Last month, we talked about the philosophy behind our Long Trail tours, now let’s get into the nitty gritty of what you can expect to see while you’re out in majestic Snow Country!
The Long Trail is a 300 km series of interconnected trails spanning three prefectures through the whole of YUKIGUNI. The focus of today’s tour will be the trail along the Mikuni Kaido, a historical road used by samurai in ancient times. This road also happens to pass through some of our eco-lodges, where you can stay in comfort while learning about our unique local culture. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Starting out on the trail
Our tour begins in the town of Yuzawa, a scenic hot springs area that is only 70 minutes from downtown Tokyo by bullet train. From Echigo-Yuzawa station, you will be taken along to a unique cultural excursion, such as touring a real kimono factory in the heart of the old garment district in Minamiuonuma City, or visiting the newly refurbished Snow Country Museum. Learn all about world renowned writers that were inspired by YUKIGUNI’s breathtaking scenery, as well as the local farmers who created meticulous and elegant kimono- not just garments, but works of art that for centuries were prized as gifts for noble samurai!
On your first night in Snow Country, you will be a guest at historic eco-lodge Kaikake Onsen. Kaikake began as a famous medicinal hot spring 700 years ago, and was so popular that an inn was built up around it. In today’s fast-paced world, it is a relief to know that you can go somewhere where time appears to stand still, and Kaikake Onsen has not changed much since the current 19th century structure was built, with the exception of its luxurious guestrooms and a full-service restaurant where you can enjoy fresh mountain vegetables called sansai that are a local staple. Kaikake Onsen receive deliveries of local koshi-hikari rice three times a month, and have the facilities to polish the rice on-site at the inn, in order to treat their guests to the freshest and most delicious rice possible in the heart of Japan’s rice-growing country.
While at Kaikake, you will learn from your guide about the history of the trail, and safety tips for the trek ahead. After your meal, you can choose to relax in one of 4 different onsen, including a gorgeous rotenburo-style bath with a view of the great outdoors. Then get ready for tomorrow’s hike!
The Long Mountain Road
Our trail is a historic mountain path connecting Kaikake Onsen with another eco-lodge, Hoshi Onsen Chojukan, in the neighboring town of Minakami. Along the way, we will be climbing Mt. Tairappyo, venturing into old post towns along the Mikuni Kaido, and then sleeping inside a national park!
On your second day, you will journey up Mt. Tairappyo, where you can enjoy the stunning Joetsu border ridgelines as you climb 2000 meters above sea level. This area is known for abundant snowfall, some of which you can still see in the mountains during early spring, and as a result the region features a wide variety of plants and flowers including Japanese goldthread, violets, white anemone, and beautiful cherry blossoms. Many of the plants have been used for centuries for food and medicine, such as lindera, known in Japanese as “kuromoji.” Lindera has a nice, calming smell, and was originally taken as medicine in the Snow Country region, or used to make tea. Other local plants, like mugwort, are used for local specialty sweets, like kusadango. As the area around Mt. Tairappyo falls within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, there are strict laws against cutting down trees, or disturbing any of the animals and plant life.
At about 300 meters away from the summit, you will stay the night at the Tairappyo Mountain Hut, known as Yama no Ie. The family that run this small inn has maintained these trails for three generations. As their guest, you can experience a warm family atmosphere while enjoying local home cooking with new friends far above the trees.
Walking in the shoes of samurai
After you leave your comfortable mountain hut, you will cross over from Niigata into Gunma Prefecture, and travel to the town of Minakami. Descend the mountain path to an old trail that was used by ancient samurai on the way to battle. Along the path are old houses from back when this area was a post town used by traveling noblemen, and you will also find an old shrine with a bell that you can ring for good luck and happiness. It is believed that spirits known as kami reside in these rocks, rivers, and trees- can you sense their presence while walking these beautiful mossy paths?
From this ancient road you will finally arrive at Hōshi Onsen Chojukan, and the end of your long trek. The main building, constructed in 1875, will make you feel as if you are staying in a real Edo-period post town inn! Chojukan is definitely one of those places where you could just spend hours taking photos, or simply relax and experience a bit of old fashioned country living.
Even compared to other nearby onsen resorts, Hoshi Onsen Chojukan is a rare hot spring inn, to the extent that this building was named Tangible Cultural Heritage, partly on account of the famous roof made by using strips of cedar bark, and in the spring you can see moss and even flowers grow from it! Typically, Japanese buildings are rebuilt after a certain number of years, for example, to make them more resistant to natural disasters, so to see this sort of construction is exceedingly rare today.
Meanwhile, the rooms at Chojukan will make you feel like you are entering into history. Some of these guestrooms were used by actors, celebrities and foreign dignitaries, such as Princess Victoria of Sweden, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, and even writers such as Nobel prizewinner Yasunari Kawabata, who gave Snow Country its name. Near to the entrance of the hotel is the irori, which is a traditional style hearth where guests can keep warm and make merry. Enjoy a delicious meal that features the best of Minakami, such as their local Joshu beef that you can enjoy in steaks or Japanese style sukiyaki, or local freshwater fish like grilled char.
Before you leave, you owe it to yourself to relax in the historic hot springs to soak away all the fatigue from the long hike! This is a rare natural spring, where you can see the water bubbling up from the stone floor. It is said that there are now only about 20 such baths in the entire country. When using the bath at this famous hot spring, there are some rules conveniently posted outside the door in multiple languages.
The Long Trail is a tour like none other, and one that we would like hikers to experience for a long time to come. In order to preserve this beautiful nature, five percent of the tour fee will be allocated to trail conservation. By going on this tour yourself, know that you have helped preserve both our great nature and local culture.
Book your tour today!
When you are ready to begin your journey, whether aboard the Long Trail tour or anywhere else that strikes your fancy, we will be ready and waiting to greet you!
Step 1: Get in Touch
Wondering where to stay or what unique tours to try? Just drop us a message! We’re here to answer any questions and help you feel at ease.
Step 2: Let’s Plan Together
We’ll chat about your style, budget, and travel dates to create a personalized itinerary that’s perfect for you.
Step 3: Confirm & Explore
Once you love the plan, we’ll finalize the details. Then, all that’s left is to set off on an unforgettable Snow Country adventure customized just for you!
