Guided Tour
Shinpi is an abbreviation of the Shinshu and Hida regions, and this trail connects the two towns of Shinshu Matsumoto and Hida Takayama, which are located on either side of the Japanese Alps, known as the roof of Japan, with an ancient road that people in the two regions once walked across to interact with each other. The tour below starts in Matsumoto and ends in Takayama, but it is also possible to organize a tour in the opposite direction.
*Guided tours must be booked at least one week in advance.
Shinpi Trail Thru-Hike Guided Tour for Experienced Hikers
The 117km long line connects Matsumoto, Shinshu and Takayama, Hida.
Traverse Trail
This authentic long trail combines the charms of culture, nature, and mountain climbing, and takes you on a guided walk across three mountain passes (Tokumoto Pass, Nakao Pass, and Hirayu Pass), which were traveled by people before the advent of cars. It's a 6-7 day journey that will take you to the "original landscape of Japan, where people have lived side by side with the mountains," while experiencing the great outdoors of the Alps, remnants of mountain worship, hot spring culture, and local cuisine.
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Difficulty:
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period:
5 nights and 6 days or 6 nights and 7 days
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Price:
From JPY 350,000
Shinpi Trail Guided Tour for Beginner Hikers
Matsumoto - Kamikochi - Mount Norikura - Takayama.
A "simple trail tour" that connects famous hot springs with culture
From Matsumoto in Shinshu to Hida and Takayama. Experience the nature and culture of the majestic Japanese Alps on this hiking tour that traverses Kamikochi, Mount Norikura, Oku-Hida Onsenkyo, and Takayama. At a pace of about 5-10km per day, you'll enjoy the sights at your leisure, while a guide who is familiar with the region will also explain the hot spring culture and food background. You can also stay overnight at famous hot springs such as Shirahone Onsen and Oku-Hida, and enjoy a bathing experience accompanied by a lecture from a hot spring sommelier.
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Difficulty:
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period:
4 night 5 days
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Price:
From JPY 280,000
Shinpi Trail Guided Tour for experienced hikers
From Shinshu to Hida, a full-scale mountain trip over mountain passes
This authentic long trail travels along an ancient road that once connected Shinshu and Hida, crossing two mountain passes, Tokumoto Pass and Nakao Pass, which are the highlights of the Shin-Hi Trail. It's an adventurous journey that uses all five senses to experience the satoyama culture of Matsumoto and Takayama, Japan's mountain worship, hot springs, and food culture, while walking along clear streams, volcanic terrain, and mountain trails with varying altitudes. Accompanied by a guide who is familiar with the region, you can experience the history, nature, and culture at their deepest levels.
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Difficulty:
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period:
3 nights and 4 days or 4 nights and 5 days
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Price:
From JPY 250,000
Shinpi Trail Guided Tour for Beginner Hikers
Matsumoto - Kamikochi - Mount Norikura - Takayama.
A "simple trail tour" that connects famous hot springs with culture
This tour is a plan that cuts one day from tour ❷. It covers the highlights of the Shin-Hi Trail from Matsumoto to Takayama over a 4-day, 3-night trip. It covers approximately 5-10km per day, allowing you to enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace, making it ideal for beginner hikers and those in their middle age or older.
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Difficulty:
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period:
3 night 4 days
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Price:
From JPY 240,000
Shinpi Trail Guided Tour for experienced hikers
From Matsumoto across the Japanese Alps classic trails
A 47km walking journey to Kamikochi
This is a guided tour for Experienced Adventurers of Shinpi Trail Section 1 and Section 2. You can experience the journey from Matsumoto to Kamikochi that people used to take on foot before cars became the norm. The road to Tokumoto Pass, which leads to Kamikochi, is steep, with an elevation difference of 1400m, but it is a hiking trail that runs alongside a beautiful mountain stream.
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Difficulty:
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period:
1 nights and 2 days or 2 nights and 3 days
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Price:
From JPY 140,000
Section 1 Trial Walking Tour
A one-day program for beginners set on Section 1 of the Shinpi Trail.
This is a one-day guided hiking tour for beginners that covers Section 1 (Matsumoto Castle to Shinshimashima), the entrance to the 117km Shinpi Trail that connects Matsumoto and Takayama. It's perfect for those who want to tackle long trails or aim for a thru-hike in the future, as it introduces the charms of the Shinpi Trail and how to walk it. Guides who have walked long trails around the world will provide practical explanations on equipment, pacing, and tips for resting, based on their own experiences. Even those who feel unsure about going alone can safely experience the world of long trails with friends.
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Difficulty:
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period:
Day trip
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Price:
From JPY 10,000
Section 1 Cycling Guided Tour
This cycling tour focuses on Section 1 and takes you through the history, culture, and nature of Matsumoto, including the Azusa River, Dosojin statues, and the old Nomugi Kaido road.
Focusing on the Shinpi Trail Section 1 route, you will cycle through the stories that live on in Matsumoto, such as the clear waters of the Azusa River, the history of the ancient roads, and the lifestyles and faith of the people symbolized by the Jizo statues. This is not a tourist trip, but one that is especially recommended for those who are planning to live in Matsumoto or have just started living there, as it allows you to experience Matsumoto as it is connected to everyday life. Shinpi Trail Club staff who are familiar with the area will guide you, and you can enjoy the hills without straining yourself on an electrically assisted bicycle.
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Difficulty:
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period:
Day trip
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Price:
From JPY 20,000
Section 1 Running Tour
This tour combines running and food. You'll run while stopping at gourmet spots such as bakeries, Alps Park, Shinbashi Ame, and Shinshu Milk Land.
This guided tour combines running and food, set on the Shinpi Trail Section 1 (Matsumoto Castle to Shinshimashima). Staff with local knowledge will guide you, stopping off at Matsumoto's bakeries, long-established confectioneries, soft-serve ice cream, soba noodles, and more. You'll not only run, but also enjoy the local flavors and charms as you tour. The pace is fast enough that you can still have a conversation, so even beginners can feel at ease. You can experience the city and nature of Matsumoto with all five senses while sharing the scenery and gourmet food with your companions.
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Difficulty:
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period:
Day trip
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Price:
From JPY 10,000
Section 2 Hiking guided tour
You can experience the historic classic route "Crossing Tokumoto Pass," once walked by many climbers, in a two-day, one-night trip.
This guided tour allows you to experience the charm of the Shin-Hi Trail. The stage is Section 2, which runs from Shimashima in Matsumoto City to Kamikochi. This two-day, one-night walk will take you through the gateway to the Northern Alps, focusing on the historic Tokumoto Pass, a route many climbers have walked. A guide will accompany you and provide safety support, explaining the nature, culture, and history. You will also enjoy the natural beauty of Shimashima Valley, savoring the tranquility of the evenings and early mornings that can only be experienced by staying in mountain huts. Why not join us on this Shin-Hi Trail, where history and human activity are alive and well?
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Difficulty:
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period:
1 night 2 days
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Price:
From JPY 40,000
As a travel service arrangement business registered with the Nagano Prefectural Governor (registration number: No. 69), we arrange accommodation, transportation, guides, experience programs, and more within Japan for domestic and international travel agencies.