In the heart of Nakayama Pass, discover the delicate art of Japanese sake. Guided by local experts, you’ll explore a flight of finely crafted brews, each one revealing a different layer of flavour, from crisp and dry to rich and full-bodied. Learn to appreciate the subtle balance between aroma, texture and taste, and how the pristine mountain water shapes the character of each drop. As you sip, enjoy the gentle warmth that unfolds, pairing perfectly with the tranquil atmosphere of the pass. It’s an unhurried moment to savour, a chance to connect with centuries-old tradition, and an experience that lingers long after the last glass is poured.
Japan’s Ancient Salt Road Walk
8-Day Ancient Salt Road Walk – Shio no Michi Trail– A Pack Free Guided Walking Tour by Life’s An Adventure
Step back in time and uncover the heritage of Japan’s historic Shio no Michi Trail, also known as the Ancient Salt Trail, with Life’s An Adventure. Once a vital trade route linking the Sea of Japan with the castle towns of central Honshu, this trail carried precious salt through alpine passes and mountain villages. Today, it offers a journey rich in culture, scenery, and discovery. More than just a walk, this experience immerses you in the beauty of the Japanese Alps and the traditions that shaped life along the trail, with every day offering something new to savour.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy wow-mazing inclusions that celebrate the spirit of Japan. Visit the striking black-walled Matsumoto Castle before rolling up your sleeves in a hands-on soba noodle-making class. Discover the artistry of Japanese sake in Nakayama Pass, sip frothy Batabata tea with locals in Itoigawa, and glide high above alpine meadows on the Tsugaike gondola and ropeway. These are not just activities, but authentic moments of connection with tradition and community.
One of the defining features of this walk is the freedom of choice. With private transfers and flexible walking options, you are not bound by bus or train timetables. Each day you can decide whether to tackle the full route, enjoy a shorter section, or simply take time to relax. Our transfers allow easy access to the finest accommodations, and even the flexibility to adjust the itinerary should weather call for a change, ensuring a smooth and seamless journey from start to finish. Equally important is the joy of a pack-free walk. With your luggage transported ahead, you carry only your essentials – water, camera, and lunch – leaving you free to focus on the landscapes around you. This transforms walking into pure enjoyment, a way to connect with nature and culture without the strain of heavy packs.
Evenings are spent in exceptional accommodation that blends comfort with Japanese hospitality. From the serene riverside retreat of Kuniotomi Suisenkaku, to the refined alpine elegance of Sierra Resort Hakuba, and the thoughtful design of Matsumoto Jujo, each stay is a highlight in itself. Delicious seasonal cuisine, soothing onsen baths, and tranquil settings provide the perfect counterpoint to days on the trail.
The Salt Trail , the Shio no Michi Trail is memorable because it is more than a walk. It is a journey through history, culture, and landscapes, where every step tells a story and every moment lingers long after you’ve returned home.
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Private Transfers and Flexible walking Options
No trains or public buses!
Enjoy the freedom to tailor your walking adventure with our exclusive private transfers. Each day, you can choose to tackle the full route, opt for a shorter walk, or simply relax and take a break. Our service eliminates the constraints of public transportation, so you’re not bound by bus or train timetables, giving you more time to immerse yourself in the experience. With private transfers, we also have the advantage of accessing top-notch hotels just a short drive away, ensuring your stay is always in the best accommodations. Plus, our flexible transfers allow us to modify our itinerary and discover off-the-beaten-path trails when weather conditions call for it, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
A Pack-Free Walk
Carry as little as your water, camera and lunch
Our walking holidays are thoughtfully designed to offer a smooth, pack-free walking experience, enabling guests to savour breathtaking landscapes without the burden of heavy backpacks. We focus on the joy of walking for its pure pleasure, rather than as a test of endurance, each day, you’ll walk with just a light daypack, while our teams take care of transporting your belongings to your next destination.
Matsumoto Castle and Soba-Noodle Making Tour
Wow-mazing Inclusion
Step back in time at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful and best-preserved original castles. Known as the “Crow Castle” for its striking black walls, this national treasure is a masterpiece of 16th-century samurai architecture. Explore its timbered halls, climb the steep stairways once walked by feudal lords, and enjoy sweeping views over the moat and mountains. Afterwards, take part in a hands-on soba noodle-making class, learning the art of Nagano’s signature dish before sharing your freshly prepared noodles for lunch, a delicious and memorable finale to your Matsumoto adventure.
Sake Tasting
Wow-mazing Inclusion
Gondola and Ropeway Ride to Tsugaike Nature Park
Wow-mazing Inclusion
High above the Salt Road Trail, embark on a breathtaking journey into Tsugaike Nature Park. Your adventure begins with a gondola ride, floating gently over green forests, winding rivers and sweeping alpine meadows that stretch toward the horizon. From here, transfer to the ropeway for an exhilarating climb, gliding past rugged ridgelines as the dramatic peaks of the Japanese Alps rise before you. Feel the cool rush of mountain air, see sunlight shimmer across the slopes, and let the vast scenery unfold in every direction. It’s an unforgettable moment of wonder, a chance to be immersed in nature’s beauty, and an experience that lingers long after the ride ends.
Batabata Tea Experience
Wow-mazing Inclusion
Dive into a joyful local tradition with the Batabata Tea Experience, unique to Itoigawa. Guided by friendly locals, you’ll prepare roasted tea leaves in an iron kettle, then use a split bamboo whisk to whip the brew into a frothy, earthy cup. This custom was once shared in mountain villages where neighbours gathered to talk, laugh, and celebrate daily life. More than just a drink, Batabata is a taste of community spirit, lively, welcoming, and full of character, and a flavourful way to experience the cultural heartbeat of the Salt Road.
Kunitomi Suisenkaku
or similar
Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Himekawa River between Niigata and Nagano, Kunitomi Suisenkaku is a serene onsen retreat offering an authentic blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comforts. The inn features elegant guest rooms, each designed to provide a warm and comfortable base for exploring the region. The hotel serves a beautiful dinner showcasing the best of the local seasonal cuisine, with menus featuring fresh seafood or vibrant mountain vegetables.
Sierra Resort Hakuba
or similar
Sierra Resort Hakuba is a refined alpine retreat set on 25 acres of tranquil forest between the Hakuba Iwatake and Tsugaike ski areas. Blending comfort with natural beauty, the resort offers spacious, warmly appointed rooms with forest or mountain views, many featuring deep-soaking baths or private Jacuzzis. Guests can relax in the resort’s indoor and open-air onsen, sourced from a natural hot spring, or enjoy strolling the peaceful grounds. The on-site restaurant serves elegant, seasonal cuisine that fuses French technique with local ingredients, while attentive service and a calm, woodland setting create a sense of peaceful seclusion. With its luxurious atmosphere and easy access to outdoor adventure, Sierra Resort Hakuba is the perfect base for exploring the Japanese Alps in style and comfort.
Matsumoto Jujo
or similar
Matsumoto Jujo is a distinctive retreat in the historic Asama Onsen district, blending contemporary design with the warmth of traditional Japanese hospitality. Each guest room is thoughtfully styled with natural timbers, curated bookshelves and private open-air onsen baths, offering a peaceful place to unwind. The resort encourages a slower pace, with cosy lounge spaces, quiet gardens, and touches of creative minimalism that invite reflection and relaxation. Dining is a highlight, where chefs craft seasonal menus featuring Shinshu flavours, alpine vegetables and locally sourced produce, served with both artistry and care. Guests can soak in mineral-rich hot springs, gather around the fire for a rustic meal, or simply enjoy the meditative atmosphere that flows through the entire property. With its attention to detail and balance of modern comfort and cultural tradition, Matsumoto Jujo provides an enriching and restorative base for exploring the heart of Nagano.
Fabulous meals featuring local produce
Served with local Sake, soft drink or beer
Throughout your journey, you’ll be treated to the rich and vibrant flavours of traditional Japanese cuisine, carefully prepared using the freshest local ingredients. Each evening, your dining experience is elevated with curated selection of local sake, beer, or soft drinks, perfectly complementing the exquisite dishes and adding an authentic touch to your culinary adventure.
Japanese and English Speaking Guides
Delivering high standards
Guides are essential in delivering the ultimate walking experience. You’ll be accompanied by World Class guides who speak both English and Japanese who have a passion and enthusiasm for Japan. They will accompany you for the entire trip making it enjoyable and ensuring we deliver a walk up to our high standards.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Why Choose Us
Tour Itinerary
Inclusions
Your 8-day walking holiday includes:
- Pack free fully supported walk with no heavy packs to carry
- Private vehicle transfers – no trains!
- Flexible walking options each day
- Luggage transports every day to your accommodation
- Professional and passionate local guides who speak Japanese and English.
Wow-mazing Experiences
- Sake Tasting
- Matsumoto Castle and Soba-Noodle Making Tour
- Gondola and Ropeway Ride
The best accommodation in each area
- 3 nights at Kuniotmi Suisenkaku or similar
- 3 nights at Sierra Resort Hakuba or similar
- 1 night at Matsumoto Jujo or similar
Meals
- Complimentary Sake, beer, or soft drink with evening meals
- 7 x superb dinners every evening featuring local produce
- 7 x lunches
- 7 x breakfasts
Day 1: Arrival Day Itoigawa - Welcome Dinner
Guests will need to organise their own transport from Toyko Japan to Itoigawa. The best way to get to Itoigawa is by Shinkansen (Bullet train) which takes 2 hours from Toyko.
Itinerary: Your journey begins in Itoigawa, a quiet coastal city along the Sea of Japan, nestled beneath the peaks of the Northern Alps. Meet your guide and fellow travellers at Itoigawa Station at 12:00pm, before setting out on a short walk to the trail’s official starting point. Here, you’ll uncover the rich heritage of this ancient trade route and its enduring significance. We’ll enjoy a delicious sit-down lunch showcasing the region’s freshest produce and local ingredients. After lunch, we take part in a Batabata Tea experience, a welcoming local ritual where roasted tea leaves are whisked into a frothy brew while you learn about its history and cultural importance. We then explore the Tanimura Art Museum, home to the expressive wooden Buddhist sculptures of Seiko Sawada, displayed in a space designed to enhance harmony between art, spirituality, and architecture. Later, we check into Kuniotomi Suisenkaku, our warm and welcoming accommodation for the evening. Surrounded by nature, this peaceful inn offers traditional Japanese hospitality, soothing hot springs, and a tranquil atmosphere to unwind. We’ll round out the day with a visit to a nearby wasabi farm and a memorable welcome dinner, the perfect start to our journey on the Salt Road. Tonight enjoy dinner featuring local produce accompanied with wine.
Day 2: Walk to the Nechi Valley - Nakayama Pass - Sake Tasting
Terrain: Sealed country roads, uneven dirt paths and forest floor.
Walk Grade: 11.5kms, 5hrs, 430m elevation gain. Grade: moderate
Itinerary: After breakfast, we begin with a visit to the Fossa Magna Museum, where you’ll gain insight into the powerful geological forces that shaped this region and how they link to the historic Salt Road. From here, we set off on foot, beginning with gentle paved roads that wind through quiet hamlets and peaceful countryside, flanked by rice paddies, shrines, and old stone markers. Expect glimpses of everyday rural life and the chance to pause at cultural landmarks along the way. In the afternoon, the walk transitions into more natural surroundings. We follow forest trails that wind gently upwards through stands of Japanese cedar and oak, with occasional clearings that open up to sweeping views of the surrounding Nechi Valley. This section has moderate ups and downs, but rewards with dramatic panoramas and a real sense of stepping back in time. Then we will celebrate the day with a sake tasting at a local brewery. From here, we are transferred back to our accommodation for the night, where we will indulge in dinner celebrating seasonal and regional flavours and wine, the perfect way to reflect on the day’s discoveries.
Day 3: Salt Trail Museum - Hike Oami Pass
WALK GRADE: 9kms, 7 hours, 740m elevation gain. Grade: Moderate to challenging
TERRAIN: Narrow earthen trails, with some exposed roots and occasional uneven stone steps.
ITINERARY: After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short transfer into the lush Nechi Valley, winding deeper into the mountains until we reach the quiet Yamaguchi settlement, home to the Salt Trail Museum. Here, a remarkable collection of tools, garments, and artefacts brings to life the stories of the hardy porters who once hauled precious salt over the ranges. From here, the trail begins with a steady climb through ancient beech forest toward Oami Pass, one of the most challenging yet rewarding sections of the historic Salt Road. As we ascend, the forest opens to sweeping alpine views and quiet moments of reflection among moss-covered stones and timeworn markers. Crossing from Niigata into Nagano Prefecture, we follow a mountain stream down into the Oami settlement, once a key checkpoint for traders and travellers. If we’re lucky, we may be welcomed by a local family keeping age-old traditions alive, and share a cup of hand-foraged herbal tea steeped in the surrounding mountains. A short transfer brings us back to our accommodation, where you will be dining for the night accompanied with wine.
Day 4: Walk to the Nakaya Valley - Visit Omiya Suwa Shrine
WALK GRADE: 9.5kms, 7.5 hours, 660m elevation gain.
TERRAIN: Well-maintained forest trails and rural footpaths
ITINERARY: After breakfast, we have a 20-minute transfer to the beginning of our walk, a rustic hot spring lovingly run by a spirited former monk. From here, we set off on foot along two spectacular trail sections that wind through the peaceful forests of Otari, where wildlife sightings are common and the air hums with the rhythm of the natural world. Our morning route traces the western hillside, offering filtered views through the trees before gradually descending to the valley floor. In the afternoon, we follow a lesser-known branch of the trail, passing under tall cedar groves and past bursts of maple and wisteria, depending on the season. Along the way, we pause at small shrines and weathered signposts that whisper of the trail’s past life as a bustling trade route. Our final steps lead us to a community-maintained shrine, a quiet space of reverence nestled in the woods. From here, we transfer to Sierra Resort Hakuba, a tranquil retreat nestled within 25 acres of forested grounds. This elegant alpine resort offers spacious rooms with deep-soaking tubs, a choice of private and communal hot springs, and a serene setting to unwind. Dinner tonight is in the restaurant.
Day 5: Walk to the Tsugaike Kogen
WALK GRADE: 13kms, 8 hours, 750m elevation gain
TERRAIN: A mixture of packed dirt and soft gravel trails, as well as forest trails
ITINERARY: After a hearty breakfast, we journey by coach to a quiet mountain settlement where our trail begins. The walk starts with a short ascent to a stone border god, said to protect travellers from misfortune. From here, we descend into a hillside village, where rice terraces and vegetable gardens spill across the slopes, framed by sweeping views of the valley below. The rhythm of rural life plays out all around us, woodsmoke curling from chimneys, the rustle of wind through cedar. The path then leads us into the forest, following a route once used in the annual Salt Road Festival. Along the way, we pass relics of the trail’s vibrant past, moss-covered waymarkers, small shrines, and two historic inns that once offered shelter to salt porters and merchants making their way through the mountains. If the weather is kind, we’ll end the day with panoramic views of the snow-capped Northern Alps, rising above the treetops in a breathtaking finale. From here, we transfer to our accommodation, where we will be dining for the night.
Day 6: Hakuba - Gondola Ride - Chubu Sangaku National Park
WALK GRADE: 7kms, 5 hours, 260m elevation gain
TERRAIN: Raised wooden boardwalks, packed gravel paths, and natural forest footpaths.
ITINERARY: Today we leave the Salt Road behind and journey high into the mountains, ascending by gondola and ropeway into the heart of the Japanese Alps. The ride lifts us to over 1,800 metres and opens up breathtaking views of the Ushiro-Tateyama Range, a dramatic wall of peaks that dominate Chubu Sangaku National Park. At Tsugaike Nature Park, a network of trails invites us to explore its alpine landscapes. We’ll stroll across boardwalks through high marshlands carpeted with seasonal wildflowers, wind through forests alive with birdsong, and tackle short but rewarding climbs that reveal sweeping ridgelines and deep valleys below. On a clear day, the panorama stretches to distant snow-capped summits, offering a sense of the vast scale of the Alps. Lunch is enjoyed picnic-style on a scenic deck, surrounded by this alpine grandeur. After time to visit the informative Visitor’s Centre, we descend the mountain and return to Hakuba. Our day concludes with a relaxed dinner at the hotel with wine.
Day 7: Walk Himekawa River to Lake Nakatsuna
WALK GRADE: 10kms, 5 hours, 580m elevation gain
TERRAIN: A mix of natural forest trails, soft earth paths, and occasional gravel sections, with some uneven surfaces and gentle slopes through cedar woodland and lakeside terrain.
ITINERARY: This morning, we leave the bustle of Hakuba behind and journey to the quiet edge of the mountains where today’s walk begins. A short detour takes us to the shaded springs of the Himekawa River, a serene spot where cool alpine water flows gently from the earth, a calming start to our final day on the trail. We ascend through a beautiful forest of towering cedar, climbing steadily toward the final mountain pass of the historic Salt Road. Along this time-worn path, dappled light dances through the canopy, and the peaceful hush of the forest invites quiet reflection. Descending from the pass, the landscape opens to reveal the deep blue waters of Lake Aoki, surrounded by forested ridgelines and seasonal wildflowers. Scattered along the trail are 33 Kannon statues, placed centuries ago as part of a sacred pilgrimage, silent sentinels guiding us toward the journey’s close. We continue on to Lake Nakatsuna, where a small lakeside shrine sits tucked beneath the trees. Black Kites glide above the water, and the alpine breeze carries the fresh scent of pine and earth. After a restful return to the hotel, we come together for our final dinner on tour and celebrate the journey we’ve taken together through Japan’s hidden mountain heart.
Day 8: Tour Matsumoto Castle, Soba-Noodle Making Class
ITINERARY: Our day begins with a relaxed breakfast and time to enjoy the crisp mountain air before we transfer into the heart of Matsumoto, a vibrant city framed by towering peaks and steeped in the legacy of the Salt Road. Our journey culminates at the magnificent Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved fortresses. With its striking black facade and mountain backdrop, the castle once stood as a powerful symbol of control over this important trade route. We’ll explore the castle grounds and interior, crossing its wide moat and climbing through the timbered halls and steep staircases of the six-storey keep. Displays of ancient armour, hidden defensive features, and panoramic views from the top floor offer a fitting final insight into the strength and history that have shaped this region. After our castle visit, we come together one last time for a hands-on soba noodle-making class. Under the guidance of local instructors, we’ll learn the techniques behind Nagano’s signature dish, rolling and cutting the noodles ourselves before enjoying them as a celebratory farewell lunch. This shared meal, prepared with our own hands, offers a warm and memorable conclusion to our journey together.
Tour Availability
& On Sale Prices…
PRIVATE GROUP TOUR ONLY:
This tour is only available for private groups only of 8 or more.
Date of your choice is available for groups of 10 people. Subject to availability.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
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INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:
Please note your tour price does not include flights to / from to Japan. We are offering our clients a service to book their international flights and any other travel plans during their holiday. If you would like our Flights Specialist to organise these requirements, please email us at flights@lifesanadventure.com.au with your requirements.
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Prices in Australian Dollards (AUD)
PRIVATE GROUPS:
Departure date of your choice is subjective to availability. A minimum group size of 8 required. Prices are equal to Past Travellers’ discounted rates. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
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SOLO TRAVELLERS & EXTRAS:
SOLO TRAVELLERS WILLING TO SHARE
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room, we will attempt to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we can’t find you a match of the same gender by around 12 weeks prior to the tour, you will be charged the single supplement cost. Subject to availability at time of booking.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
WANTING THEIR OWN ROOM
For those wanting to guarantee their own room, a single supplement cost will be charged at the time of booking. Subject to availability.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1249
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BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
SALE TICKET CONDITIONS:
* Super Earlybird, Earlybird and Spot Special Sale Tickets: Must be paid in full at time of booking. Refunds or cancellations are not permitted for Sale Tickets however, transfers to another date are permitted 12 weeks or more prior to departure. We advise taking out travel insurance in case unexpected circumstances prior to the trip, prevent you from joining this tour. Early bird or Spot Special discounts cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. We have partnered with Cover-More to provide travel insurance to our guests. To get a quote or purchase travel insurance directly with them Click here. To receive these special discounts, full payment must be made at the time of initial booking. Flexiwalk Add-On option not available on these tickets.
* Those who have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously, receive a past passenger discount of $100. This discount will automatically be deducted from future bookings when you book online using the same email address used for past bookings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
* Prices are per person in Australian dollars and include GST.
* A deposit of $500 per person is required to secure your booking. (unless taking advantage of Earlybird or Spot Specials in which full payment is required at time of booking).
* Note: If you are booking within 90 days of your departure date – we will require full payment at the time of booking
* Prices are based on twin share of rooms. If you are travelling solo you may be required to share with someone of the same gender. If this is not suitable you can request to pay a single supplement, however, limited single rooms are available per trip so are on a request basis.
* Credit Card fees apply or contact us for bank transfer payment options. The following fees apply. Australian Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 1% +$0.20 per transaction, International Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 3.4% + $0.30 per transaction (payments in AUD).
* Payments must be made online via our NAB (National Australia Bank) secure payment page via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or over the phone.
* We advise taking our Travel Insurance to cover items such as cancellation of tour due to minimum numbers not met, or adverse weather conditions, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. Click here
* Credit for cancelled activities. If a tour activity has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances a credit for this missed activity can be applied to any future bookings. Click here.
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