Yamamotoyama Highland

Overview

Yamamotoyama Highland is located in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, with a summit plateau at an elevation of 336 meters. From this highland, you can see the Echigo Sanzan mountain range and the distant mountains of Aizu. Below, you can enjoy the majestic flow of the Shinano River and the lush Niigata Plain. On clear mornings, the visibility is excellent, offering panoramic views of distant mountains and the rural landscape. The area's topography is prone to fog, so in the early autumn mornings, you might witness a sea of clouds, waterfall clouds, and even the Brocken phenomenon. The Brocken phenomenon is an optical phenomenon where sunlight shines from behind you, projecting your shadow onto the clouds—a truly magical sight. Furthermore, Yamamotoyama Highland is a migratory route for birds of prey such as eagles and hawks. In September, you can witness their spectacular flight. In addition to these natural phenomena, Yamamotoyama Highland offers seasonal flowers. From late April to early May, rapeseed flowers bloom, coloring the highland in yellow. In August, sunflower fields are in full bloom, their faces turned towards the sun, creating a beautiful scene against the summer sky. In July and September, buckwheat fields are in full bloom, offering a breathtaking spectacle of white flowers. You can drive to the summit of Yamamotoyama Highland, making it perfect for driving and hiking. The approximately 25-minute drive from Ojiya IC to Yamamotoyama Highland offers scenic views for an enjoyable drive. There is a roughly 10-minute hiking trail from the summit to the observation deck. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, gazing at the distant mountains and the magnificent scenery of the Shinano River. Yamamotoyama Highland is a recommended sightseeing spot for those who want to enjoy nature.