Interview

Shinya Moriyama

Freelance writer, contributing to a number of outdoor magazines. Lives at one end of the 80-kilometer Shin’etsu Trail, from which he heads out into the hills on skis, mountain bikes, and paddles an SUP. He’s also an avid angler using tenkara, Japan’s reel-less fly rod.

“In 2011, I hiked all 80 kilometers of the Shin’etsu Trail, slowly and over five days. The buna forests are absolutely beautiful—so much so that I moved from Tokyo to make my home at the foot of the trail in 2012.”

“The highest point on the Trail is Mt. Madarao, at 1,376 meters, and there isn’t a lot of up and down. It’s a great way to see how the people here have always relied on the mountains for their living. In the past, people made charcoal from the trees, picked wild mushrooms and vegetables and hinted game here.”

“I’d encourage every visitor to come hike at least a part of the Trail. The walk is great, but I’d also suggest stopping at minshuku, the family-run small hotels of the region, where they can enjoy the delicious rice and vegetables made possible by the snow and water it creates. And it’s not just in summer: hiking the trail on light skis or snowshoes will reward you with fantastic sights and a great experience. And you’ll really understand the warm-heartedness of the people of Snow Country!”