1-day E-bike and trekking tour with a Tatsuno local, Ryohei Oguchi, an accomplished round-the-world cyclist
The path out of the Kiso Valley to Okaya, via the Ushikubi Pass, the Ina Valley and the Ono Pass, was the original Nakasendo. The path was initially cleared in 1601, but due to the difficulty of travelling two mountain passes, it closed after just 15 years was was spurned in favour of the current Nakasendo. In its heyday, many travelers and horses traversed this path, carrying wood from Kiso to Ina, and rice from Ina to Kiso. Now, traces of the path are scarce and it is known by only a handful of people. This “phantom road” program takes in part of the original Nakasendo, starting at Narai-juku in Kiso, going over the Ushikubi Pass, then on to Ono-juku, and concluding at Tatsuno Town in the Ina Valley. This 1-day E-bike and trekking tour allows you to indulge in the history and romance of the original Nakasendo. The journey is lead by a Tatsuno local, Ryohei Oguchi, a round-the-world cyclist. During the trip, you will get off your bike to enjoy a trek and a folk tale about the local area.
Nature/Culture/Activity
・Great for those looking to experience an “unknown route” just a step away from Kiso.
Experience the hinoki cypress forest path, historical milestone markers, Hayagrīva stones, tiny villages, an original post town and more.
・A nice balance of cycling and walking to fully experience the rural sights of Japan’s forested mountain areas.
・Lunch is a soup set, full of local ingredients, served fresh from a kitchen car.
・Breaks for coffee, tea and local snacks.
26,000JPY~ / person for 4ppl
25,000JPY~ / person for 5ppl
24,000JPY~ / person for 6ppl
23,000JPY~ / person for 7ppl
22,000JPY~ / person for 8-10ppl
Heartland Japan
09:00/17:30
09:00 Meet at Narai Kiso-no-Ohashi Michi no Eki (Roadside Station)
09:00-09:15 Briefing, start riding
09:15-11:00 Ride (Narai-juku → Ushikubi Pass → Ushikubi Pass Top approach)
11:15-12:15 Short trek to Otama ga ike Pond
12:15-12:30 Ride (Ushikubi Pass Top approach → Ushikubi Pass Top)
12:30-13:15 Lunch
13:15-13:45 Ride (Ushikubi Pass Top → Onojuku)
13:45-14:30 Visit Ono-juku
14:30-15:15 Ride (Ono-juku → Renei Ohjo Parkline Place)
15:15-15:45 Break at Renei Ohjo Parkline Place
15:45-17:30 Ride (Renei Ohjo Parkline Place → GRAV BICYCLE STATION)
17:30 Finish at GRAV BICYCLE STATION (Tatsuno Town)
Narai Kiso-no Ohashi Michi no Eki (4 min. walk from Narai Station JR Chuo Main Line)
Narai Kiso-no Ohashi Michi no Eki
[Parking: Available]
April ~ October
18-65 yrs
14 days prior
Minimum 4 Maximum 10
Clothing and shoes you can move in, rain gear (coat/pants), drinks (about 1 liter), snack (optional)
4
[Distance: 50.4km, Elevation Climb: 803m]
The route includes a long ride on E-bikes with climbs and descents. There is also a trek which will take about 40 minutes. Participants will need a good level of fitness.
4
Some cycling experience is necessary. The trek features some challenging terrain and
steep sections, so please watch your step – some trail experience is also necessary.
Japanese guide fee, English translator fee, lunch, hot coffee/tea with local snacks
E-bike rental (rental fee 5,000JPY/per person), transportation to/from the meeting point, insurance (please purchase travel insurance in your own country), anything else not specified in “what is included” above.
(The bank transfer fees are responsibility of the participants)
N/A
[Cancellation at customer’s convenience]
-8 to 20 days prior 20%
-2 to 7 days prior 30%
-Day before 40%
-Same day/No show 100%
[Cancellation at the discretion of the organizer]
-In the case of stormy or freezing weather, departure cancelation will be determined the day before
and contact will be made only if the tour is canceled. In the case that the activity is canceled due to
unforeseen circumstances, no cancellation fee is required.
-In the case of light rain, the tour will go ahead with waterproof gear.
-After the tour begins, depending on the weather, we may have to change the route or cancel the
tour. In this case, no refund will be given.
-If the tour cannot continue after it has started due to bad weather, no refunds will be given.