Mount Hachi

Mount Hachi is a mountain summit located in the Itoigawa and Asahi region, rising to 2,563 meters (8,409 feet). Multiple trails ascend through alpine meadows, rock outcrops, and forests with changing vegetation zones at different elevations.

For centuries, this mountain served as a crucial connecting route between settlements across Niigata Prefecture. Local communities gradually established and maintained the network of paths to enable regular passage and cultural exchange.

This summit has served as a pilgrimage destination rooted in Japanese nature worship traditions for centuries. Visitors can see small shrines and offerings scattered at various points, revealing how deeply the site remains woven into local spiritual practices.

Plan your visit for summer or early autumn when weather conditions are most stable for hiking. The terrain is steep and exposed in places, so proper footwear and physical preparation make a significant difference in managing the routes safely.

Natural thermal springs surface at various points below the summit, feeding warm water into small pools along the trail. These geothermal features arise from volcanic activity in the region and offer hikers a chance to soak in heated mineral water after their climb.

Location: Itoigawa

Location: Asahi

Elevation above the sea: 2,563 m

GPS coordinates: 36.78018,137.74950

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:40