Shio no Michi: Japan’s Ancient Salt Road – 7 days

Begin your adventure in the charming city of Matsumoto, where history and natural beauty intertwine. With free time before the welcome meeting, perhaps spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Matsumoto Castle, a picture-perfect 16th-century fortress surrounded by a serene park. Enjoy a stroll through the town, engaging with local culture or savoring a taste of traditional Japanese lunch. As the sun sets, gather for a warm welcome dinner and an informative tour briefing that sets the tone for the journey ahead.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Matsumoto

Start your day with a Japanese breakfast before taking a scenic transfer and train to beautiful Hakuba before continuing on to Tsugaike Kogen. Here we embark on the start of the walk taking the ancient trade route towards the sea salt and seafood of the coast. Walk through stunning alpine meadows descending into lush landscapes. Pause to enjoy a delicious bento lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery. The day’s trek concludes in Kudarise and a short transfer takes the group to at our Japanese-style accommodation. Before dinner soak in the scenic outdoor Onsen.

Walk: 9 km / 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Japanese or Western-style rooms in Hakuba

After breakfast, a brief transfer takes you to the walk start back at Kudarise. Today’s adventure leads you from Kudarise to Nekohana. The walk starts in the rocky valley area and is undulating and moderately challenging before heading deep into traditional agricultural and forested landscapes. Enjoy panoramic views of the towering Mt. Amakazari as the trail heads north, alternating between packed-earth mountain trails and quiet village roads. The journey spans approximately 13 kilometers, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the tranquil surroundings and striking vistas. In the evening, return to your accommodation for a well-deserved included dinner.

Walk: 13 km / 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Japanese or Western-style rooms in Hakuba

Fuel up with breakfast before a transfer that whisks you back to Kudarise for the start of today’s walk. Walk along the eastern branch of Otari Village’s ancient Shionomichi (Salt Road), known as the Chikuni Kodo. Unlike the western valleys, this trail takes hikers high up onto the eastern ridges of the Himekawa River, passing through peaceful mountain hamlets, dense forests, and areas deeply steeped in ancient samurai warfare and Shinto mysticism. The trail leads you to Fukahara via Omine Toge-goe and Takamachi-goe, revealing stunning mountain views along the way. The trail peaks at Omine Toge (Omine Pass), offering beautiful, quiet woodland scenery, before descending through the remote hamlets of Nakadori and Nagasaki. From here it’s a short transfer to the quiet Ryokan with Onsen.

Walk: 12 km / 7.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Japanese style hotel in Hiraiwa

The day starts with Japanese breakfast and a short transfer to the walk start in Fukahara. Today’s route from Fukahara to Chojadaira via Jizo Toge-goe is considered one of the most challenging sections of the ancient trail. While much of the Salt Road changed over the centuries, this specific high-mountain pass tracks the oldest known alignment of the route, dating back to the Nara Period when it was used as an ancient official highway to transport Itoigawa jade and Wada Pass obsidian. The remote mountain track that is completely cut off by heavy snow for half the year transforms into a stunning corridor of primeval beech forests and vibrant wild snow camellias. Short transfer to your accommodation and an included group dinner.

Walk: 8.5 km / 6.25 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel in Hiraiwa

Start the day with breakfast and transfer to the start of your final walking day at Oami. During the Edo period, this was a vital cargo transfer station where freight was reallocated from horses to human porters, because the terrain was too steep for animals. The route is widely celebrated as the absolute crown jewel of the entire 120-km Shio No Michi. Cross the Yokogawa River via a narrow suspension bridge, then climb incredible examples of an Uto, deep, U-shaped trenches carved directly into the hillsides. These were excavated centuries ago by hand to lessen the slope’s grade and protect travellers from winter winds and landslides. Stop for a break at the Shiraike Pond, where the lake mirrors the surrounding mountains. The walk concludes as you enter the Yamaguchi district in Itoigawa. Here, you will find the ruins of the border Guardhouse,  the historical checkpoint where feudal authorities inspected incoming shipments of salt and strictly controlled travellers entering or leaving the province. This afternoon, we will visit the local Salt Road Museum to gain insights into the region’s history before transferring to the serene Sasakura Onsen Ryokan for your stay and a delightful final group dinner.

Walk: 8 km / 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Japanese style ryokan in Ohira
Included Activities: Salt Road Museum visit

On your final morning, enjoy breakfast at the ryokan before checking out. Join the group to visit a local fish market and a wasabi farm, where you can learn about and taste these local delicacies. Savour a sushi lunch before your adventure concludes at Itoigawa Station, ready to take home wonderful memories and stories to share.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Included Activities: Local Fish Market and Wsabi Farm visit.