Private Hiking Tour From
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The Hida Kaido
-Hiwada to Nishino-
-飛騨街道-
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Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles
Uphill: 410m/1,345 feet
Downhill: 460m/1,510 feet
Level: Beginner/Intermediate. Good fitness is required. Suitable for all skill levels. The path is sometimes a little steep.
Highlights:
On a clear day, fantastic views of Mount Ontake.
Getting well off the beaten track and deep into the mountains and pioneering a trail that almost no other tourists have.
A visit to an ancient wealthy horse merchants residence.
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 starts in the remote village of Hiwada, all the way over in Gifu Prefecture on the mountainous outskirts of Takayama City. Here a prayer at the shrine and a visit to the former Hara Residence come before the start of the hike. The Hara family were a horse breeding family. They were said to be so wealthy that they could walk from their house to Kiso Fukushima for the horse markets, never stepping foot off of their own land. True or not, they were loaded! Just the entrance gate and the foundations remain. Then the hike begins. Moving over the Maezaka, Nagamine, and Sekiya Passes, the hike undulates through magical forests, and glittering streams, deep in the heart of the Japanese countryside. Expect not to meet another soul on the ancient road. The fact that this hike exists at all is a testament to the local preservation actions of various villages and the stubborn work of veteran Nakasendo guide, Yuki, along with the cooperation, hard work, and generosity of Kiso Town’s tourism office who fixed bridges and made the hike possible today. The hike ends in Nishino Village in the Kaida region, a village equipped with both accommodation and buses to Kiso Fukushima.
Logistics
To make this hike work, a taxi going to Hiwada is necessary and is not included in the tour fee. This will not be cheap as Hiwada is remote and far away from the towns and city centres where taxi offices are. Please note that staying in Nishino Village or Kiso Fukushima are the best places to make this hike a reality.
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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.