This is one of my favorite hikes and it comes with lots of chains and knife ridges.

You can take the Hakkaisan Ropeway then start your hike from the upper station.

Trailhead: Hakkaisan Ropeway Station

Photos and Trail Map on YAMAP

Trail Details

• Trailhead: Hakkaisan Ropeway Upper Station

• Distance: 8 km round trip

• Time Required: 7 hours (round trip)

• Elevation Gain: 900 meters (from ropeway station to summit)

• Difficulty: Advanced (steep sections and some scrambling)

• Best Time to Hike: Late May to early November (snow-free season)

Accessibility:

• By Car: Free parking is available at the Hakkaisan Ropeway Station. The parking area can fill up quickly on weekends, so early arrival is recommended.

• By Public Transport: Take a train to Urasa Station on the Joetsu Line, followed by a local bus to the Hakkaisan Ropeway Station.

Accommodation:

There are several accommodation options near the ropeway because the area is a ski resort in winter. I stayed in a lodge 5 minute drive from the ropeway station.

General Information: The journey to the summit begins with a ride on the Hakkaisan Ropeway, which takes you up to about 1,140 meters, significantly shortening the ascent.

The trail from the upper ropeway station is known for its steepness and numerous chain sections. These chains are essential for navigating the steep, rocky sections of the trail, and hikers should be prepared for a physically demanding climb.

Despite the difficulty, the effort is well worth it. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Echigo mountains and, on clear days, you can see as far as the Sea of Japan.