See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise

See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise

See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise
See Echigo-Yuzawa & a Sea of Clouds From Atop Mt. Omine at Sunrise

Overview

Admire the townscape of Echigo-Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture from atop Mt. Omine early in the morning on this taxi tour. Watch the sunrise, enjoy gorgeous natural scenery no matter when you visit, and — if you're lucky — catch a stunning phenomenon called 'unkai' (sea of clouds)!

Highlights

  • No need to hike up and down Mt. Omine — you'll take a taxi to and from the mountaintop
  • See the town of Echigo-Yuzawa and its natural landscapes from above early in the morning, while it’s still quiet and tranquil
  • Enjoy breathtaking scenery all year round: rice fields, lush greenery, autumn colors, and more
  • Watch the sunrise in peace — Mt. Omine is a hidden gem for nature-viewing, so you might even have it all to yourself
  • If you're lucky, catch a phenomenon called 'unkai' (sea of clouds), which looks simply magical

Key Information

Description

Niigata Prefecture's Echigo-Yuzawa is a resort town that's best known for its powder snow and hot springs, but it also boasts a plethora of breathtakingly gorgeous natural landscapes all year round. See this scenic little town from above on this early-morning taxi tour that will take you to the summit of Mt. Omine. If you're in luck and the timing is right, you might even get a glimpse of the 'unkai' (sea of clouds) phenomenon! At 06:00, you'll meet your driver at the taxi stand in front of Onsen Kanko Kyokai (Onsen Tourist Association), then drive up Mt. Omine for about 30 minutes. Enjoy the ever-changing colors of the sky as the sun slowly rises. Then, once you reach the summit, take in panoramic views of Echigo-Yuzawa from the viewing platform. Mt. Omine is a hidden gem, and is not as well-known as other spots for seeing the "sea of clouds" phenomenon, so you might even have the place all to yourself! Enjoy views such as mountains in the horizon, the sun peeking out of the mountains, rice fields spread out as far as the eye can see, and the scenery reflected on the surface of waters that glisten like mirrors. If you like, you can even bring some food and drinks for a morning coffee — or maybe even a quick picnic — while taking in the view. No matter what time of year you visit, the landscape is sure to be a breathtaking sight, whether it's verdant rice paddies in summer, or stalks of rice turning golden in autumn. However, November, when late autumn is beginning to give way to winter, offers the best chance for you to see the sea of clouds. Layers of fluffy clouds in wave-like formations make for a truly magical and unforgettable sight to behold, especially when combined with the mountains and fields all around Echigo-Yuzawa. Finally, the tour will end with a ride back down to the meeting point. Enjoy the rest of your day as the quiet town begins to awaken!