"The Sekida Mountains are at about 1,000m above sea level"

The Shinetsu Trail is a 80km, eight day hike that goes across the mountains from Nagano into Niigata, that now ends in Naeba. The entire trqil is around 110km long. It is one of the few long uninterrupted trails that can be hiked in Japan. You can do the whole trail, or just choose certain sections of the trail at your leisure.

The Shinetsu Trail runs over the ridges of the Sekida Mountains at about 1,000m above sea level, forming the boundary between Nagano and Niigata Prefectures. It is long and undulating with few really steep areas, which make it perfect for beginner to intermediate hikers. The trail is dotted with lodges and places to eat so that there is no need to hike with tents and heavy equipment. It takes 9 days and 8 nights to hike all courses with accommodation, but can take as little as 5 days if your style is to go fast with a tent.

​The Sekida Mountains are blessed with a rich ecosystem marked by Japanese beech-tree forests. Historically, there were 16 passages connecting Nagano with Niigata (traditionally called Shinano and Echigo) through the mountains, and these trails were used for carrying salt and sea-products from Niigata, and Uchiyama paper and mustard seed oil from Nagano.

The famous Niigata warlord Kenshin Uesugi is said to have led tens of thousands of his men through these passages to fight the epic Battles of Kawanakajima against the great Nagano warlord Takeda Shingen. These battles are legendary in Japan.
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DETAILS FOR THE MADARAO STAGE OF THE SHINETSU TRAIL

In the immediate vicinity of Madarao are a good two days worth of hiking trails that are great if you want a taste of the Shinetsu Trail. You can go from Madarao no Yu hot springs up to Mount Madarao and beyond to Akaike Pond in one day. Then  go from Akaike pond down past Lake Nozomi and out to Wakui Village in another day. The trip up Mount Madarao is a little strenuous, but the rest of the hiking is very easy.

​Section One: Mount Madarao to Akaike Pond.

Start the trail from the top of Mt. Madarao. You can get to Mt. Madarao from Madarao no Yu hot springs or else go directly up through the ski resort. On clear days, hikers can catch a full glimpse of the Sekida Mountains. Nearing the top, you will come across Daimyojin Peak. Lake Nojiri, The Five Peaks of Northern Nagano, and some of the Northern Japan Alps peaks can be seen from here.

Descend the switchback route on the ski slope at Madarao to Manzaka Gap. The Manzaka Gap provides one of the best views in the entire Shin-etsu Trail. It can, however, get very hot in the summer as there are no large trees for shade. After this, climb up to Hakama Peak, passing through a beautiful Japanese beech-tree and birch  forest. Although there is not much of a view at the summit of Hakama Peak, its large, open spaces make it a great place to stop for lunch. Next, descend to Akaike Pond through a switchback trail that has occasional gaps. After that there is 1.5 km of cleared forestry road. Along the road, you will encounter pagodas and old char-burning huts which you can view at your leisure. There are bathrooms and a 20-car parking lot near Akaike Pond.

Section Two: Akaike Pond to Wakui Village
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From Akaike, walk over a small hill and through the beech-tree forest to Numanohara Wetlands, which blossom with flowers after the spring thaw. On the northern side, there are bathrooms and a 10-car parking lot. Walk over another small hill to Lake Nozomi. From the top of the hill, Mt. Madarao, Hakama Peak and even Mt. Myoko can be seen on a clear day. From the boat pier of Lake Nozomi, Mt. Madarao can be seen head on, casting a perfect reflection over the water on windless days. There is a bathroom near the entrance to the Mt. Kenashi climb. This climb to the top takes about 30 minutes and brings you to a superb view over Iiyama Basin, making a perfect spot for a lunch break. Descend through the larch-tree forest to Wakui Shinike, and then continue along the farm road. The road is lined with refreshing streams of spring water -- the perfect treat for tired hikers. Turn left at the paved road where it will be about 500 m to Route 292 in Wakui Village.

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Book a Tour from Madarao for up to 7 days on the Shinetsu Trail

There are numerous lodges that support hiking tours along the Shinetsu trail out of Madarao. Book a tour that includes pick up and drop off from the trail heads daily as far as Nabekura Highlands. Get assistance with organizing your hike and booking accommodation all the way through to Naeba.

Book a trekking tour

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Download shinetsu Trail map

The Shinetsu Shizenkyo Nature Park. Madarao's backyard.

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GOLF IN MADARAO

​Madarao has two high quality golf courses. Green fees vary according to the time of year, and time of week, with summer and weekends being the most expensive time. Green fees range from as cheap as $50 to $150 for 18 holes with lunch and a cart.

Visit Japanese sites for golf in Madarao:

​Madarao Kogen Country Club

 Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort

Guide to golf in JAPAN in english

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JAPAN'S SUMMER SECRET: LAKE NOJIRI

Lake Nojiri (Nojiriko) has been the secret hiding spot for foreigners from Japan's humid summers for generations. North American style summer houses nestled in shady forests and beautiful, clean lake water coming down from Mount Myoko make for an idyllic spot to spend the hot summer days.

​With great fishing and water sports, swimming and some easy lake side hikes, it makes for a perfect get away to break up a summer trip around Japan.

Visit Nojiri

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BLACK BASS FISHING IN MADARAO: LAKE NOZOMI

Madarao Kogen's Lake Nozomi is full of fish, including carp, crucian, rainbow trout, and pond smelt. But the prize that most anglers seek is the black bass. Black bass are everywhere in Lake Nozomi, so that it has become something of a hot spot for fisherman in the summer. Small boats with electric motors can be hired to improve your chances of getting among some of these legendary fighters!
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​Visit the Yama No Ie Information Centre for fishing licenses and more information.

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ZIPLINE ADVENTURES

Want to zip through the forest on a flying fox?
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Zipline Adventures is a great way for the whole family to share an activity that everyone can enjoy.

The Madarao Kogen Hotel also has camp grounds set up so that people can relax and choose their own adventure in summer.

​From ziplining to slacklining. Fishing, barbecues and trekking. It is an excellent base to spend the weekend away from the rat race.

Contact Madarao Zipline

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