Question 1

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes' walk from Yahiko Station on the JR Yahiko Line. By car it is about 25 minutes from Sanjo-Tsubame IC on the Hokuriku Expressway. An approach runs from Yahiko Station to the shrine, and the town along it is pleasant to walk.

Question 2

Are there autumn colours or festivals?

Accepted Answer

In November the autumn colours in Yahiko Park near the shrine are at their best, and the chrysanthemum festival is held. Colourful chrysanthemums line the approach in what is one of Japan's largest chrysanthemum festivals, drawing visitors from across the country.

Question 3

How busy is it at New Year?

Accepted Answer

As the first shrine of Echigo province it holds high rank, and more than 200,000 people visit at New Year. Traffic restrictions begin with the New Year's Eve visits on 31 December. Please see the Yahiko Tourism Association website for details.

Question 4

Can I visit 24 hours a day?

Accepted Answer

The grounds are open at any time and can be visited all year round. Reception hours for prayers and purification rites are set separately, so please check the official website or the shrine office if you would like one.

Question 5

Is there a hot spring nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yahiko Onsen surrounds the shrine, so you can bathe for the day or stay overnight after your visit. Yahiko Park and the restaurants of the town in front of the shrine are also within walking distance, making a full day out.

Question 6

Can I get a goshuin stamp?

Accepted Answer

Yes, goshuin stamps are available; please ask at the shrine office. Please see the official website for reception hours.

Question 7

Is there an admission or visiting fee?

Accepted Answer

Visiting the grounds is free. A separate fee applies for prayers, such as for road safety, a baby's first shrine visit, Shichi-Go-San or a wedding.

Question 8

Are the shrine buildings designated cultural properties?

Accepted Answer

The present buildings were rebuilt in 1916 to a design by Chuta Ito, professor at Tokyo Imperial University, after a great fire in the late Meiji period. Highly regarded as a masterpiece of modern shrine architecture, they were registered as national tangible cultural properties in 1998.

Question 9

Which deity does Yahiko Shrine enshrine?

Accepted Answer

The deity is Ame-no-Kagoyama-no-Mikoto. Sent by Emperor Jimmu to develop the land of Koshi, he taught the people rice farming, fishing, salt making and sake brewing, and is revered as a god of industry. He is also known as a god of revival and of warding off misfortune.

Question 10

Can I climb Mount Yahiko or take the ropeway?

Accepted Answer

The Yahiko Ropeway runs from the base station, about 15 minutes' walk from the shrine, to the 634 m summit. From the top you can see the Sea of Japan, Sado Island and the Echigo plain, and the shrine's inner sanctuary, the Goshinbyo, stands at the summit.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There are several car parks around the shrine. They are busy in peak periods such as the New Year visits and the chrysanthemum festival, when traffic restrictions may be in place. Please see the official website or the Yahiko Tourism Association website for details.

Question 12

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

The grounds can be visited at any time, all year round.

Question 13

What are the visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

The grounds are open at any time (hours at the shrine office and for prayers vary with the schedule).

Question 14

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes' walk from Yahiko Station on the JR Yahiko Line. By car, about 25 minutes from Sanjo-Tsubame IC on the Hokuriku Expressway, or about 40 minutes via Nishi IC.

Question 15

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

2887-2 Yahiko, Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District, Niigata Prefecture

Question 16

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 17

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Visiting the grounds is free (prayers are charged separately).

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