Private Hiking Tour From
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The Hida Kaido
- Karasawa Falls to Nishino -
-飛騨街道-
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Distance: 12km/7miles
Uphill: 585m/1,920feet
Downhill: 515m/1,690feet
Level: Beginner/Intermediate. Excellent fitness is required. Suitable for all skill levels. The path is sometimes a little steep and slippery.
Highlights:
On a clear day, fantastic views of Mount Ontake.
Karasawa Falls - a gorgeous multi-tiered waterfall along the trail.
Getting well off the beaten track and deep into the mountains.
Prices (USD):
$400 for 1-2 people
$100 per additional person
$50 per additional child (4-18 years old)
FREE (kids under 4 years old)
The Hida Kaido
The Hida Kaido is an ancient road that once connected the towns of Takayama and Kiso. The route was treacherous, especially in the winter when heavy snow made the trek particularly dangerous. Nonetheless, in the Edo period (1603-1868), people transporting all kinds of goods, ran along the road all year round. From charcoal and silk, to horses and more, the most famous product to be transported along the ancient highway was the yellowtail, a fish beloved in Japan. At New Years most areas in Japan like to eat salmon, but Kiso and Matsumoto had a divergent culture that preferred yellowtail on New Years Day. As a result, every year runners carrying vast amounts of heavy yellowtail fish were rewarded financially for carrying the fish through heavy snow on the Hida Kaido.
What you’ll see
This hike takes you over the Jizo Pass and the Nishino Pass, two of the many passes on the Hida Kaido. This area is full of fantastical forests and sublime nature. It starts with a bang as you begin the hike from Karasawa Falls, a 100m tall series of waterfalls crashing down over the mountainside. The walk then meanders its way up over the Jizo Pass and descends down into the stunning Kaida region of Kiso Town. Here you will descend and find yourself at Kiso-Uma-no-Sato. This is a stable and preservation group dedicated to the survival and celebration of the Kiso Horse, one of Japan’s few remaining native horse species. The small and sturdy Kiso Uma (Kiso Horse) almost went completely extinct. In fact, all of the Kiso Horse alive today, come from the very last stallion. After lunch nearby, the hike goes passes through field and farm, coming eventually to the Nishino Pass. From Shiroyama Observatory, near the top of the pass, incredible views of the volcanoes of Mount Ontake and Mount Norikura can be enjoyed on a clear day. The hike ends in Nishino Village which is equipped with both accommodation and buses.
Logistics
Logistically this hike requires a taxi ride to get to the start of the trail. Please note that this is not included in the tour fee and prices will depend on where you are staying. Kiso Fukushima is probably the best place to stay prior to the hike to keep the price of the taxi reasonable.
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A knowledgeable professional local guide.
Hot drinks and snacks.
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Transportation.
Luggage transfers.
Lunch (either a local restaurant or a bento lunch box).
Entry fee to onsen.
Souvenirs and any other personal costs.
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Hiking shoes/suitable sports shoes
Clothes suitable for the trails (this will vary depending on the season and the weather)
Cash for lunch and shopping
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Drinks and trail snacks
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$400 for 1-2 people
$100 per additional person
$50 per additional child (4-18 years old)
FREE (kids under 4 years old)
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Day Tour Payments & Cancellation Policy:
To lock in a booking payment of a 20% non refundable deposit must be made within 2 weeks of the tour being confirmed. The remaining 80% will be due 30 days prior to the tour. Once the tour has been agreed upon and confirmed, we will send you both invoices (credit card payable) at the same time. If you are booking within 30 days of your tour, the total price of the tour must be paid immediately. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellation 30 or more days prior: 20% non refundable planning fee
29-15 days prior: 30%
14-7 days prior: 70%
6 days prior and beyond: 100%
Should the cancellation come from unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, war and political unrest (force majeure), etc. we are not obligated to issue refunds. We will endeavor to facilitate your tour and make alterations to your bookings with your cooperation but will do so on a case by case basis and not under obligation. Should cancellation come from our end for reasons such as sickness, etc. 100% of the tour fee will be refunded.