The Shin-etsu Trail is a one-way long trail that presents a significant challenge due to the lack of accessible water and accommodation along the route. As a result, it requires careful preparation and equipment, especially for those planning to hike it alone. La Colina Outdoor can assist you in walking or running the trail, providing guides and transportation to reach accommodation after each day, and tailoring the itinerary to match your group’s desired pace.

The trail is accessible from mid-May, once the snow has melted, until the first snows in November. However, the best time to hike it is from late May to mid-June, before the rainy season begins, when you might encounter wild cherry blossoms. Alternatively, the trail is stunning in the fall, when the changing foliage turns the route into a vibrant and colorful experience.

Depending on the number of days and your pace, we will plan shorter or longer stages, allowing time for hot springs, as well as cultural and culinary experiences along the route. Your luggage will be transported by us each day, so you can travel light and conserve your energy to fully enjoy the trail. We can also arrange a final day of relaxation at a ryokan with hot springs before your journey concludes.

The Shin-etsu Trail is divided into 10 sections, each covering a distance of approximately 10 to 12 kilometers, which most people complete in six to seven hours. This means that an average fit person who enjoys hiking can finish the trail in 10 days. For those with trekking experience who can cover 15 to 20 kilometers daily, it’s possible to complete the trail in 8 days. For experienced trail runners, the minimum time required is three days, averaging 35 kilometers per day.

Below, we outline what a 3-day trail run would look like. Contact us, and we’ll tailor the itinerary to your pace and available days.

3-DAY TRAIL RUN

Day 1
Mt. Madarao to Togari onsen
30-35 km / Uphill 2290 m / Downhill 2260 m / About 8-10h

After departing from La Colina Retreat at 8:00 a.m., we will reach the summit of Mt. Madarao (1,382 m), where the Shin-etsu Trail begins. From the summit, we’ll take in impressive views of Lake Nojiri before descending along trails that cut through the ski resort slopes. Our route will then lead us to the top of Mt. Hakamadake (1,135 m), passing by Akai Pond and Nozomi Lake on the way to Mt. Kenashi (1,022 m). From there, we’ll undertake a long descent through satoyama and the small village of Wakui, followed by an ascent through the Sekida Mountain range, which is dotted with ponds and historical remnants. We will finish the day at our final destination, the Togari Onsen ski resort.

After recovering at the hot springs and enjoying dinner, we will be transferred back to La Colina Retreat to rest for the day.

Day 2
Togari onsen to Sakae village
30-35 km / Uphill 2200 m / Downhill 2770 m / About 8-10h

After breakfast, we will aim for an early departure to reach the trail at Togari Onsen by 8:00 a.m. We will continue our journey through the Sekida Mountain Range and its beautiful beech forests, reaching the peak of Mt. Nabekura (1,288 m) and traversing a scenic high plateau with gentle ascents and descents. Upon reaching Nonomi Pond, we will begin our descent to the small village of Sakae, where we will conclude the day’s hike.

We will then transfer to the nearby town of Nakajo Onsen, just five minutes away, to relax in the hot springs and recover for our final day.

Day 3
Mt. Madarao to Togari onsen
35 km / Uphill 2890 m / Downhill 2150 m / About 8-10h

The final and most challenging part of the trail run awaits. After an early morning departure from the village of Sakae, we will enter the Mt. Naeba Geopark, traversing pastureland and paved roads while observing ancient lava formations from past eruptions of the Mt. Naeba volcano. From the village of Koakazawa, at 759 meters, we will begin the ascent of Mt. Naeba (2,145 m), the highest peak on the Shin-etsu Trail and the most demanding alpine hike of the journey.

Participants can choose to stay overnight at the mountain hut located at the summit to conclude the trip, or descend the mountain the same day to the parking lot, where transportation will be arranged to take them to Echigo-Yuzawa Shinkansen station.

• Two-night accommodation at La Colina Retreat and one-night accommodation at Nakajo Onsen Lodge. Breakfast  and two dinners are included.
• Pick-up at Iiyama station and drop-off at Echigo-Yuzawa or Iiyama stations.
• Three-day English-speaking guide.
• Transport support and luggage transfer across the locations. Water re-supply.
• Route design and customization.
• Introduction to the route and gear checking on the night before departure day.

• Lunches and snacks
• Hot springs entrance fee
• Insurance
• Stay at Mt Naeba mountain hut - It is necessary to book it well in advance.