The Shinetsu Trail

The Shinetsu Trail starts on top of Mt. Madarao, easily reached from the nearby ski resort of Madarao Kogen. It then leads along mountain paths covered in dense forest towards the marshy wetlands of Hakama Shitsugen. Shortly after, you will reach the first campsite near Aka Ike Pond.Most of the Shinetsu Trail follows much the same pattern; dense forest trails leading along the occasional pond or mountain pass, broken up with pleasant ridge walks that will let you see as far as the Sea of Japan on clear days. The trail itself is mostly well-maintained, but you should be prepared to face slippery, muddy conditions in rainy weather.

The final sections of the trail lead down into the valley to cross the Chikuma River before passing several charming countryside villages. After a relatively flat section, the trail finishes up its final sections by steadily climbing up again on green slopes towards the trail’s end on Mt. Naeba.

Take care to prepare for the hot, humid Japanese summers by bringing enough water and making sure to properly refill at every opportunity. Luckily, there are plenty of water taps along the trail to do just that. Don’t forget to bring rehydration salt or similar supplements!

That being said, the Shinetsu Trail is easily one of the most scenic trails Japan has to offer. It might not be as famous as the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail, but it makes up for this with its pristine views, magical beech forest sections, and relatively easy, quiet trails. Besides, it’s an excellent way to discover a magnificent part of the Japanese countryside that few Western tourists visit outside of the skiing season.

The Shinetsu Trail is best walked from late June to early November. The region is known for some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, which makes for excellent skiing conditions but makes all but short-section hikes impossible during winter and spring. In fact, the winter conditions along the Shinetsu Trail are dangerous enough that local authorities strongly advise against attempting a hike outside of the summer hiking season.

When hiking in the hot, humid Japanese summer, your main concern is your water supply. The official trail map and the section overview page linked below show the refill points along the trail. To avoid the hottest months, it’s best to hike in late September.

As you plan your hike, conduct thorough research on the trail. This includes assessing factors such as trail difficulty, length, elevation gain, and terrain and putting them into the context of your abilities.

Share your itinerary with your family or friends, with your anticipated start and end times, chosen route, and emergency information.

Stay informed about the weather conditions in the area where you intend to hike. You can find this info on weather radar apps or by talking with locals. Avoid hitting the trail during severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, or extreme heat, as these can pose significant risks to your safety.

Staying properly hydrated and nourished is essential. Ensure you have an ample supply of water and energy-rich snacks to maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration and exhaustion. Bring at least two liters of water with you.

Familiarize yourself with the trail map and carry navigation tools such as a compass or GPX device to stay oriented.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPX devices (when needed), and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails like this.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, pack out all trash, and respect wildlife and their natural habitats.