Yahiko Shrine

There was a flower exhibition when I visited. So there was a whole bunch of flowers on display. The shrine itself is decently large and even had an animal pen with deers in there! The shrine is surrounded by lush greenery and exudes calm and soothing peacefulness. It is however quite out of the way to visit as it requires a few train changes and limited ways of leaving. Making the trip a day commitment. But it was well worth it for me!

The sacred shrine of Yahiko City is more than 1300 years old and is considered a national treasure. The highlight is that there is a large red torii pillar. Inside the shrine is full of mountains, small and large, with nature all around. Inside is a treasure display hall. There were many people coming to pay respects. There are sacred items to buy as souvenirs. I went in November. There was also a big flower festival that was very beautiful.

A temple filled with secret power, people feel peace and energy, we would like to stay there for a wonderful afternoon.

Amazing shrine that is an escape from the city to fresh air that you'll want to bottle up and take with you! There are many different buildings and sites to see on the campus of the shrine, the buildings, and temple are beautiful with amazing architecture and artistry.

This is one of the highlights of Niigata. Seeing the Yahiko Shrine is a must. So amazing

This years chrysanthemum festival has lots of lovely flowers that can be seen, amazing bonsai and flower formations. The historic shrine looks more amazing surrounded with beautiful flowers. Good job for the people who did this festival a succesful one and for the makers or flower growers too.

A little remote shrine in the northern part of Niigata. Worth your trip though. About 15 minutes walk from the train station (only 1 train per hour). This is the number one protector in this region. Shrine is also a beautiful park with huge trees. Come pay your respect if you're in the North.

A great shrine to visit for free! (except the praying donation if you want to do that). Its big and impressive. The maiden wear a very clean and beautiful white & red outfit. People come and go constantly no matter the weather, its amazing. Saw a businessman brave a heavy downpour without umbrella, carrying only his business bag, to come pray before going on with his day

Go to Yahiko station and then walk about 20 minutes according to the available signs.

Yahiko station is an old station, still retains the old architecture and does not have an automatic card check counter. There will be staff to check train tickets.

There is also a treasure that is a 2.3m long sword called Shida no Otachi, the longest sword and included in the list of Cultural Property of Japan.

In particular, in the temple grounds there are two stones called "Hi no tama ishi" (火の玉石) which means "stone of fireballs", or commonly known as "Omokaru no ishi" (重) 軽の石) means "light heavy stone". It is said that when standing in front of these two stones, pray, then if you lift the stone and it feels light, your wish will come true, but if it is heavy, the wish will not come true.

Turn to the left at the shrine and you can continue climbing up to the Mt Yahiko summit. Amazing experience. The whole town is truly serene.

This is certainly a worthwhile spot to visit if you are interested in seeing a beautiful shrine uniquely situated at the foot of a mountain surrounded by nature. It's about a ten minute walk from the parking lot to the shrine itself, and about a five minute walk from the shrine is a rope-way that will take you to the top of Mount Yahiko. The ascent takes about five minutes. You could also walk up the mountain. At the top of the mountain there are views of the Sea of Japan and the Niigata plain. About a ten minute walk after reaching the summit on the rope-way is a shrine with additional views.

Beautiful shinto shrine site with plenty of gourmet eateries around.

I hate that it rained when I went there. But it was such a beautiful place.

There are many events, you should check it out before go.

I proposed here and she said yes! Love this spot! Such amazing history!

Made a visit to this shrine during kiku matsuri. Amazingly beautifully decorated With Royal chrysanthemums. Peaceful and spiritual place. Highly recommend visiting.

If you go in the early morning, the place is super peaceful.

Really beautiful, especially in the fall. You can take the ropeway to the top or the hike is about 2 hours. Worth the day trip to Yahiko

Serene and beautiful place. Just take care to plan in and out journey so that you will not be stuck there in the evening. There is also a cable car to the top of the mountain, don't miss that.

Beautiful temple! Highly suggested