Walk through some of the tiniest, least populated villages in all of Japan. Hike the path, check out the views, meet the locals, hear their stories, bath in the hot springs, and be the first foreign tourists to experience this extremely rural, beautiful part of the country. Really Rural Japan has been heavily involved in the creation of this hiking route which utilizes an ancient trade route known as the Chuma Kaido in an attempt to help to raise the area’s profile and boost the economy and population. We live here and love it and want to show it to people who would appreciate it.

The Chuma Kaido (中馬街道) is the name of the route that once went all the way from Mikawa Bay in modern day Aichi Prefecture, to Shiojiri in Nagano Prefecture. It has many other names included the Shio-no-Michi (The Salt Road), the Sanshu Kaido and the Ina Kaido. The word Chuma is an old word that once referred to the horses of Nagano Prefecture, the Kiso Horse. And the word Kaido means road. It was basically a highway used to transport goods all across the country using horses. It was one of the major trade routes of the Edo period (1603-1867) and hundreds, sometimes thousands of horses used the road on a daily basis. Items such as salt, charcoal, silk, washi paper and more, were cheaply and quickly moved through the country. Rules were relaxed to save time and money and the road was much more rough and ready than the official Shogunal routes. This was the road of the Japanese pauper.

In this hike we’ll walk from Neba Village to Hiraya Village, both in the very south of Nagano Prefecture. Access is best by car. If you don’t have one and need support, please let us know and we’ll support you. Hiraya is one of the lowest populated municipalities in all of Japan and may one day cease to exist. This whole area has been described as a forgotten land. One that is neither a part of Nagano or Aichi but somehow in between, difficult to identify. The people are kind and the living, while financially tough, is easy going. The high altitudes of the area make it cool in the sweltering summer months. This is one section of a longer route. If you are interested in a multiple day hiking tour, please enquire and it can be arranged. If slower, deeper travel appeals to you, there is no doubt that you are in the right place!

This hike features forests, rice fields, country living, local people, natural hot springs, optional swimming in cold, crystal clear rivers and more.