-fee box
– Bear sightings: carry bells and pepper spray

Emergency contacts and inquiries

• Uonuma City Tourism Association: ☎025-792-7300 / Ginzandaira Campsite: ☎025-795-2398
• Minami Uonuma Police Station (climbing plan, mountain rescue): ☎025-770-9110
• Minami Echigo Kotsu Bus: ☎025-792-2151 / Koma-no-yu Sanso: ☎025-792-2754

Suggested plans

• One night, Ginzandaira pre-night + Koma-no-koya day hike (recommended): Day 1 Koide → taxi (~¥6,000) or transfer → Ginzandaira overnight. Day 2 early self-drive or taxi → Shiori-toge 4:30 → Koma-no-koya 8:30 → summit 9:30 → descend → Shiori-toge 14:30 → bus 15:30 → Koide 16:35
• Two nights, Koma-no-koya overnight (recommended, enjoy): Day 1 Ginzandaira or Koma-no-yu pre-night. Day 2 early → Shiori-toge → Koma-no-koya overnight (cooperation fee, sunset + taki-gumo). Day 3 early summit (taki-gumo photography) → descend → Koma-no-yu Onsen bath → return

Reference : Niigata Tourism Mt. Echigo-Komagatake ｜ Yamatabi Mt. Echigo-Komagatake guide

Photo by tatsushi yamasaki (Flickr)