Guided Shin-etsu Trail 7-Night Japan Walk

We're delighted to introduce our Guided Shin-etsu Trail 7-Night Japan Walks!

The Shin-etsu Trail experience includes a spectacular mountain hike over five days, plus a sixth day exploring one of northern Nagano's most sacred places, Kosuge. Our Shin-etsu Trail Guided Hiking package blends the alpine hiking adventure with knowledgeable local guides, traditional Pension and Minshuku accommodation with warm Japanese hosts, and delicious, meticulously prepared authentic local meals, ensuring you have both an inspiring hiking experience and an immersive cultural experience. 

Our Guided Small Group Shin-etsu Trail Walks include a local English-speaking Shin-etsu Trail accredited guide for each day on the trail to lead the days walk and share information on the history, region and environment. We’ll also have a guide join you for the Kosuge village visit to show you around and guide a walk up the ancient stone steps through the cedar forest to see the outside of the Kosuge Inner Shrine. Additionally, and as a little 'add-on' we'll include a short tour of Iiyama City's downtown area and Temples on your first day.

With our new Guided Shin-etsu Trail 7-Night Walk Package you won't have to plan anything during your hike, it has all been carefully curated for you, and you’ll have a local, accredited guide with you every day on the trail. This carefully crafted experience allows you to join a small group of like-minded walkers for an inspiring alpine adventure along the spectacular Shin-etsu Trail. 

Guided Shin-etsu Trail 7-Night Japan Walk Package

  • 7-nights traditional accommodation in Pension and Minshuku (shared bathrooms)
  • 5-days hiking the Shin-etsu Trail sections 1-5 with a local, English-speaking guide
  • 1-day visiting Kosuge village with a local English-speaking guide
  • Authentic local dinners and breakfasts every night
  • Japanese packed lunch for the days you're hiking  
  • Short Iiyama City downtown walking tour with an English-speaking guide
  • Transfer to and from the daily hiking trailheads and end points 
  • Pre-walk briefing and orientation upon arrival at Iiyama Station
  • Shin-etsu Trail Conservation Fund (including tag) fees

This package is available from $3490 AUD per person.

Pricing above based on a twin share room. $400 AUD single supplement will apply to single share rooms. This tour has limited availability to ensure small group sizes. Minimum numbers required to confirm departure. Departure will be confirmed 2-months prior to start date or once minimum numbers confirmed. 

Upcoming departure dates for our Guided Shin-etsu Trail 7-Night Japan Walks;

  • Friday 20 June 2025 and concluding Friday 27 June, and
  • Monday 20 October 2025 and concluding Monday 27 October

Guided Shin-etsu Trail Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Day
  • Arrive at Iiyama Station by Shinkansen (express train) from Tokyo^
  • Tourism Staff meet guests at the station exit at 10.35am
  • Pre-walk Orientation Briefing presented by Shinshu-Iiyama Bureau Staff
  • Downtown Iiyama City walking tour with English-speaking assistant, including visiting Temple Town and finishing at Nioumon Temple 10.50am - 12.30pm)
  • Free time in Iiyama City for guests to buy lunch and snacks, and if necessary, visit the hiking equipment rental shop located at JR Iiyama Station^
  • Pick up from JR Iiyama Station and transfer to Pension (accommodation) (3.30pm)
  • Check-in to Pension accomodation in Madarao village
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set dinner at Pension (6pm)
Day 2 - Shin-etsu Trail Section 1
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set breakfast at Pension (7.30am), and collect lunch box
  • Transfer by Pension owner to Shin-etsu Trail section trailhead
  • Meet the Shin-etsu Trail guide for the day (8.30am)
  • Hiking the Shin-etsu Trail Section 1 (note, this day starts with a long uphill section)
  • Transfer by Pension owner from Shin-etsu Trail section end point to Ryokan
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set dinner at Pension (6pm)
Day 3 - Shin-etsu Trail Section 2
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set breakfast at Pension (7.30am), and collect lunch box
  • Transfer by Pension owner to Shin-etsu Trail section trailhead
  • Meet the Shin-etsu Trail guide for the day (8.30am)
  • Hiking the Shin-etsu Trail Section 2
  • Transfer by Pension owner from Shin-etsu Trail section end point to Ryokan
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set dinner at Pension (6pm)
Day 4 - Shin-etsu Trail Section 3
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set breakfast at Pension (7.30am), and collect lunch box
  • Pack bags and leave at Reception for transfer to next Ryokan
  • Transfer by Pension owner to Shin-etsu Trail section trailhead
  • Meet the Shin-etsu Trail guide for the day (8.30am)
  • Hiking the Shin-etsu Trail Section 3
  • Transfer by Minshuku owner from Shin-etsu Trail section end point to Minshuku
  • Check-in to new Minshuku in Togari Onsen village
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set dinner at Minshuku (6pm)
Day 5 - Shin-etsu Trail Section 4
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set breakfast at Minshuku (7.30am), and collect lunch box
  • Transfer by Minshuku owner to Shin-etsu Trail section trailhead
  • Meet the Shin-etsu Trail guide for the day (8.30am)
  • Hiking the Shin-etsu Trail Section 4
  • Transfer by Minshuku owner from Shin-etsu Trail section end point to Minshuku
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set dinner at Minshuku (6pm)
Day 6 - Shin-etsu Trail Section 5
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set breakfast at Minshuku (7.30am), and collect lunch box
  • Transfer by Minshuku owner to Shin-etsu Trail section trailhead
  • Meet the Shin-etsu Trail guide for the day (8.30am)
  • Hiking the Shin-etsu Trail Section 5
  • Transfer by Minshuku owner from Shin-etsu Trail section end point to Minshuku
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set dinner at Minshuku (6pm)
Day 7 - Kosuge Village and Shrine
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set breakfast at Minshuku (8am)
  • Transfer by Minshuku owner to Kosuge village (9.15am)
  • Meet the local guide for the day (9.45am)
  • Exploring Kosuge with English-speaking guide.
  • Local Soba noodles lunch at local Japanese tea house (bring local currency)^*
  • Transfer by Minshuku owner from Kosuge village to Minshuku (2.30pm)
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set dinner at Minshuku (6pm)
Day 8 - Breakfast and Farewell 
  • Traditional Japanese pre-set breakfast at Minshuku (8am)
  • Checkout of Minshuku 
  • Transfer by Minshuku owner to JR Togari Onsen Station (9.15am)
  • Take JR Iiyama Line at 9.50am to Iiyama Station for onwards travel^

^These items are not pre-booked for you or included as part of this package. They are included in this itinerary for information and guidance only. 
* In the event that the local tea house is not open, we will include a Japanese lunchbox. 

This hike is for advanced hikers capable of walking long distances including uphill and  downhill sections, with varying trail surfaces and weather, carrying a day pack. Hiking poles are recommended for this walk and good quality hiking footwear is required. 

What's not included in this package?

  • Flights reservations to and from Japan
  • Train reservations to and from Iiyama Station
  • Guides or trip coordinator on-site at accommodation overnight 
  • Drinks other than water (and often coffee with breakfast) - with most evening meals beer and sake are available for purchase. 
  • Snacks other than packed lunch when hiking
  • Travel insurance - although we highly recommend it
  • Hiking apparel and equipment (hiking poles, bear bells, hike boots, and waterproof jackets can be rented at Iiyama Station)
  • Any items marked with ^ in the above itinerary

Hiking Trails Pty Ltd works with local Japanese partners and operators to deliver this package. Booking Terms and Conditions apply.