Water Crossroads Lake Nojiri Historia

Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park
1-day hike with the guide legend, Yoshi

Nature
Culture
Activity
From 19,900 JPY per person

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Small Groups

TOUR DURATION:

About 6.5 Hours

Nojiri Trekking

STORY

Visitors to Lake Nojiri, located in the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, are rewarded with beautiful views of Mt. Kurohime, Mt. Myoko, Mt. Madarao, and almost fifty large and small capes and coves around its circumference. This area is the site where the fossilised remains of “Naumann's elephants” were discovered - an archaeological dig that uncovered the hunting grounds of local inhabitants from 40,000 years ago. Since ancient times, the lake has been the source of the “blessing of water” to animals and farmers of the area. On this “blessing of water” trek of Nojiri, you will be guided by an experienced legend in the Japanese outdoor community - Yoshi - who has lived in the area for about 50 years. As well as the abundance of nature, sights include historical locations such as water worshipping sites, rural habitats, and irrigation canals dating back to the 1600s.

HIGHLIGHTS

► A unique program designed and guided by Yoshi, a legend in the Japanese outdoor community, along paths not found on any regular map.
► An enjoyable walk in nature, accompanied by stories of Japan’s history, culture and lifestyles.
► Includes Yoshi’s bespoke water circulation and topography map.
► Onigiri bento lunch made from local ingredients, to be enjoyed while admiring the area’s natural beauty.

Who is Yoshi?

Full name: Yoshiwara Yoshikatsu. Born in 1948. As an elementary school student, Yoshi fell in love with the outdoors and started to enjoy activities such as searching for sansei (edible wild plants), canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and skiing. At the age of 25 he moved to Lake Nojiri, and at 26 became a professional skier. In the 1970s, he opened Japan’s first outdoor school. After that he opened a guesthouse where he continues to offer various outdoor activities. His interests, including onsen, delicious food and alcohol, and driving, take him all over Japan and the world.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

◉ Guide fee (English language)
◉ Translator fee
◉ Lunch

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

◯ Transportation to/from the meeting point
◯ Insurance (please purchase travel insurance in your own country).
◯ Anything else not specified. (The bank transaction fee shall be covered by the customer.)

SEASON:

Mid-May~Early-November

LANGUAGE SUPPORT:

English

PARTICIPANTS:

Min: 5       Max: 15

FITNESS LEVEL:

[Distance: 13.7km, Ascent: 400m, Descent: 700m] The terrain is not extreme, but the distance requires endurance.

SKILL LEVEL:

The route includes unpaved surfaces, so please watch your step.

START/END TIME:

9:00/15:30

AGE/HEIGHT:

10 yrs and above
(7-9 yrs requires written permission or accompaniment by a parent)

PRICE PER PERSON:

22,700 JPY/person for 5ppl
19,900 JPY/person for 8ppl

BOOKING:

30 days in advance

ACCESS (Start)

Guesthouse LAMP Nojiriko
10 minutes by taxi from Kurohime Station on the Shinano Railway Kita Shinano Line

ACCESS (Finish)

Guesthouse LAMP Nojiriko
10 minutes by taxi from Kurohime Station on the Shinano Railway Kita Shinano Line

NOTE

From Kurohime Station there is regular scheduled pickup by car from Guesthouse LAMP Nojiriko. Please consult for details.

PARKING:

Available

ITINERARY

TIME CONTENT
9:00 Meet at Guesthouse LAMP Nojiriko
9:00~9:30 Briefing and prep
9:30~10:00 Travel by car to Shirakabadai
10:30~11:45 Hike - Shirakabadai~Mt. Kamaishi Junction~Mt. Daimyojin~Mt. Madarao~Mt. Daimyojin
11:45~12:15 Lunch on Mt. Daimyojin peak
12:15~15:30 Hike - Mt. Daimyojin~Mt. Kamaishi~Furuma Trail~ Arasehara~Shomiyoji Temple~ Elephant Path~Sonma Kubo~International Village
15:30 Finish at Guesthouse LAMP Nojiriko

PHOTO GALLERY

Clothing/What to bring

► 2 litres of water
► Trekking pole
► Hiking shoes
► Rain gear
► Cold protection
► Energy snack
► Hat
► Gloves in the spring & late-fall

Cancelation by the participant

► 5 to 7 days prior 20%
► 2 to 4 days prior 30%
► day before 50%
► Same day/No show 100%

Cancelation by provider

► The content of the tour may change based on the weather or customer’s condition. In the extreme case the weather or other conditions create an unsafe environment, the tour may be stopped or cancelled.
► There are times when the guide may determine the the tour be canceled or stopped in the case that it would be unsafe for the customer, such as sudden bad weather or feeling sick during the tour. If the tour is cancelled before departure, a 100% refund will be provided.
► Partial refunds will not be given in the case the participant joins late or leaves early.

Other

► There are times when activities are filmed by Guesthouse LAMP. These videos and photographs may be used on their website, in pamphlets, documents, or other media to introduce the activities. By participating, you acknowledge and accept the use of the above. If you do not wish to be filmed, please let us know in advance. LAMP will NOT share any of the above-mentioned to any third parties.
► You may use the Finnish sauna, accommodation and café restaurant of Guesthouse LAMP (addition fees required). Please inquire.

Tour booking/enquiry

This is an enquiry, your booking will be confirmed after we have checked availability and received payment.
You will be sent a payment request via PayPal which you can pay either by PayPal or credit card.

Get in touch with us