Mountain Geosites

Shindosan - Submarine Volcanoes and Traditional Farmland Scenery

The Shindosan Geosite is characterized by numerous small (500m) triangular mountains shaped somewhat like rice balls. These were formed about 1 million years ago by submarine volcanic activity, while the terraced rice fields at their base sit atop landslides which occurred at the bottom of the Fossa Magna Sea. Further inland, Mt. Hokogatake rises up 1316 meters. Its peak retains snow well into spring, ensuring a bountiful supply of groundwater throughout the year, both for the villages and for the beech forests and mixed groves in the area.

The layout of the villages seen here, with houses built up against the mountains and woodlands reserving the lower plains for agriculture, is called satoyama and was once the predominant scenery in rural Japan. In Shimamichi, an outcrop of unusually-shaped volcanic breccia is said in legend to be the birthplace of the goddess Princess Nunakawa and as such is revered as an object of worship. On nearby Mt. Shindosan, you can challenge yourself to climb over one thousand stone steps from the foot to the summit. The name Shindo means roughly 'path of the gods.' This path is said to have been walked by Princess Nunakawa and her suitor, the god Okuninushi-no-mikoto.

Come here and stroll amongst these simple scenes of the Japanese countryside. If you like, make sure to stop by the local hot springs or sneak in a round or two of golf at Green Messe Nou.

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1.1088 Stone Steps of Mt. Shindosan

Stone Steps
Stone Steps

Mt. Shindosan’s name literally means "Path of the Gods," a name which derives from the legends of Princess Nunakawa and Okuninushi-no-Mikoto who were said to have walked this path in ancient times.

Near the entrance to this mountain is Ryūkōji Temple, an ancient Sōtō sect temple. The path to the top of the 402 m tall mountain is laid out with 1,088 stone steps. It is believed that those who ring the bell on top of this mountain will have their wishes fulfilled.

The climb to the top takes about 30 minutes. Visitors in spring can enjoy a variety of flowers along the route, including wild dogtooth violets.

2.Beech Forest

Beech Forest
Beech Forest

The beech forest in this part of Itoigawa is an ancient survivor of the last ice age. In Japan, old growth forests like this are usually only found at higher altitudes, making this forest particularly special. Parts of the forest are natural new growth from the days when it was a vital source of firewood for the local villagers.

The Japanese beech tree ('buna') is the City Tree of Itoigawa.

3.Mt. Hokogatake

Mt. Hokogatake
Mt. Hokogatake

At a height of 1,316 m, Mt. Hokogatake is not considered particularly tall, but its 3 climbing routes are each surprisingly challenging and popular with experienced climbers. From the peak, climbers can enjoy views of the Myoko Mountains, the Nanba Mountains, the Northern Alps and the azure Sea of Japan.

4.Shindosan Park

The large Shindosan Park features a number of recreational activities including putter golf, tennis courts, barbecue pits and more. The dogtooth violets that grow in the surrounding mountains are a beautiful sight in spring.

Dogtooth Violets
Dogtooth Violets
Putter Golf
Putter Golf

5.Sacred Birthplace of Princess Nunakawa

Nunakawa’s Birthplace
Nunakawa’s Birthplace

According to legend, the strange rugged boulder here is said to be the place where local goddess Princess Nunakawa was born. To this day it is viewed as a sacred place and object of worship.

It is made of the same volcanic material that formed Mt. Shindosan. The split in the middle is decorated with sacred Shinto rope and regarded as a shrine.

Green Messe Nou Country Club & Wakinoyu Hot Springs

Fancy a round of golf? Or maybe just a relaxing soak? The Green Messe Nou Country Club is open to guests throughout the season. Rental clubs are available. Make sure to visit the club restaurant and hot spring baths as well!

Route to Shindosan Geosite

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