At a Glance
A delightful trekking on the Shinetsu Trail in the central alpine region of Japan. Over 6-days/5-nights, you'll walk the best woodland trail in Japan, experience the stunning beauty of Satoyama landscapes, partake in local culture and hospitality, and immerse in the natural beauty and mountain culture of Japan.
Shinetsu Trail is an 80km trek in the central alpine region of Japan that follows the ridge along the Sekida Mountain Range between Nagano and Niigata Prefectures.These passages were used for carrying salt and sea-products from Niigata, and Uchiyama paper and mustard seed oil from Nagano. Today, this area is blessed with a rich ecosystem. It's a pristine and unique woodland trail of beech, maple, birch, larch and cedar that's soft underfoot and gentle on your feet and forms a corridor of green ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- English orientation
- Trail transfers daily
- Local mountain guided walk on the Shin-etsu Trail on day 1
- 5x breakfasts, 5x lunches, 5x dinners
- Luggage transfer between accommodation (based on one piece of luggage per person, and maximum weight of each piece is 15kg). Extra luggage can be transferred at an additional cost
- 5 nights accommodation in resort/Japanese inns with Japanese/Western styles room on a twin share basis (single supplement available at addition expense)
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary, walking directions, and maps
Itinerary
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Guided Half Day Walk. Walking distance: approx. 5 km, 3 hours Take a train from Tokyo or Nagano and travel to Iiyama station (at your own expense). It's about 1hr 45min on the Hokuriku-Shinkansen express train to Iiyama station from Tokyo; and 11 mins from Nagano. You'll have an orientation at the local office at the station and be provided with trekking information package. After the orientation, you can walk to explore downtown and have some lunch (self guided & at your own expense). Then we will transfer you to Madarao Kogen Hotel via private taxi. We will then transfer you to the starting point of the trail for half day guided walk on the Shin-Etsu Trail. You will walk part of the "section 1" of the Shin-Etsu Trail this afternoon. Start the walk in the beech forests at the top of Mt Madarao (1382m). Take the short spur 10min west to Daimyojin Peak, which has great views of Lake Nojiri, the Five Peaks of Northern Nagano, and some of the Northern Japan Alps. Retrace your steps back to the junction at Mt Madarao and then take the Shinetsu Trail north, descending the switchback route to Manzaka Gap. You will be transferred back to the hotel. You will spend your next two nights at Madarao Kogen Hotel and relax in the hot spring. Madarao Kogen Hotel has a natural hot spring source 600m below the premises. There are indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for you to relax in while gazing up at the twinkling stars in the clear night sky. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Twin beds Bath: Indoor / outdoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Madarao Kogen Hotel
Dinner |
Self guided walk. Walking distance: approx. 16.3 km, 7 hours After breakfast, you will be transferred to the trail for today's walk. The Shin-Etsu Trail continues through beautiful Japanese beech and birch forests over a hill to the Hakama Wetlands. Pass through Hakama Wetlands before talking a turn to the left to ascend Hakama Peak (1135m). From the summit of Hakama Peak, there is a great view of Mt Myoko to the west, and the space here makes it a great place to stop for a break. Next, descend to Akaike pond through a pleasant switchback trail. There are bathrooms and a parking space at Akaike pond. From Akaike, walk over a small hill and through the beech forest to Numanohara Wetlands, which blossom with flowers after the spring thaw, but is very pleasant at any time of year. Make your way up another small hill towards Lake Nozomi. From the top of the hill, Mt. Madarao, Hakama Peak and even Mt. Myoko can be seen on a clear day. Descending along the trail, you will pass through a lovely forest before coming to the boat pier of Lake Nozomi, from where Mt. Madarao can be seen casting a reflection over the water on windless days. This is a good place to have lunch. There is a bathroom near the entrance to the Mt. Kenashi climb. The climb to the top (1022m) takes about 30-40min and brings you to a superb view over the Iiyama Basin. You will then descend through the larch forest to the pond, known as Wakui Shin-ike. From there, continue down along the farm road. There is a small gully with some spring water off the trail, the perfect treat for an exhausted hiker. It is an easy walk down the farm road, where it comes out onto route 292 in Wakui Village, but it does take around 60min. There is a car park on the right. Transfer to your accommodation and enjoy dinner. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Twin beds Bath: Indoor / outdoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Madarao Kogen HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Self guided walk. Walking distance: approx. 12.7 km, 7 hours. Highest point: 938m, lowest point: 563m above sea level. You will be transferred to section 3 of Shin-Etsu Trail after breakfast. Today you will walk the most historic trail and there's a memorial to the samurai warrior Uesugi Kenshin, who made a camp here during one of his campaigns in the Warring States Period centuries ago. The trail starts in Wakui and climb up to Tomikura Gap through a mixture of native forest and cedar plantation. It is a pleasant route, some of which is used by local people foraging for mushrooms and mountain vegetables. Tomikura Gap was once a well-used point of trade and commerce between Shinano and Echigo, and you can see stone remnants of the road where it crosses the Shinetsu Trail. You will find the historical site and small shrine along the way. Further up, there is a historical site called Taishojin, where Kenshin Uesugi (The warlord of Echigo in the 16th century) set up a lookout to keep an eye over Iiyama and Kita Gap territories. If you scramble up to the ridge above the trail, you will find a small shrine dedicated to the horses and cows that passed away helping Usesugi's samurai army. The trail leads you to the Lake Sobu towards Mt Kuroiwa that there is viewpoint to stop for a break. The whole mountain is listed with natural monument and variation of wildlife in Japan. Within the beautiful Japanese beech forest, there is a vista that overlooks the Iiyama Basin. In the area surrounding Lake Katsura, where skunk cabbages bloom during springtime. From Hiramaru Gap, walk along the western bank of Lake Nakafuruike. Walk past the Kitafuruike Wetlands on the forestry road, coming to an open space where you will find a Shinetsu Trail signboard. From this point, you will walk through the national forest, cedar forest and a few muddy gullies. Eventually arrive at the last steep ascent up to Hotokegamine Tozanguchi. A beautiful view opens here looking across to Nozawa Onsen, with the aging ski resort infrastructure providing novel foreground footage. You'll be transferred to your accommodation. Stay in this simple and comfortable countryside inn with hot spring and home cooked meals. Transfer to your accommodation and enjoy dinner. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Twin beds Bath: Indoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Shikisanino Yado KanoeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Self guided walk. Walking distance: 8.2 km, 6 hours. Highest point: 1288m, lowest point: 830m above sea level. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the trail to enjoy today's walk. You are taken further away from civilisation into wilder terrain you than the proceeding sections. The first part is a steep climb up the grassy path alongside the Togari Ski Resort ski runs, but once you're up on the ridgeline you'll be treated with some great views of the valley, the Chikuma River, and mountains of Nagano. The trail sharpens as it ascends through the beech forests to Hotokegamine Peak (1146m). It takes about 1hr 30min to achieve the top from Hotokegamine Tozanguchi, so all up you have a spectacular yet arduous 2hr climb to start the day. You will get a beautiful outlook over Nabekura Kogen and Iiyama Valley from here. After going up and down a few hills, you will arrive at Ozawa Gap. The trail will then lead you through a beautiful 100 year-old beech forest, a lovely spot to break for lunch. After lunch, continue to climb to Mt. Nabekura (1288m). The climb to the top can be a bit strenuous, but the effort will be well rewarded by the view of Mt. Myoko, Mt. Hiuchi and the majestic Chikuma River winding through Iiyama Basin. It is just a short leap over to Mt. Kurokura (1242m), where you will see the Sea of Japan. Pass by Dogata Gap, and then finally descend to Sekida Gap where there is a parking space. Transfer you back to your accommodation. Enjoy hot spring onsen and dinner. Transfer to your accommodation and enjoy dinner. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Twin beds Bath: Indoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Shikisanino Yado KanoeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Self-guided walk. Walking distance: 12.4 km, 6 hours. Highest point: 1140m, lowest point: 970m above sea level You will walk the wilder part of the Shinetsu Trail today. This section reveals many short sharp ups and downs, making this it one of the toughest. However, it rewards walkers with its gorgeous bounty of nature. The area is dotted with seasonal flowers and fungi, as well as young beech trees bent by the weight of winter snow. From Sekida Gap, it takes about 2 hours to reach Maki Gap, and on a clear day, you can see the Sea of Japan and Sado Island. Maki Gap is also a well-known point from which to spot the rare Japanese Golden Eagle. From Maki Gap, it is a relatively sharp 40 min ascent up the ridge to Mt. Hanatate, where a breathtaking view is unfolded. Continue on, walking past Utsunomata Gap to find Maboroshi-no-ike, Lake of the Phantom. Surrounded by a native beech forest, Maboroshi-no-ike is about 300m round and is a spawning ground for moriaogaeru (the frog species Rhacophorus arboreus) and Japanese black salamanders. You will start to see Mt. Hishigatake, a Niigata landmark, as you approach Busuno Gap with the walk from Maboroshi-no-ike to Busono Gap taking about 80min. Transfer to Nabekura Kogen Morinoie. Your accommodation is surrounded by an old and well-preserved beech forest. This is a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Twin beds Bath: Shared indoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Nabekura Kogen MorinoieBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Self-guided walk. Walking distance: 12.65 km, 6 hours. Highest point: 1151m, lowest point: 1015m above sea level Today, you will walk the final section of the Shinetsu Trail. It leads to Mt. Amamizu, the northern endpoint. It is also one of the most aesthetically rewarding. This part of the trail is almost entirely shrouded in beautiful beech forests, with many viewpoints over the Niigata Delta. From Busuno Gap, you will make your way up to Sagawa Gap in around 45 min. You will see the old Meiji period path crossing over here. Then continue towards Nonomi Gap. About 1 km before reaching there, you will see the delightful Nishimado Wetlands just off the trail. Be aware that access to the wetlands is restricted due to the presence of protected wetland plants. From Nonomi Gap, a forestry road leads you past Lake Nonomi to Misaka Gap, which is a great rest spot with a nice view. The final 2 hours walking between Misaka Gap and Mt Amamizu, taking you over Mt Sanpodake, is particularly pretty. The trail meanders in and out of the Beech trees with some great views to be had to the north and south. Reaching the peak of Mt. Amamizu, you can gaze out at the landscape of Tsunan. After having enjoyed trekking, your will be transferred to Iiyama station, where you can take a train to Kyoto and Osaka via Kanazawa by bullet train and limited express, or Nagano and Tokyo via Hokuriku-Shinkansen express train. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Daily departure from June to October on request. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
- The departure point Iiyama station
- The finishing point Iiyama station
How to Get To Iiyama Station
The Shinetsu Trail is easily accessed from Tokyo, being about 1hr 45min on the Shinkansen super express train to Iiyama Station. You can also access to Iiyama Station from Nagano by Shinkansen super express train (11mins). After having enjoyed trekking, you can go to Kyoto and Osaka via Kanazawa by bullet train and limited express.
Day 1: Arrived Iiyama station and half day guided walk from Mt. Madarao to Mansaka Gap. Approx. 5 km, 3 hours
Day 2: Self guided walk from Manzaka Gap to Wakui. Approx. 16.3 km, 7 hours
Day 3: Self-guided walk from Wakui to Hotokegamine Tozanguchi. Approx. 12.7 km, 7 hours
Day 4: Self-guided walk from Hotokegamine Tozanguchi to Sekida Gap. Approx. 8.2 km, 6 hours
Day 5: Self-guided walk from Sekida Gap to Busuno Gap. Approx. 12.4 km, 6 hours
Day 6: Self-guided walk from Busuno Gap to Mt Amamizu. Approx. 12.7 km, 6 hours. Depart from Iiyama station
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.
Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.
Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.
Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.
Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
