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If you are after an ultimate hiking experience in Japan away from the crowds and off the beaten path, you’ve come to the right place. The off beaten Shin-etsu Trail and Kamikochi are one of the best hiking adventures in Japan. From Shin-etsu's dense cedar woods and peaceful beech forests to the tranquil Japanese Alps of Kamikochi; both offer day hikes or multi day walking adventures that make impressive hiking experiences to include in your Japan trip. Here, we give you a quick guide to Shin-etsu Trail and Kamikochi.
If you are planning a holiday to Japan, you might also like to read Top Places To Visit in Japan and Best Things To Do in Japan.
Shin-etsu is on the border of Nagano and Niigata prefectures where there are geologically active mountains. In the middle of these mountains lie the Shin-etsu Trail. The Shin-etsu Trail is the first-long distance trail in Japan, modeled after America’s Appalachian Trail. It connects small towns and villages in a network offering hikers to visit local communities and stay in local traditional accommodations along the way. It follows one of the oldest trails in Japan taking you through majestic beech tree forests, across wetlands, serene lakes and mountains. You can also ponder the historical roots of the trail where it was once used as trade routes between Shinano and Echigo provinces (modern day Nagano and Niigata). Walk through time, beautiful nature and satoyama landscapes on the ultimate Japanese trekking adventure.
From start to finish the trail runs 80 kilometres. The trail is divided into six sections:
Section 1: starts at Mount Madarao and ends at Akaike Pond. This section traverses the highest point of the trail – 1,382 metres
Section 2: journeys from Akaike Pond to Wakui and passes through the lowest part of the trail (563 metres) as it meanders through wetlands
Section 3: journeys from Wakui to Hotokegamine Trailhead and is overall the lowest section of the route
Section 4: journeys from Hotokegamine Trailhead to Sekida Gap and reaches the second highest point of the trail
Section 5: journeys from Sekida Gap to Busino Gap
Section 6: finishes at Mount Amamizu completing Japan’s Shin-etsu trek.
Hiking the entire length is usually done within five nights and six days. However, it is possible to walk different sections in a shorter period of time. For those who want a more casual approach, the best way to explore the trail is to pick and choose a selection of day hikes to do over a few days, taking on sections that match your personal fitness levels and interests. Explore more of our Shin-etsu Trail Walking Adventures. Along the trail there are camping facilities at a cost per night where reservations are required and for those in pursue of a little luxury there are lodging accommodations near the trail.
The hiking season for the Shinetsu Trail runs from June to November. But, there are a few things to know depending on when you’re hiking:
You might also like to read our guide on Best Time To Visit Japan.
The Shinetsu Trail is easily accessed via public transport.
Kamikochi is a beautiful valley found in the Japanese Alps (Nagano Prefecture) and part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Kamikochi is situated 1500 meters above sea level and surrounded by tall and impressive-looking mountains. You’ll discover serene forested valleys and unique wildlife surrounded by the Hokata Mountains. Running through the valley is the Azusa River with its crystal clear water. The valley is also home to several marshes and ponds. Mount Oku-Hotaka, the highest peak in the Northern Japan Alps (3,190 m), stands at Kamikochi’s northern end, and the active volcano, Mt. Yake, at its southern border. Kamikochi is made of an array of hiking trails, mountain huts, campgrounds, quaint resorts as well as traditional ryokans, a visitor information centre, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes, a post office, and a Shinto shrine.
Hiking Kamikochi National Park is an easy way to spend a day in the Japanese Alps. It is easily possible to combine several Kamikochi trails. Hiking at Kamikochi is ideal for both inexperienced or physically challenged hikers where easy hikes with impressive views can be completed in 3 to 5 hours. It also has plenty of more challenging hikes that take several days to complete. Explore our Best of Kamikochi & Alps Walking Adventure or embark on an active adventure with the Best of Kamikochi Walk & Mountain Biking.
Due to weather conditions and road access, Kamikochi park is only open from mid-April to mid-November. Kamikochi is closed during winter, from November to April.
Summer and autumn, from June to October, are the best times for hiking in Kamikochi. summer hikers will enjoy the lush green trails, wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures. Beginning in late September, autumn colors start spreading down from the mountain tops, with colors peaking around mid-October for the spectacular autumn foliage.
Kamikochi is not accessible by car, only by bus.
If you are keen to explore more Japan hikes, read our guide on The Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trail, and walk to where you’ll experience thousands of years of history.
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