Walk Japan has announced its latest self-guided tour, the Salt Road Wayfarer, offering a six-day, five-night exploration of a historic trading route through the Japan Alps in Nagano and Niigata Prefectures.
This tour allows participants to traverse the central and northern sections of the Salt Road, a once-vital trail connecting the Sea of Japan with Matsumoto, a landlocked castle town.
Starting in the rural town of Omachi in Nagano Prefecture, the tour takes walkers through serene hillside villages, woodlands, and over mountain passes, concluding in Itoigawa on the Sea of Japan coast. The route offers an authentic experience of the region's culture and society, with highlights including UNESCO-recognised Fossa Magna Park and daily onsen hot spring baths. Participants can also enjoy local mountain cuisine and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.
The tour is designed for experienced walkers, with daily distances ranging from 17 to 21.5 kilometres. It operates from May to June and September to November, providing comprehensive route booklets, tour notes, and 24-hour English-language support. Main baggage is transferred by courier between accommodations, ensuring a seamless experience.
Priced from $1,580 (approximately £1,120) based on double occupancy, the Salt Road Wayfarer offers a unique opportunity to explore Japan's natural beauty and history. Walk Japan, established in 1992, continues to provide enriching walking tours across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa
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