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 along the path.

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. After having enjoyed trekking, you can go to Kyoto and Osaka via Kanazawa by bullet train and limited express.

The package includes a local mountain guide for Day 1, who will equips you with trail information and confidence for your self guided trekking for the rest of the journey.

The delightful accommodation is hand picked for this package, including some of the best local guesthouses and hotels. Relax in onsen baths (hot spring) at the accommodation after each day's adventure.

All meals are included for the duration of the tour. You will enjoy homey meals.

The tour includes 5 nights accommodation, all meals, English orientation and guiding on Day 1, trail transfers and luggage transfer services.

This is the classic discovery of Japan Alps replete with natural beauty and rich history on the unique woodland trail. You'll return invigorated and inspired with memories that will last a lifetime.

Departure Dates

Departs daily from the end of June to the end of October on request. Black out: 1-15 August. The best time to walk is early July and September and October

Video of Shin-etsu Trail

Dates or itinerary don't fit?  We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points. 

Tick off your Japan bucket list on this ultimate 12-day guided itinerary along Japan's Golden Route through must see cities from the soaring skyline of Tokyo to the sacred serenity of Kyoto. This itinerary extends to iconic destinations including the misty mountain retreat of Hakone with glimpses of the majestic Mt Fuji, the Edo-period splendour of Takayama, the snow-draped villages of Shirakawa-go nestled beneath the Japanese Alps, and the deeply moving heritage of Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Perfectly crafted for the first-time traveller, soak up quintessentially Japanese experiences from a hands-on sushi-making class, a guided meditation with a Buddhist monk to geisha spotting. Loose yourself in the timeless beauty of temples, shrines, and floating torii gates that have captivated wanderers for centuries.

Begin your adventure in the electric pulse of Tokyo, where ancient temples and neon-lit streets weave a tapestry of contrasts. Wander through the storied lanes of Asakusa, master the art of sushi-making at the iconic Tsukiji Outer Market, and lose yourself in the vibrant energy of Harajuku. Journey onwards to the serene natural splendour of Hakone, before the timeless charm of Edo-period Takayama beckons. Marvel at the ethereal village of Shirakawa-go, then pause for quiet reflection at Hiroshima's poignant Peace Memorial Park. The majestic Himeji Castle awaits before Kyoto — Japan's cultural soul — draws you in with its gilded temples, whispered geiko traditions, and the resplendent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Your extraordinary Japanese odyssey culminates here, in a city where history and beauty intertwine effortlessly.

This package includes 11 nights in comfortable and premium hotels including a feature stay at a traditional ryokan on a twin-share basis. Meals, activities, and an expert guide are included throughout.

From Tokyo's electric pulse to Kyoto's gilded temples and whispered geiko traditions, this 12-day golden odyssey is the Japanese journey you have always dreamed of. Ancient shrines, snow-draped Alpine villages, and ethereal floating torii gates await — each one a cherished chapter in the story of a lifetime. This is your Japan bucket list, beautifully fulfilled.

Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Japan. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.