Embark on an unforgettable journey, traveling from one eco lodge to the next. This guided tour seamlessly blends walking, e-biking, and rail travel—offering a sustainable adventure perfect for first-time explorers and seasoned travelers alike.
Tour Highlight
- Journey between eco lodges through a blend of scenic hiking and biking
- Enjoy a fully guided itinerary designed for travelers of all experience levels, making it perfect even for beginners
- Support trail conservation efforts, as a portion of your tour fee helps maintain and preserve the path for future adventurers
Only 70 min from Tokyo.
Are you aware that just seventy minutes from Tokyo there are invigorating mountains and plentiful hot springs? This area that has breathtaking amounts of snowfall is known as “YUKIGUNI”. Come and enjoy hiking and hot springs in YUKIGUNI, with its unique natural scenery and well-preserved culture.
Snow Country Trail（SCT）
SCT offers not only the thrill of reaching high peaks but also the experience of walking through foothills and exploring villages along living paths.
Traveling to regions with different cultures and atmospheres, hikers can enjoy imagining what views await beyond each mountain, adding excitement to the journey ahead.
Ecolodges Japan in YUKIGUNI
YUKIGUNI (snow country) has a unique natural environment, and a variety of eco lodges are nestled deep in this area.
Eco lodges are conceptualized in a way to bring benefits to the local community, preserve nature and pass on the local culture to the next generation.
TOUR INFORMATION
Discover Japan’s Snow Country Trail: Guided Eco Tour with Hiking, E-Biking, Cultural Experiences, and Sustainable Lodging
This tour will cover a section of the 307km long Snow Country Trail, with stays in environmentally sustainable eco lodges. It is easy even for trekking beginners, as it is not just a walking tour, but also involves travel by e-bikes and local trains.
The tour begins in the Minakami area in Gunma, which has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Minakami Eco-Park). It crosses the Joetsu border to the Uonuma area in Niigata. This is the largest rice-producing region in Japan. A guide will accompany the tour, and introduce the history and culture of the rich environment of the water-abundant Yukiguni area.
A portion of the tour fee will be used for the maintenance and preservation of the trail. Therefore, participation in the tour will not only be a learning experience for the participants, but also contribute directly to the local community.
Itinerary
DAY1
Explore Minakami Town, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its abundant water and pristine environment. Begin your tour with an e-bike ride along the Tone River, which originates from Mt. Tanigawa and provides water to 30 million people in Tokyo. Visit Ichinokurasawa’s majestic cliffs and snowy valley streams before relaxing at Tanigawa Onsen, a hot spring resort steeped in local legend. Stay overnight at Ryokan Tanigawa, an eco-friendly lodge, where you can unwind and rejuvenate in a serene setting. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation in a remarkable region of Japan.
Eco lodge：Ryokan Tanigawa (Minakami)
A peaceful hot spring ryokan with views of Mt. Tanigawa
Located at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, all the guest rooms here have views of this famous mountain. The ryokan uses environmentally friendly methods for waste reduction and water purification. In the lobby there is an open hearth that is traditional to the region, and along with the local dishes, there are many elements of Yukiguni hospitality to be found here.
DAY2
Travel through history on the second day of the tour, crossing the Joetsu border along the historic JR Joetsu Line, famously described in Yasunari Kawabata’s novel Snow Country. Once a challenging route over the 1,448-meter Shimizu Pass, modern travel now offers scenic ease. From Yuzawa, ride an e-bike over the pass to Muikamachi, exploring local temples and shrines along the way. End your day at ryugon, an eco-friendly lodge in Minamiuonuma City, where tradition and nature blend seamlessly. This journey offers a rich mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Eco lodge : ryugon (Minami uonuma)
A manor house hotel infused with the influences of Yukiguni
This ryokan has been recently renovated with an eye to sustainability but there is no mistaking its roots as a sturdy, old farmhouse. A cooling system that uses well water has been installed, and the insulation has been increased to improve the energy efficiency of the heating and cooling. There are a wide range of culture and nature-themed activities so it is possible to choose your favorites depending on the season and your mood.
DAY3
On the third day, explore Uonuma, Japan’s top rice-producing region, known for its flavorful rice thanks to abundant snowmelt, spring water, and dramatic temperature variations. Start the day with a climb up Mt. Sakado near ryugon eco lodge to witness the stunning unkai (sea of clouds), a natural phenomenon caused by the area’s moisture-rich air. After a relaxing hot-spring bath and breakfast at ryugon, embark on an e-bike tour of historic temples and shrines, including Ryukokuji Temple, Anaji Juni Shrine, and Saifukuji Temple. Admire the breathtaking sculptures by Ishikawa Uncho, hailed as Japan’s “Michelangelo,” showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Efforts to promote sustainability.
A portion of the tour fee goes toward the management and maintenance of the trail.
Price
150,000 YEN〜 per person
(minimum number of participants: 4 people)
Contact Us
Feel free to reach out and let’s start planning your perfect escape!
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!
本ウェブページは観光庁「サステナブルな観光に資する好循環の仕組みづくりモデル事業（実証事業）」の一環として制作されました。
