This project, which started in the fall of 2024, focuses on specific areas along the Nakasendo for overseas hikers.

Currently, the influx of visitors is increasing, causing a shortage of accommodations in the surrounding areas.

The same situation is occurring in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture, along the Nakasendo, particularly along the popular routes connecting the post towns of Magome-Tsumago and Yabuhara-Narai. Accommodations along these routes and in nearby areas are fully booked.

Whether due to skewed information or a reluctance to take risks when traveling to Japan, overseas visitors tend to flock to well-known places and those listed in guidebooks, leading to an overconcentration of tourists in specific locations.

The Old Hida Kaido project was commissioned by Kiso Town, with the goal of increasing recognition of the Old Hida Kaido, alleviating the over-tourism concentrated in certain areas, and promoting the utilization of potential resources along the historic trail to help distribute visitors more evenly.

Our company has been involved in the following efforts:
・On-site surveys of the Old Hida Kaido
・Video production
・Map creation
・Article writing
・Website development
・Webinars for overseas agents

What makes the Old Hida Kaido unique is its alternate name, “Buri Kaido,” referring to the historical transport of yellowtail fish (buri) from the Himi area in Toyama Bay along the Old Hida Kaido to the Hida region and Shinshu for distribution. The yellowtail was considered a “sacred fish” in Shinshu, often offered as a New Year’s ritual.

We aim to continue leveraging this historically significant route as a foundation for regional revitalization and promoting it globally.

As part of our travel division, we will also offer this route as a new hiking experience, an alternative to the Nakasendo.

We will continue to focus on creating multilingual brochures, maps, websites, videos, and system development, so please stay tuned for more updates.