Hotel Minoya – feel the four seasons, Yahiko Hot Spring, Niigata.

　These days, as Japanese style inns, ryokan, in a modern style are becoming mainstream, the atmosphere of the facility as one of the reasons for calming the minds of guests is being called into question. Although Minoya is modern, it has been built so that you can feel a sense of nostalgia all around you for days gone by.
We invite you to take a look at ‘Minoya Ryokan’- the origin of our hotel.

	The cherry blossoms of Yahiko are in full bloom from early to late April. A variety of cherry blossoms such as Yoshino cherry, Yahiko cherry and weeping cherry trees can be seen. Also, in mid-April the Yukake (Hot water splashing) Festival and the Japanese Chicken Fair in the grounds of Yahiko Shrine are held.
	In late June, after a mini-tour by bus to see the dancing glow of the fireflies, you can experience a night walk through the streets of Yahiko. For three days in late July, events such as the Yahiko Lantern Festival, which is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, a portable shrine parade and a firework display fill the whole village with life and vigour.
	In autumn, red leaves cover the ethereal mountains of Yahiko. Every year from late October to mid-November, the Momiji-dani Valley of Yahiko Park is at its best, with its autumn foliage illuminated at night and bathed in a beautiful and profound atmosphere. Also, the annual Niigata Prefecture Chrysanthemum Festival is held from early to late November.
	Yahiko Shrine, which appears in the old poetry collection Manyoshu, is one of the most famous shrines in Niigata, and many worshippers visit for Ninen-mode and Hatsu-mode – the first shrine visit of the year. Many rituals and events are held over the end of year/New Year period, including the O-harae (purification) Ritual on December 31st, the Ya-en Shinto Ritual from January 1st to 3rd, the Yumi Hajime Shinto Ritual on January 7th, and the Kayuura Sumioki Shinto Ritual on January 15th and 16th.

The grandest power spot in Niigata! The ‘hot spot’ Yahiko Shrine

This year a power spot boom has been sweeping the country and Niigata prefecture boasts its own power spot, Yahiko Shrine, which is called Echigo Ichinomiya, the grandest, most famous shrine in Echigo region as of now Niigata. The famous spiritual counselor Hiroyuki Ehara visited Yahiko Shrine and praised it highly in his book in the Spiritual Sanctuary Series, ‘Ehara Hiroyuki Kamikiko 6 – Hokkaido/Tohoku/Hokuriku’.

Yahiko Tourism Volunteer Guide Now accepting reservations! Yahiko Tourism Volunteer Guide Now accepting reservations!

Guided tours, centered on Yahiko Shrine grounds, are held for individuals and groups. The guides show the points of sightseeing with storytelling of historical episodes. For details, please see the Yahiko Tourism Volunteer Guide website.

Experience the height of Tokyo Sky Tree at Mt. Yahiko! Experience the height of Tokyo Sky Tree at Mt. Yahiko!

You can enjoy the sensation of standing at the same height as Tokyo Sky Tree®, which will be the world’s tallest tower at 634 m, at Mt. Yahiko! Unbelievably, the Tokyo Sky Tree, scheduled to be completed in December 2011, will be exactly the same height as Mt. Yahiko – 634 m. You can experience the sensation of the Sky Tree here first!

Access from Niigata Airport