Highlight

• A great excursion from Tsumago-juku or Magome-juku on the Nakasendo. Please consult with us about staying at Hirugami Onsen (not included in the tour price), the largest Onsen resort in Southern Nagano and known for its beautiful peach blossoms in April.
• Enjoy the ancient history of one of Japan’s earliest official roads. From the nostalgic country scenery of Sonohara to the rugged deep nature of the Misaka Pass, experience on-foot travel on the Tosando and relive the ancient journey for yourself.
• Lunch is locally made onigiri (Japanese rice balls) wrapped in bamboo leaf.
• Descending the mountain is fun and easy by chairlift and ropeway. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and seasonal flowers.

Story

The Tosando was developed over 1,300 years ago and was one of seven of Japan’s first-ever official roads that connected the then capital of Omi in modern-day Shiga Prefecture and the provinces. At about 1,000 km long, the Tosando was an extremely long inland road that lead to Mutsu in present-day Miyagi Prefecture. The path was traveled by officials responsible for the expansion of the Imperial Court’s influence in the north of the Japanese mainland, as well as “sakimori” warriors sent to defend northern Kyushu, people delivering taxes and tribute to the Imperial Court, and horses raised in Shinano (now Nagano Prefecture) and used in the capital.

On this tour, guests will hike on the old Tosando from Sonohara in Achi Village to the Misaka Pass. In ancient times crossing the Misaka Pass was known as the hardest section of the Tosando. Not only was the road steep, long, and mountainous, but the weather was also said to be extremely volatile, with sudden dense fog and thunderstorms making it difficult for travelers to get around. Sonohara, located on the eastern side of the mountain range, is a village with beautiful views and a nostalgic rural Japanese atmosphere. Many an ancient tale of Sonohara and the Misaka Pass has been told by travelers on the Tosando.

The area, with its harsh yet beautiful nature, has been written about in several Japanese historical documents since the early 8th century, as well as in waka poems composed by travelers. The area also captured the imagination of people far away in the Imperial Courts and has been written about in prominent classical Japanese literature. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (said to be the world’s oldest full-length novel) and The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon are both works of art written by female
authors of the Imperial Court in the early 11th century and both feature the Misaka Pass. After climbing to the top of the Misaka Pass, with stunning views on a clear day, guests will take chairlifts and a ropeway down the mountain to finish. Enjoy over 1,300 years of history, culture, and nature on this beautiful hike.

Activity Level

• Most of the route is unpaved. Climbing from Misaka Shrine to the Misaka Pass is steep and requires decent physical strength.

Technical Level

• Some parts of the route can be slippery. Watch your step when riding the chairlifts and ropeway.

Price Per Person

24,000JPY/person for 4ppl
20,000JPY/person for 5-6ppl
16,000JPY/person for 7-8ppl

Clothing/Wha to bring

• Clothing and shoes suitable for hiking and matching the weather conditions.
• Items may include rain gear (coat/pants), backpack, drinks (1 liter), trail snacks, gloves, hat, sunglasses, down layers, hiking poles, etc.

Included in the fee

• English-speaking guide fee
• Llunch (rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaf)
• Transportation fee including chairlifts and ropeway during the tour.

Not included in the fee

• Transportation to/from the meeting point
• Insurance (please purchase travel insurance in your own country)
• Anything else not specified (The bank transaction fee shall be covered by the customer.)

Language

English

Event Duration

About 8.5 hours

Distance / Elevation

Distance: 12km
Elevation Climb: 739m

Age / Height:

12 yrs and above

Meeting Point

Hirugami Onsen Morning Market Parking Lot
（30 min. from JR Iida Station, 40 min. from Tsumago-jjuku, 50 min. from Magome-juku (all by car)

Disbanding Point

Hirugami Onsen Morning Market Parking Lot

Program Availability

Early-April ~ Late November

Participants

4 – 8 people

Application Deadline

30 days in advance

Agent Name

Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau