Route Overview
The Uonuma Skyline is a scenic mountain road stretching about 19 km through Niigata Prefecture, connecting Minamiuonuma City and Tokamachi City. It is part of Niigata Prefectural Route 560. Running along a ridge at around 700–800 meters in elevation, the route offers stunning views of the Echigo Mountains, including Mount Hakkai, Mount Nakanodake, and Mount Echigo-Komagatake.
The skyline is especially famous for its beautiful sea of clouds in the early morning and golden sunsets in the evening, making it a popular route for touring and driving.
Recommended Section
Hakka Pass Trailhead → Junidōge Observatory
Starting from the Minamiuonuma side and heading toward Junidōge, you’ll find several viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Echigo Mountains and the Uonuma Basin. Early mornings often bring a mystical sea of clouds, while sunsets bathe the fields below in gold.
Road Conditions and Safety
- Fully paved, but road width is narrow in some sections
- Many curves and places without guardrails—drive cautiously
- Not recommended during nighttime or rain due to poor visibility
- Closed in winter (from early November to mid-May) due to heavy snow
Scenic Stops
- Junidōge Observatory: Great view over the Uonuma Basin
- Hakka Pass Trailhead: Good for a short hike
- Roadside Station Minamiuonuma: Local food and souvenirs
- Hakkaisan Ropeway: If time allows, the summit view is worth a visit
Local Food
- Rice dishes made with Minamiuonuma’s famous Koshihikari rice
- Soba noodles and wild vegetable dishes
- Cold kenchin soba and simmered zenmai (bracken fern) are regional specialties
Fees and Access
- No toll (part of Prefectural Route 560)
- Access from National Route 353 at both Hakka Pass and Junidōge
- Few gas stations nearby—fuel up in advance
Best Season and Weather
- Best season: June to mid-October
- Early summer features fresh greenery, autumn brings vivid foliage
- Morning sea of clouds is common
- Cool temperatures even in summer—bring a light jacket for early mornings or evenings
Touring Plan Example
Day Trip from Yuzawa
Yuzawa → National Route 17 → Minamiuonuma → Hakka Pass → Drive the Skyline → Junidōge → Tokamachi → Return to Yuzawa (Approx. 5–6 hours)
Overnight Plan
Stay in Minamiuonuma or Tokamachi and visit nearby spots like Kiyotsu Gorge or Matsunoyama Onsen the next day.