Trekking

Trekking in Shin’etsu Shizenkyo

Shin’etsu Shizenkyo is home to a number of Japan’s most famous mountains, and some of its most scenic trekking routes. The Sekida mountain range, stretching along the border between Nagano and Niigata prefectures, is covered by a vast forest of ancient buna, or beech trees. Along the ridges of this range was laid out the Shin’etsu Trail, a hiking route fully 80 kilometers long. For those looking for more vertical routes, both Mt. Myoko and Mt. Hiuchi are two of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Some of the best trekking courses can also be found in the national park encompassing Shiga Kogen.

Best of all, there are trekking and climbing courses for every level, from beginners to advanced wanderers.

Pristine buna forests

Buna, the beech: the representative tree of Japan’s mountain temperate zone, the “green dam” capable not only of storing vast quantities of water but also of protecting the mountains from erosion and landslides.

Since the Jomon period, stretching back 15,000 years, the Japanese have been blessed by this sacred tree. Buna grow all over Japan, but in recent years have been recognized as a truly precious living thing. Some of the most ancient of these trees in the Shin’etsu Shizenkyo are more than 400 years old.

The 80-kilometer Shin’etsu Trail

One of the special charms of hiking the Shin’etsu Trail is moving through the buna forests. In this area of the Sekida mountain range, you’ll find untouched sections of completely natural Japanese scenery, a place where you’ll really feel nature and the local culture.

The Shin’etsu Trail is divided into six sections, so it’s possible to hike just one section, or stay in local lodges as you continue from section to section.

UNESCO Eco Park

Shiga Kogen is highly recommended as a place that provides easy to access to the vast natural wonders of the region. Part of the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park, it is also officially recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

At altitudes from 1,500 to 2,300 meters, you’ll find wetlands, ponds and untouched, native conifer forests. There are hiking trails here as well, but with easy grades so anyone can enjoy getting out and about. And, even though the start and end of the trail are in different locations, bus service makes it easy to get around. This is one of the best places to experience the diversity and grandeur of Shin’etsu Shizenkyo.

Mt. Myoko and Mt. Hiuchi

One of the definitive books for Japanese hikers and mountaineers is Nihon Hyakumeizan—the One Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan. Two of these famous peaks are Mt. Myoko and Mt. Hiuchi, mountains within the Shin’etsu Shizenkyo. There are several routes up to the peaks, some including access by gondolas, as well as mountain huts, so climbers of all levels can enjoy climbing here. The 2,454-meter Mt. Myoko is a dynamic volcanic peak, and a very popular destination for countless climbers. Mt. Hiuchi is also one of the 100 famous mountains for flowers, and is home to a huge variety of sub-Alpine and Alpine plants. The view from the summit is spectacular, on a good day extending from Sado Island far out in the Sea of Japan to the North, Central and South Alps and as far south as Mt. Fuji.