Shionomichi Trail

The northern portion of the route (between Itoigawa – Omachi) can be walked between May, after the snow melts, until November. The sightseeing facilities and public restrooms in the mountainous area are closed in the winter from December when snow starts falling. The southern portion of the route (Omachi – Matsumoto) can be walked year-round. However, as urbanization of the route progresses, even guides get lost trying to follow the ancient Shionomichi Trail. Today, there are tours conducted by knowledgeable guides available for the entire length of the trail.
The entire length of the Shionomichi Trail is 120 km, and we have divided this up into 11 sections with each section starting and finishing at a station along the Oito train line, which runs parallel to the trail. Please use this as a base plan along with official maps as a reference when you plan your journey. It is normal for roads to change with the times, and especially for the southern portion of the route, we recommend leaving behind any strong desire to follow the exact path of the ancient trail and try walking the “Ikeda-machi Northern Alps Scenic Road,” a new, attractive trail built in the Azumino Plain that offers panoramic views of the Northern Alps, or the Jikka-segi recommended course of the Azumino Yamabiko Cycling Course (walking permitted), which is an 18 km trail stretching from the former town of Akashina in Matsumoto all the way to Hotaka.

Highlights: The Northern Alps in spring and autumn (the entire Shionomichi Trail is situated within the foothills of the Northern Alps), Nishina Three Lakes (three lakes in the Omachi area along the Shionomichi Trail, from north to south, Lake Aoki, Lake Nakatsuna, and Lake Kisaki. Each have their own unique aspects while sharing the beauty of the Northern Alps as their backdrops)
Notes of caution while walking the trail: The Shionomichi Trail is characterized by the fact that its 120 km length is divided into three distinct areas: the mountainous area (from Itoigawa to Otari), the satoyama area (from Hakuba to Omachi/Ikeda), and the urban area (from Azumino to Matsumoto). In the mountainous area, you must be aware that bears are seen from time to time, so please wear a bear bell or other ringing device and take care to walk in the standard manner. *If you suddenly start running or veer off the road, your chances of encountering a bear increase which can be life threatening. Another point to note is that even though the altitude is low, this is a heavy snowfall area, so from December until the end of May, this is a snow-covered area, especially around the Oami mountain pass. Hikers unaccustomed to snow should pay attention to the time of year. There is no danger of falling rocks, but right after the snow melts in particular, the trail is in poor condition. There are routes with trees that have fallen from the snowfall and loose rocks covering the paths beside mountain streams, so please take care to walk while ensuring the proper footing.