Shio No Michi 21km

Service Description

This is the only one trail run we currently offer along the Salt Road, a historic 120km trail (in total) cutting right through the heart of Otari village. We'll jog past historical markers and visit several historical sites, but also get a fascinating insight into Nagano Prefecture and Japan's rural village way of life in these modern times. ​ ​The tour meets at JR Minami Otari Station, and starts with a train ride north on the picturesque Oito Line. We'll start our run with an easy pace along quiet paved roads for the first several kilometers, slowly gaining elevation before peeling off onto the first trail portion on the run. From this point on the run is a mix of trail and road. We'll climb one long, steep pass which will slow our pace to a power hike, before we can enjoy a cruising run down to the village and our first museum break at around the 13km mark. We'll stop in to check out the exhibits, enjoy some brief snacks and be on our way. The next stretch sees us climb another small pass before a descent to the next historical site - a wonderfully restored Salt Road guard station. After perusing the grounds and displays, one last, tough climb stands between us and our goal, the ski resort area of Tsugaike Kogen and spectacular views of the Northern Alps. We'll again downshift to a hiking pace for the 2km climb, then catch our breath as we explore the last and most impressive historical site of the three - the "Ushikata Yado". This 200-year old preserved wooden building stands in its original location, and provides a rare look into the architecture and  atmosphere of a lodge that operated during the Salt Road's heyday. The remaining bit of trail is basically our victory lap, as we run the flat section into Tsugaike while heading straight for the silhouette of some of Japan's most beautiful mountains. ​ By this time the clocks, and our stomachs, will be telling us it's time for lunch, and we will hop in the car and make a nice scenic drive to a local cafe for a satisfying lunch, and maybe even some homemade dessert. To top it all off, we'll head up the road even further and deeper into the mountains to an isolated hot spring lodge with 500 years of history for a pleasant, rejuvenating soak in the mineral-rich waters before returning you to your preferred drop-off location in the village of Otari.

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