The final stage leaves Niigata through its western districts and reaches the coast near Ikarashi. Sandy beaches, dunes and seaside settlements line the way towards Echizenhama. The route then turns inland before beginning the climb onto the Yahiko Skyline. Tight bends gain height quickly, with gaps in the trees revealing the Sea of Japan below. On clear days, Sado Island appears offshore. The highest point of the road sits a little above 500 metres, beneath the mountain summits. A long descent returns to the plain, followed by rice fields and villages beyond Kugami. Buildings gradually close around the road on the approach to Nagaoka, where the roughly 86-kilometre stage ends near the station.
