Yamamotoyama Highland

Yamamotoyama Highland sits at 336 meters and looks out over Ojiya City, the Shinano River, and the Aizu mountains. The main draw from mid-September to early November is the bird migration: grey-faced buzzards, oriental honey buzzards, and peregrine falcons pass through in large numbers, sometimes reaching 500 birds in a single morning. The campground midway up has barbecue equipment for rent, and a cafe at the summit serves locally sourced food. In May, rapeseed flowers blanket Takusan Pocket Park; sunflowers take over in early August. The south-facing slopes have little light pollution, making it a good stargazing spot.