What other travelers are saying about Yahiko Shrine
A beautiful shrine in a quiet place, looks to hold local festivals or ceremonies of sorts too. Was a lovely place to visit, paid respects and enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry to the shrine grounds is completely free. However, if you wish to visit the treasure hall to view historical artifacts and displays, there is an admission fee of ¥300 for adults. The shrine grounds, main worship hall, and forested pathways can all be explored at no cost.
From Tsubame-Sanjō Station, take the JR Yahiko Line to Yahiko Station (40 minutes), then walk 15 minutes. From Niigata City, take the JR Echigo Line to Yoshida Station, transfer to the Yahiko Line (60 minutes total). Parking for 700 vehicles is available.
November for the Chrysanthemum Festival and peak autumn foliage. Late September to October offers fewer crowds with good foliage. The shrine is open year-round.
Stone steps from the shrine lead partway up the mountain with views of the Echigo Plain. A separate ropeway operates nearby for reaching the summit.
The shrine provides parking for approximately 700 vehicles, restroom facilities, and a treasure hall. The nearby town of Yahiko, a 15-minute walk from the shrine, has restaurants and shops. Omamori and ema are available for purchase at the shrine office.
On July 31, 2025, my wife and I hired a car in Niigata and we drove here, as guided by our younger daughter. Unlike my wife and our younger daughter, I didn’t pray as my Japanese was good enough. Driving here was quite tiring and I believe those who came here without would be underwhelmed by the sights here.
On the way from Tokyo to Niigata to take the ferry to Sado Island, I really wanted to stop by a historic shrine. As expected, it was a magnificent shrine. It happened to be during a special bonsai exhibition, so I was able to admire a number of exquisite bonsai trees within the shrine grounds. I would definitely like to bring our guests here when we organize tours to Sado Island.
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!