Private Hiking Tour From
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Ontake Kodo
(Fukushima to Mitake)
-御嶽古道-
-福島→御岳-
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Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Uphill: 470m / 1,540 feet
Downhill: 425m / 1,395 feet
Level: Intermediate. Excellent fitness and agility is required. The path is loose and slippery in parts.
Season: April to November
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 Ontake Kodo is an ancient network of pilgrimage trails of the Ontake Faith, a unique mountain based Japanese religion which idolises Japan’s second highest volcano, Mount Ontake (3,067m), as the spiritual home of the faith. The faith was started in the late 1700’s and exploded in popularity towards the end of the Edo period (1603-1867). At its peak, there were millions of active, pilgrimaging believers. Though that number has gone way, way down, there are still tens of thousands of followers of the Ontake Faith, active today.
On this hike of the Ontake Kodo, you will take on a highly secluded and lesser known section of the trail. Starting from Kiso Fukushima, you will travel the ancient trail from Kiso Fukushima to the small village of Godo in the Mitake region of Kiso Town. This is the very first section of the ancient trail now known as the Ontake Kodo. Pilgrims of the Edo period (1603-1868) would walk on the Nakasendo until Kiso Fukushima. They would then use this trail as they got closer and closer to the peak of their holy mountain. This 12km hike is only partially still intact. The hike uses ancient trail, quiet country roads, and loggers tracks, to roughly retrace the steps of hundreds of years of pilgrims come before.
On this hike you can expect to see:
Ancient relics such as soul stone markers of the Ontake pilgrims (known as reijin-hi)
Stunning ancient shrines and temples of the Ontake Faith
Quiet mountain streams, stunning forests, and views of Ontake on a clear day.
This trail is rugged and damaged in sections. This is mainly due to heavy rain and neglect leaving the trail in usable but not in perfect condition. It is also very secluded making wildlife encounters more likely. The hike is signposted but only in Japanese. For all of these reasons we recommend going with a local guide and not doing this alone.
The hike finishes in Godo Village of Mitake in Kiso Town. From here you can catch a bus back to Kiso Fukushima or stay in the village if booking a multi-day tour with Really Rural Japan.
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A knowledgeable, first aid trained local guide.
Hot drinks and snacks.
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Transportation
Lunch (lunch will be purchased before the hike and eaten on the trails)
Any other costs.
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Grippy hiking shoes.
Clothes suitable for the trails (this will vary depending on the season and the weather - please note that the hiking area is significantly colder than the town below)
Cash for lunch, buses, etc.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Drinks & 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, payments must be made at least 30 days in advance. If you are booking within 30 days of your tour, the total price of the tour must be paid immediately. Once the tour has been agreed upon, we will send you a credit card payable invoice. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
From payment up to 30 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.