Japan, Up Close and Personal
The route begins in Omachi, in Nagano Prefecture, and passes three lakes—Kizaki-ko, Nakatsuna-ko and Aoki-ko—where a line of Kannon statues has marked the trail for centuries. It continues to Hakuba, a mountain town that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, then presses on through remote villages and passes to Itoigawa, on the Sea of Japan coast in Niigata Prefecture. Itoigawa once served as a harbor for kitamae-bune merchant ships trading goods around western Japan. Along the way, walkers stop at Fossa Magna Park, a UNESCO-recognized site marking part of the geological rift dividing Japan from east to west.
The route is best for walkers with hiking experience, with daily distances of 10.5-13.5 miles and options to adjust the length. Meals lean on mountain cooking and Sea of Japan seafood, and onsen hot spring baths are available each night of the tour.
The Self-Guided Salt Road Wayfarer runs six days and five nights and operates in May, June and from September through November. It includes a pre-tour information pack, a route booklet, 24-hour English-language support, main baggage transfer between guestrooms and five breakfasts and five dinners; six lunches are not included.
For more information, visit walkjapan.com.
