Bus Tour B - Hakkai Shrine & Ropeway

 One of the new initiatives in the area is a series of bus tours that take you to points of interest in the region. Leaving from Echigo Yuzawa station and taking about 3 hours each, they are a great way to check out the stunning scenery, learn a bit about the area and see the sights.

Tour B drives up the valley towards Muikamachi to take in Hakkai Shrine for its first stop. It is known as a "powerspot" and drinking from the fresh spring water here is purported to supercharge you.

Set at the foot of Mount Hakkai and surrounded by over 200 giant cedars (planted to guard against droughts) it is a beautiful location and incredibly peaceful.

The next stop is Mount Hakkai where you board the ropeway for a seven minute ride up almost 800 vertical metres. The top station commands a fabulous view down over the valley and a short walk up from there takes you to a panoramic lookout that will take your breath away.

Mount Hakkai or Hakkaisan is well known as ski resort in winter but in summer is the playground for hikers, tourists and mountain bikers.

It is also well known for its world class sake. In fact the sake is probably better known than the mountain from which it takes its name.

The bus tours run to a schedule until the end of July 2011 and for full information you can email info@yuzawaonsen.gr.jp