Sanjo Tourism Guide

 Upstream on the Ikarashi River stands "Yagigahana" with a quartz trachyte rock face that looms close to 200m high. In the morning light, the bare rock face of Yagigahana is stands out from the surroundings.

 The face of Yagigahana seems to change according to the season, as during spring the colors seem to be light, and in summer, Yagigahana seems very mighty. And come autumn, Yagigahana gives off a glossy glow and in the winter Yagigahana seems serene, calm and collected, almost as though it is repainted for each coming season. A wonderful view for all visitors throughout the year. Yagigahana is also chosen as one of the 100 must see things in Niigata.

 For many years, Yagigahana has been known as a breeding ground for Peregrine Falcons. Written in travelogues from the Edo period (1600-1868), the falcons were respected as a messenger of God. In 1965 the Hayabusa breeding ground was recognized by Niigata prefecture, as a protected species. Though, due to changes in the environment, they suddenly disappeared for a time being. After a period of 20 years, in 1989 they returned to the area and have continued to breed on the rock face of Yagigahana. Hayabusa are known to be migrating birds, but their presence can be seen here all year round. Every year around the beginning of June, young peregrine falcons can be seen making their first flight from the nest, and soon later setting off on their own.

 Near the rock face of Yagigahana is a boulevard of cherry blossom trees, which follows a road, which itself follows the Ikarashi river. When spring arrives, the sakura trees blossom, and the whole area become very picturesque.