Shin-etsu Trail, Japan
Japan's Shin-etsu Trail hikes along the border of the Nagano and Niigata prefectures, connecting Japanese alpine villages, mountain peaks, ecologically rich forests, endless vistas, board-walked wetlands, and stunning ponds. The Shin-etsu Trail delivers a naturally, culturally and historically fascinating walking adventure. The forest is a rich blend native flora including beech trees, bamboo bushes, maples, magnolias, four kinds of birch trees, and lower down Japanese cedar and Snow camelias.
The best months to walk the Shin-etsu Trail are June and October.
The Shin-etsu Trail is located less than 90 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo.
Similar to Hiking Trails Pty Ltd's Kumano Kodo packages, our Shin-etsu Trail self-guided walking package provide expert knowledge and valuable local connections, to ensure you have a smooth, well organised, and inspirational walking experience on the Shin-etsu Trail, inclusive of great advice, available information, local support, traditional Japanese Pension and Ryokan accommodation, warm helpful hosts, and authentic, seasonal, Japanese meals.
The first three nights of our Shin-etsu Trail hiking package are based out of Japanese accommodation in the Madarao area, and the latter three nights are in traditional accommodation in the Tongari Onsen village, where this is also a public Onsen where you can soak after a day on the trail. Traditional Japanese Pension and Ryokan accommodation generally includes shared bathrooms for guests, and most accommodation has some form of public bath to soak at the end of a days hiking.
Highlights of the Shin-etsu Trail
- Spectacular Japanese alpine mountain scenery, vistas and forests
- The Shin-etsu Trail connects villages, forests and mountain peaks
- Discover Japanese nature, history and culture, and enjoy fantastic woodland
- Stay in traditional Japanese Pension accommodation with warm hosts
- Delicious, local and seasonal, meticulously prepared meals
- Less than two-hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo
See our day-by-day Shin-etsu Trail Sections 1-5 Walk Summary and Highlights here, or check out the walk profile here.
The Mountains
The Sekida Mountain range lies on the border between Nagano and Niigata prefectures, located about 30 kilometres from the Sea of Japan. Rising to about 1,000 meters in height, in winter the Sekida Mountain area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, due to the proximity of the Japan Sea. Annual winter snowfall can exceed 10 meters in places, providing a rich source of water that nurtures the primeval beech forests, countless mountain wetlands, and even the rice fields far below. In the upper waters of the Nakatsugawa River, bordered by Tsunan town in Niigata and Sakae village in Nagano and at the foot of Mt. Naeba is an area known as Akiyamago. It is a mountainous area, with a deep valley running from Mt. Torikabuto to the west and Mt. Naeba in the east that makes for short days, especially in the winter.
The History
For centuries, multiple mountain passes served as important links for both commerce and culture between Echigo (the old name for Niigata) and Shinshu (Nagano). Along these trails have passed merchants, holy men, and even armies in the Warring States period heading for battle. Shintu and Buddhist monks started many sections of the trail over 1,000 years ago to maintain fitness and meditation. Many of the sections follow ridges as they were easier to navigate. The trails were also used for trading goods between villages and regions.
The Journey is the Experience
The Shin-etsu Trail is a hike to enjoy and an achievement to accomplish. It is a passage where you may feel healed by the beech forests, where you may well be at a loss for words as you take in the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan, valleys, and distant mountain peaks and townships; where you walk in the footsteps of ancient travellers, monks and traders; where you experience the lifestyles and cuisines of the quiet villages. Staying in traditional accommodation in the alpine villages, getting to know the lovely hosts, and eating seasonal local food, allows you to emancipate yourself in regional Japanese culture.
Shin-etsu Trail 7-day / 6-night Package
Hiking Trails Pty Ltd is delighted to have partnered with local operators to offer you our 7-day / 6-night inclusive Shin-Etsu Trail walking package. Stretching over 7-days our Shin-etsu Trail self-guided walking package includes;
- 3 nights Madarao area traditional Japanese Pension or Ryokan accommodation
- 3 nights Togari Onsen traditional Japanese Pension or Ryokan accommodation
- 5 days walking sections 1-5 of the Shin-etsu Trail (see highlights)
- 6 traditional pre-set Japanese dinners
- 6 traditional pre-set Japanese breakfasts
- 5 Japanese packed lunches for on the trail
- Daily transfers from accommodation to section trailhead and pick up
- A personal, English-speaking guide for your first day on the trail
- Shin-etsu trail maps and English version guidebook
- Pre-walk briefing and orientation upon arrival at Liyama Station
- Shinetsu Trail Conservation Fund (including tag) fees
- Local support available for peace-of-mind, should you need it
This package is exclusively available from Hiking Trails Pty Ltd from $2390 AUD per person. Based on twin share accommodation (single walker supplement will apply). To find out more or check availability, submit an enquiry using the button below.
The best months to walk the Shin-etsu Trail are June and October.
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.
Optional Add-Ons Experiences
- An additional night can be included and transfers to and from Kosuge, to visit the walk up the ancient stone steps through the cedar avenue to the Kosuge Shrine.
- A personal hiking guide for sections 2-5 (a personal guide is generally included for section 1 in all packages)
- A personal tour up to the Kosuge Temple with a Japanese monk and accompanied by an English-speaking guide as interpreter.
- Bike rental is available at Iiyama Station as a means to explore the down-town area.
What's not included in this package?
- Flights reservations to and from Japan
- Train reservations to and from Iiyama Station
- Transfers from Iiyama Station to your first accommodation
- 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, and
- Hiking apparel and equipment.
Hiking poles, bear bells, hike boots, and waterproof jackets can be rented at Iiyama Station.
Hiking Trails Pty Ltd works with local Japanese partners and operators to deliver this package. Booking Terms and Conditions apply.
