[Experience] Tokamachi Tanada Treks -Hoshitoge Excellent Views Course-

History Nature Culture
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Trekking in an area that looks like a painting of the “real” Japan; experiencing the rich history, culture and beautiful scenery
of this area.

The terraced rice fields in the mountains of Japan are a symbol of its history and culture. The records from the past show how people in this area of heavy snow built stair-like rice fields; they also show how hard-working these people were.

Walking on the paths between the terraced rice fields, with deep forests and unmistakable cedar trees standing alongside, you encounter some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Through experiences including visiting local farmers, wild vegetable picking, rice planting/harvesting, cycling, paddling and snowshoeing, explore the history and the culture firsthand.

 

Outline

1. The old samurai road

The trekking route from village to village runs along portions of the Uesugi Gundo (military road), also known as the Kodo Matsunoyama Kaido (the old Matsunoyama Road), that runs from Joetsu City to Tokamachi.

Walking along these trails, you feel the history: the peasants who worked and lived here, the merchants carrying goods, the trails that were the roads, often to battle, for the local warlord’s troops.

Also, you will see the most beautiful and historic rice terraces in all of Japan.

2. Experienced, dedicated guides

This is a private tour, with a dedicated, local guide who can lead guests along the trails with explanations in English. Only on this tour will you be led to places that ordinary visitors could not access.

3.  Cultural programs*

Apart from the trekking, a variety of other programs are available to experience the life and culture of the people living in this mountainous rural area.

*Preparing

tour info Detail

Highlights

  • Have a private view of Hoshitoge Rice Terraces all to yourselves
  • Feel the history of Samurai time
  • Experience local lifestyle
Itinerary

The course starts at 9:08 am or at 1:15 pm at Hokuhoku Oshima Station of the Hokuhoku Line. (*We also can change the starting time according to your request, kindly let us know when you submitt booking request.)

Walk from Hokuhoku Oshima station to Hoshitoge Rice Terraces for around 3 hours.

 

The first stop is to visit the local shrine to ask for safety on the walk, and then start the trek. The course provides views of a variety of landscapes, as well as the footprints of the animals of the beech forests (and sometimes the animals and birds themselves). When the weather is favorable, it’s possible to see not only the tanada terraced rice fields, but as far away as Sado Island in the Sea of Japan.

Along the walk are the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, the most famous tanada in all of Japan. The course, however, is not used by regular tourists, so guests have a private view all to themselves. We will also have a short break there with local sweets and coffee or tea.

 

After trekking, the guide drop you off at Matsudai station or at Hokuhoku Oshima station.

The tour will finish at 12:15 pm or 4:15 pm. (It may finish earlier or later than expected.)

PeriodApril to November (We will have the other courses for the winter priod)
VenueHokuhoku Line, Hokuhoku Oshima station
IncludesGuide, insurance, drinking water, snacks and drinks
Required EquipmentsWalking & Hiking Clothes and shoes, rain gear (for light rain), towel, backpack and water bottle
An example of clothing
Event Conditions2 or more participants
・Minimum number of participants: 2 ・Booking deadline: 1 week before the tour date ・Cancellation policy:

We charge cancellation fee as following:

6 days to 1 day before the tour: 30% of total tour cost

Before the tour starting time: 50% of total tour cost

After the tour starting time: 100% of total tour cost

・Special notes:

・本旅行のコースは私有地を含むため、ツアー終了後にガイドなしでコース等へ立ち入ることはできません。

・ツアー中のお客様の個人の責任の範囲内での事故(転倒など)については、全て自己責任でお願いします。

・昼食時にはコーヒーやお弁当が提供されます。アレルギーや食事制限等で気になることがあれば、事前にご相談ください。

・体調の優れない方のご参加はご遠慮ください。

・集合時およびツアー中に、ガイドが参加不適当(格好や体調の様子)と判断をした参加者がいた場合、ツアーを始める前や途中で中断および行程の変更をする場合があります。ただし、その場合でも返金等には応じられませんので、予めご了承ください。

・Tour guide/tour manager

Our tour guide/tour manager will escort you from the pick up point Hokuhoku Oshima station to drop off point Hokuhoku Oshima station/Matsudai station.

Other than the time frame above, kindly arrange your trip by your own.

JPY 7,700/1 person

*After sending a booking request, we will confirm availability and get back to you.

How To Book

Booking Request

First, send us a booking request to check availability.

Confirming Availability

We will review the request and reply to you.

Completing The Booking

Fill the form we send by email and proceed with payment.

Departure Day

Finally, come to the meeting point to enjoy the tour!

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