Japan's Ancient Salt Road Walk 

Approximately 30 minutes of walking (1km)

Journey from Tokyo to the coastal city of Itoigawa, a historic Salt Road trading port nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Northern Alps. After meeting your group, you'll explore the town’s heritage through its official trailheads and a visit to a local soy sauce and miso brewery. The afternoon transitions into a relaxing coastal experience, featuring a fresh seafood lunch, a trip to a bustling fish market, and a visit to a local shrine before you settle into your traditional accommodation to unwind in the hot springs.

The evening highlights the region's agricultural traditions with an intimate tour of a family-run wasabi and rice farm. You’ll learn the meticulous secrets of cultivating these staples directly from the growers before enjoying a celebratory 13-course degustation. This immersive feast showcases foraged ingredients and the local catch, with each course expertly paired with regional sake and cider to toast the start of your adventure.

Approximately 5 hours of walking (11.5km)

After a traditional Japanese style breakfast, we head out and explore the Fossa Magna Museum to uncover the region's geological ties to the Salt Road. Your trek begins on gentle paved roads through the quiet countryside, pausing for a scenic Japanese-style picnic lunch along the trail.

In the afternoon, hike through forested paths into the Nechi Valley for panoramic mountain views and a visit to the exposed Fossa Magna fault line. The day concludes with a unique sake tasting at a farm-to-table brewery and a relaxing evening featuring onsen soaks and a multi-course kaiseki feast.

Approximately 7 hours of walking (9km)

Begin your day in the Nechi Valley with a visit to the Salt Trail Museum, uncovering the history of the "bokka" porters before tackling the trip’s most challenging ascent. The climb leads you through alpine rice fields toward Oami Pass, featuring a scenic lakeside lunch and the chance to sample native flora along the way.

The afternoon journey continues through majestic cedar and beech forests as you cross into Nagano. Upon reaching the remote Oami settlement, you'll experience local hospitality with foraged tea and mochi before returning to your hotel for a rejuvenating thermal soak and a well-earned dinner.

Approximately 7.5 hours of walking (9.5km)

Start with a transfer to a historic hot spring run by a charismatic former monk before trekking through tranquil, wildlife-rich forests. After navigating the western hillsides, descend to the valley floor for a classic ramen lunch at the junction where the ancient and modern Salt Roads meet.

The afternoon takes you along a secluded trail branch through cedar, maple, and wisteria, passing silent landmarks of the region's trading past. The day concludes at a community shrine followed by a stay at a cozy lodge, where you'll enjoy a fusion dinner featuring vegetables and rice grown on-site.

Approximately 8 hours of walking (13km)

After a hearty breakfast, we'll travel by coach to a small settlement and hike to a stone border god that’s said to ward off misfortune. A short descent leads to a hillside village with sprawling rice fields, gardens, and panoramic views. The trail continues through a forest to a path used in the annual Salt Road Festival, passing villages and relics. A brief detour takes us to a 200-year-old home for a countryside feast prepared by a host with fascinating stories and family treasures. After lunch, we’ll visit two historic inns on the Shionomichi and if the weather cooperates, we'll wrap the day with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Northern Alps.

Approximately 5 hours of walking (11.5km)

Today takes us high into the mountains, leaving the Salt Road behind as we ascend by gondola and ropeway to the Tsugaike Nature Park. Starting from our hotel, the 5km journey lifts us to over 1,800m, offering ever-changing views within Chubu Sangaku National Park. The towering Ushiro-Tateyama Range provides exceptional panoramas and a profound sense of scale. We’ll explore the park’s trails, from boardwalks to rugged paths with a few steep climbs.

After enjoying bento lunches at a scenic deck, we’ll visit the Visitor’s Centre before descending to the popular ski town of Hakuba. A café stop for coffee, some time to shop and explore Hakuba and beautiful views conclude the day’s adventure, followed by a relaxed dinner in town. 
 

*Due to the operating dates of the Tsugaike Nature Park, May and November departures will visit the Iwatake Mountain Resort instead. 
 

Approximately 5 hours of walking (10km)

We’ll drive past Hakuba’s built-up areas to start the walk, making a brief detour to the shaded springs of the Himekawa River. From there, we climb through towering cedars to the last Salt Road pass. Descending to Lake Aoki, we’ll spot 33 Kannon statues symbolising a distant pilgrimage. After enjoying refreshments at a lakeside café, we’ll visit the nearby Lake Nakatsuna and its scenic shrine, with Black Kites adding to the ambiance. Following some sun and lake views, we’ll return to the hotel for rest before dinner.

Approximately 4 hours of walking (12km)

Our final walking day unfolds in Omachi, a flat, urban area near Matsumoto. We’ll stroll along peaceful Lake Kizaki, stopping for photos, refreshments, and possibly a swim at a pier. Crossing to the eastern shore reveals fresh Alpine views as we continue along quiet farm roads, observing local agriculture and chatting with farmers. A hillside climb rewards with sweeping views over the valley, passing Sakura trees, orchards, and beautiful abodes. Our walk ends at an overlook, celebrating our journey’s progress.

After lunch in an Edo-period restaurant, we’ll visit a local washi craftsman to learn and try traditional papermaking. The day concludes at a tranquil retreat in Azumino, perfect for our final night.

Begin your final day with a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before a private transfer to Matsumoto. This vibrant city, the historic terminus of the Salt Road, is framed by the majestic Japanese Alps and centered around the iconic Matsumoto Castle. A tour of this 400-year-old masterpiece offers a reflective end to your journey, highlighting its legacy as a former stronghold of the salt trade.

The adventure culminates in a farewell feast, providing a final chance to swap stories and celebrate your shared experiences. The tour officially concludes after lunch, leaving you perfectly positioned for onward travel or further exploration.