Walk the historic Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Imperial Route, following in the footsteps of Japanese emperors and aristocrats.
Rural Village Experience
Stay in traditional local ryokan, minshuku and guest houses and immerse yourself in peaceful rural villages.
Natural Wonders
The Kumano Kodo is also a stunning nature walk through Japanese forests and with lookouts across countless mountain tops and valleys.
Authentic Local Meals
Enjoy traditional local seasonal meals meticulously prepared by your hosts. These are an absolute highlight of this walk.
Traditional Lodging
Stay in traditional Japanese minshuku, ryokan and guest house accommodation with warm friendly hosts in small local and rural villages.
Kosuge Shrine
Visit Kosuge Shrine and walk up the ancient stone steps. Explore the local Shrines in Kosuge Village, plus a quaint Japanese teahouse.
Overview
The Shin-Etsu Trail offers a serene and scenic hiking experience through the mountainous border region of Nagano and Niigata prefectures in Japan. Winding along the Sekida Mountain ridge, the trail showcases panoramic views of the Japanese Alps, dense beech forests, and peaceful rural landscapes. Hikers traverse a variety of terrain, from gentle ridgelines to steeper forested paths, encountering traditional villages, rice terraces, and local wildlife along the way. A highlight of the journey is staying in traditional Japanese accommodations such as minshuku and ryokan, where warm hospitality and locally sourced, home-cooked meals provide an authentic cultural experience. The trail is well-maintained and divided into manageable sections, making it accessible for both seasoned trekkers and casual nature lovers. Seasonal highlights like vibrant autumn foliage and lush summer greenery add to the trail’s natural allure.
Day by Day Itinerary
On day 1 you’ll make your own way to Iiyama. At JR Iiyama Station you’ll have a pre-arranged personal pre-walk briefing, a chance to ask any last minute questions and collect your maps and trail pass. After your briefing, you’ll transfer to Madarao Resort where you’ll check -in to your first traditional Japanese pension.
Walking: None today, other than exploring downtown Iiyama if you choose.
Meals; Traditional Japanese Dinner
Staying; Madarao area
This section starts at Mt Madarao and winds its way up and through what is the Madarao Ski Area in winter. This part is not included in the official walk profile so be ready to start the day with an uphill walk for an hour or two. From Mt Madarao summit a 10-minute hike will take you to Mt Daimyojin-dake, a sub-peak with excellent lakeviews. Great mountain and lake view along the way. Pass through the Hakama Shitsugen wetland. Section 1 finishes at the picturesque Aka Ike pond (toilets and water).
Walking; 8.5km (plus the initial climb), allow 6-7 hours.
Meals; Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Staying; Madarao area
This section is full of highpoints, including historical sites such as Tomikura Tōge pass and the ruins of Taishojin; Mt. Kuroiwa, a beautiful nature feature and itself a designated natural monument; Katsura Ike pond with beautiful autumn leaves, and more. There are portions of ongoing travel through the forest, but also changing areas of beech and cedar forests and wetlands. There is a small, roofed shelter on Mt. Kuroiwa that offers not only a good spot for a break, but a sweeping view of the Iiyama basin and Chikuma River.
Walking: 11.2km, allow 5 hours
Meals; Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Staying; Madarao area
This section is full of highpoints, including historical sites such as Tomikura Tōge pass and the ruins of Taishojin; Mt. Kuroiwa, a beautiful nature feature and itself a designated natural monument; Katsura Ike pond with beautiful autumn leaves, and more. There are portions of ongoing travel through the forest, but also changing areas of beech and cedar forests and wetlands. There is a small, roofed shelter on Mt. Kuroiwa that offers not only a good spot for a break, but a sweeping view of the Iiyama basin and Chikuma River. Tomikura Tōge pass and Taishojin Ato ruins. Beautiful ponds Sobu no Ike, Katsura Ike and Kitafuru Ike. Toilets 9km into the walk, and at the finish point. Finishing the day with a walk across a ski area.
The center of the Sekida Mountains part of the Shin-etsu Trail, with a series of ups and downs toward the main peak, Mt. Nabekura. The section features beautiful beech forests, and excellent views of the Iiyama basin and the Sea of Japan. Beech forest, ridgeline, and mountain passes. Views of the Sea of Japan in the distance. Kyoboku no Tani (“Valley of Giant Trees). Yoshihachi Ike pond and Chaya Ike pond. Toilets available at several points along the days walk.
The beech trees here have curved trunks from the great weight of snow pressing on them in winter; it can feel like a competition straddling them and trying to pass over them. This is the habitat of the Forest Green Tree Frog and Japanese black salamander, as well as the native habitat of the rare nabekura zazensoui plant. When the weather is good, the sea of Japan and even distant Sado Island can be seen from Maki Tōge pass. Several mountain passes and local villages. Chaya Ike pond and Maboroshi no Ike pond (surrounded by beech forest). Toilets and rest stops at several points along the walk.
Kosuge is one of northern Nagano’s most sacred places and rich in Buddhist and Shinto history, it was here that En-no-ozuno, the father of Shugendo Buddhism founded a temple in 680 AD where history has unfolded multiple times since. A visit to Kosuge now includes Nino-torii gate, Kosuge Shrine stone pillars, and beautiful stone steps that you can walk up through an avenue of cedar to the Kosuge Inner Shrine. The walk up Kosuge as far as the Inner Temple and then back down takes 3 - 4 hours. There's a beautiful traditional Japanese tea house with local Soba noodles at the bottom of Kosuge.
Transfers; To and from Kosuge from your accommodation
Walking: 2km up steep stone steps, allow 3-4 hours
Meals; Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Staying; Togari Onsen
Congratulations! By this stage you will have hopefully completed the Shin-etsu Trail sections 1 - 5 hike over 5 days of walking. On this day you'll wake up, enjoy your last traditional Japanese breakfast of this package, then check out of your accommodation. Your accommodation operator will assist you in getting to JR Togari Onsen (train station), and from there you can catch a local train to JR Iiyama Station, from where you can return to Tokyo.
Meals; Breakfast only.
Whats Included
Included
7 Nights Traditional Accommodation
Authentic Dinner & Breakfast Daily
Japanese Packed Lunches
Personal Trail Guide on Day 1
Baggage Transfers
Maps, Trail Fees & Local Support
Not Included
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
International Flights
Bus and Train Fares
Shin-etsu Trail Video
Shin-etsu Trail Accommodation
Traditional accommodation along the Shin-etsu Trail offers hikers an authentic and welcoming experience, blending cultural heritage with comfort. Hikers typically stay in pensions—family-run inns that often feature tatami-matted rooms and futon bedding, though many now also offer Western-style beds to suit different preferences. One of the most cherished aspects of these stays is the warm hospitality of the hosts, who greet guests with genuine kindness and care. These accommodations provide not just rest, but a meaningful connection to the people and culture of the Nagano region.
Shin-etsu Trail Meals
One of the highlights of walking the Shin-etsu Trail is the opportunity to enjoy local meals. These home-cooked meals are often a spread of several small dishes, beautifully presented and made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Typical meals include rice, vegetables, grilled fish, miso soup, soba noodles, and regional specialties, offering a rich and varied taste of local cuisine. Due to the set-menu nature of these traditionally made meals, catering to specific dietary requests can be difficult, so self-managing may be necessary for those with strict dietary needs.
Shin-etsu Trail Location
Shin-etsu Trail + Kosuge Walking Guide
Grading: Challenging
The Shin-Etsu Trail features a diverse range of trail surfaces and conditions, reflecting its varied terrain across the Sekida mountain range. Hikers can expect well-maintained paths that traverse ancient beech forests, highland marshes, and mountain ridgelines. While many sections offer smooth, forested trails, some areas may present steeper inclines or uneven ground, especially near mountain passes. The trail is equipped with regular markers and supported by comprehensive maps, allowing for clear and confident navigation throughout the journey. Kosuge is a steep ancient stone staircase lined by trees. The steps are stunning, but can be uneven and slippery.
Shin-etsu Trail Client Experience
Our guests appreciate booking their Shin-Etsu Trail hiking experience with us because we make everything easy and seamless from start to finish. We take care of all the details—accommodation, meals, luggage transfers, local guides, and transport—so they can focus on enjoying the journey. With our knowledge of the region and trusted local connections, we offer an authentic and enriching experience. Our warm hospitality and reliable on-the-ground support mean our hikers feel well looked after every step of the way, with everything they need provided for a stress-free and memorable adventure.
Some dietary restrictions cannot be fully supported on this hike due to the remote nature of the trail, limited food options in rural areas, and traditional Japanese meal offerings at accommodations. Meals often consist of a spread of delicious small dishes, many of which include local and seasonal ingredients. Because not all components can be adjusted or substituted, travelers with specific dietary needs—such as severe allergies or strict vegetarian or vegan diets—may need to self-manage their meals by bringing suitable snacks or choosing carefully from the dishes provided. For most guests, however, the traditional local meals are a highlight of the experience.
The Shin-etsu Trail is considered a challenging hike, with a variety of trail surfaces ranging from narrow dirt paths and forest floors covered in roots and leaves to rocky ridges and wooden boardwalks in wetter areas. Hikers can expect frequent elevation changes and some steep sections that require good stamina and surefootedness. Because of the uneven terrain and potential for slippery conditions, sturdy hiking footwear with good grip is strongly recommended. Hiking poles are also highly beneficial, offering extra stability on descents and helping to reduce fatigue over long stretches.
All of our Hiking Trails Pty Ltd planned and booked Shin-etsu Trail hiking packages including a pre-walk briefing in Iiyama, Nagano. For hikers walking sections 1-5 over 5 days, which is our recommended Shin-etsu Trail experience, the first day of hiking starts at Madarao Resort with a climb up the resort slopes to Mt Madarao.
June and October are the best months to hike the Shin-etsu Trail because of their perfect balance of weather and scenery. In June, the trail is lush and vibrant with fresh greenery and blooming wildflowers, creating a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere. October, on the other hand, offers crisp air and stunning autumn foliage, painting the landscape in warm hues of red, orange, and gold. While summer can be quite hot and less comfortable for hiking, the trail is also closed over the Japanese winter due to heavy snow. For these reasons, June and October provide the ideal combination of comfortable temperatures and clear skies for an enjoyable and memorable hiking experience.
Similar Trips
6-Day Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Walking Package
The 6-day Kumano Kodo package offers a rich journey along one of Japan’s most sacred pilgrimage trails, tailored for travelers short on time. Skipping the rest day, it still covers key highlights—ancient forests, historic shrines, and scenic paths. Enjoy local stays, traditional meals, and daily luggage transfers for a comfortable and culturally immersive experience.
Explore sections 1 to 5 of the scenic Shin-etsu Trail with our 6-day self-guided walking package. Follow the ridge between Nagano and Niigata through beech forests, mountain vistas, and tranquil countryside. Enjoy traditional pension stays, luggage transfers, detailed trail notes, and delicious local meals that showcase regional Japanese cuisine.
The 7-day Kumano Kodo package offers a deeper exploration of Japan’s sacred pilgrimage route, combining scenic hiking with cultural and spiritual experiences. This itinerary includes a restful day in a serene onsen village, perfect for relaxing in natural hot springs. You’ll walk through ancient cedar forests, visit historic shrines, and stay in welcoming local inns. Daily luggage transfers and traditional meals are included, ensuring a comfortable and immersive journey.
