Cultural Adventure, Community Tourism & A Proper Hike (near Tokyo)

Stop and smell the flowers!

Frontier Travel Themes

This adventure program, 2 hours north of Tokyo, along the Hitachi-Kuni Long Trail, offers a cutting-edge travel experience beyond conventional sightseeing. It is the perfect fusion of adventure and cultural immersion, appealing to travelers who seek deeper connections rather than merely checking off famous landmarks.

Combining spectacular hiking, rich traditions, and genuine local interactions, this journey is an exclusive Japan experience. It offers a rare chance to witness a simpler, more authentic way of life, where people live in harmony with nature, deeply rooted in their communities and free from modern distractions.

Just a few of the buzzwords this tour will be checking off!

We have created 3 distinct trails that can be experienced as standalone day tours or combined into a 2 or 3 day program. Each of the tours has a distinct theme, but with nature, adventure and community engagement underpinning the unique appeal of each.

Day 1: The Sacred Trail

Oiwa Shrine, a revered spiritual site, has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries. 200-300 years ago, millions visited annually for ascetic training and prayer. Today, it remains a sacred “power spot”, known for its unique aesthetic, serene woodland trails, and stunning views from the summit of Mt. Oiwa.

This 8.2 km moderate hike delivers a quintessential Japanese cultural experience, featuring majestic sacred monuments, moss-covered forests, towering pines, and friendly local encounters. Visitors will meet villagers and the Shrine Maiden of Oiwa.

Day 2: A Village Journey

Venture into a hidden village, virtually unknown to both Japanese and international travelers. This experience is made extraordinary by the exclusive insider access provided by Ikeda-san, a respected community leader. Her café-restaurant and community space have become a catalyst for local revitalization.

With Ikeda-san as your guide, explore the village, engage with locals, pick wildflowers for ikebana, enjoy farm-to-table vegetarian cuisine, and sample sake and wine brewed by her charismatic neighbour. This is a day to explore at your leisure or take a hike into the surrounding mountains to enjoy spectacular views of this charming rural community enclave.

Day 3: Shinrin-Yoku Path

This nature-centric experience revolves around the majestic Fukuroda Falls, celebrated for centuries and recognized as one of Japan’s top three waterfalls. Two hiking options cater to different adventure levels:

1. A 5 km gentle hike for deep forest immersion around the falls.

2. A challenging and sometimes thrilling ascent up the “Gendarme of Ibaraki”, Mount Namase-Fuji, featuring panoramic views and steep cliffs to either side of the ridge. 

The journey includes tea and pastries by the riverside with the charming owners of a renovated water mill guesthouse, followed by a stroll through Daigo Town’s nostalgic streets. Then it's time to hop on the train for a 90 minute journey back to Tokyo.

Curated by local trailblazer,

Miyuki Abe

Our long-trail development is a labor of love by Miyuki Abe, a dedicated local leader from Hitachi-Ota. With over 10 years of experience as an adventure guide, she specializes in both mountain and water activities. As an entrepreneur, she runs a community space along the trail and crafts traditional “Randoseru" (Japanese school bags).

Leveraging her unique skill set, she has played a pivotal role in revitalizing her hometown, designing hiking routes that highlight the area’s natural splendor and rich cultural heritage. Thanks to her deep connections within the community, travelers are granted rare insider access, meeting local residents and engaging in authentic experiences.

Having studied in Cardiff in the UK, Miyuki-san is fluent in English and is available to guide the tours personally or work alongside operators who wish to provide their own guides..

Accessing the Trail

The journey from Tokyo could not be any easier. It is direct run from Tokyo to Hitachi station on the way. On the return is also on train, roughly 20 minutes from Daigo will get you to Mito station, where you hope on the express train for a 70 minute journey back to Tokyo.

Connecting to the trail starting points requires a bit more planning. Although it is possible to use the public buses at certain points, it is far more efficient to use taxis or chartered vehicles arranged by the guide. The journey lengths are all under an hour along mainly rural road networks where the rustic charms of Ibaraki are evident in abundance.

There are several options for accommodation bases, mainly in/around Hitachi Ota and Daigo Town. Each have options suited to FIT and group travel.

For more information on the experience please access our Product Library, which includes tour information as well as imagery that can be used for client itineraries and marketing collateral.