Across a Thousand Years – Trekking the Kurikoma Kodo Ancient Trail – 3 Days, 2 Nights Special Plan

The Kurikoma Kodo, an ancient trail from Miyagi to Akita with over 1,000 years of history, was walked by everyone from the native Tohoku people (“Emishi”), metalworkers and miners, to mountain ascetics and hunters (“matagi”). Rich in untouched nature, it features a primeval beech forest and a 1,000-year-old Thuja tree (“Kurobe”).
In addition to the alpine plants and vibrant fall foliage unique to Japan, this trek offers a profound experience of the ancient trail's history, including mountain ascetics (“Shugendo”) and mountain worship. Leisurely soak in the fresh air and history, relaxing at mountain hotels and inns before and after your trek.

Details

Plan Price

Number of Guests	Cost per person
1	￥122,000
2	￥75,000

What's Included: Guide fee, handling fee, meals (Day 1 dinner, Day 2 breakfast, lunch, dinner, Day 3 breakfast)

Not Included: Beverages

Set Dates: June 1– September 30:
Available spaces:
June 2, 9, 16
September 8, 15, 29

Excluded Dates: July 20 – August 31

Time Length: 2 nights, 3 days

Meeting Place

【Meeting Place】

50-1 Kurikoma Numakura Koei East, Kurihara City, Miyagi, Japan 987-2511

*Complementary pick-up/drop-off with reservations made in advance

Map

Min. # of Participants: 1 person

Max. # of Participants

2 people

*For more than 2 people, please inquire

Supported Languages: Japanese, English

Plan Details

In addition to the alpine plants and vibrant fall foliage unique to Japan, this trek offers a profound experience of the ancient trail’s history, including mountain ascetics (“Shugendo”) and mountain worship. Leisurely soak in the fresh air and history, relaxing at mountain hotels and inns before and after your trek.

Course Details

●Day 1: Overnight Stay at Heilzahm Kurikoma (50-1 Kurikoma Numakura Koei East, Kurihara City, Miyagi, Japan 987-2511

Clear your mind and rest deeply at a 650m altitude mountain resort surrounded by Kurikoma’s majestic nature.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reset your mind and body through hikes in primeval forests, seasonal walks, and swimming. Open-air natural hot springs and refined kaiseki cuisine, crafted from the finest local seasonal ingredients, will satisfy all of your senses.

Please enjoy a special experience in a place where Japan’s abundant nature and traditional “omotenashi” hospitality meet.

*Complementary pick-up/drop-off with reservations made in advance

【Maisonette Japanese/Western Room】
Maisonette-style with a Western room on the upper level and a Japanese room on the lower level.
(8 tatami-size Japanese room and 6 tatami-size Western room)

【Amenities】
Towel, bathtowel, yukata
* In accordance with the Plastic Resource Circulation Act aimed at environmental protection, we do not provide hairbrushes or razors. We kindly request that you bring your own.

All rooms are non-smoking, and come with wi-fi, a washlet-attached toilet, heater, television, and refrigerator.

Dinner【“Greedy” Course】
The head chef will prepare a menu featuring meticulously selected ingredients, showcasing his finest culinary skills.

*For concerns regarding allergies and meal requests, please consult in advance.
**Hotel Service is provided in Japanese. Please check-in yourself.

●Day 2: Trekking Across a Thousand Years: Exploring History on the Kurikoma Kodo (Japanese and English supported)

The Kurikoma Kodo is an historic road where people’s lives and nature intersected, from ancient history to modern times. Its origins are old, from the Heian Period, when Abe no Sadato used it during the Later Three Years’ War.

It also existed as a nature road, walked by the native people of Tohoku “Emishi” as well as mountain ascetics and hunters.

In the Edo Period, the Date Clan named it “Uwaba Road,” and it flourished as a key transportation hub with the establishment of post stations, rest houses, and guardhouses protecting the domain border.

In the Meiji Period, it became known as the “Ugoki Highway,” and though it was designated a prefectural road, it fell into disrepair with the changing times.

Now, called the Kurikoma Kodo (“Kurikoma Ancient Road”), it’s valued for its history.

The greatest appeal of this road lies in the fact that its original form from a thousand years ago remains, distinctly preserved.

In the middle of the primeval beech forest are “Ichirizuka” milestones (large earthen mounds marking “1 ri,” approx. 3.927km intervals) and stone markers. While enjoying the four seasons of Mt. Kurikoma’s treasure trove of wild alpine flowers, soak in the abundant nature and history of the Kurikoma Ancient Trail, carved out by the passing of a thousand years.

【Day 2 Schedule】
8:00am – A taxi will come pick you up at Heilzahm Kurikoma.
*An interpreter guide will join you. Please check-out yourself.

8:00am – 8:10am
Travel by taxi to starting point
8:10am – 8:30am
History and overview of the trail (12.7km, approx. 6.5 hours)
Depart from the Sekai Yachi Parking Lot
8:30am – 10:00am
Sekai Yachi Wetland No.1 → Wetland No.2 → Daichimori (3.2km, approx. 90 min.)
10:00am – 10:10am
Break
10:10am – 12:00am
Walk to Giant Thuja Tree (4km, approx. 100 min.)
12:00am – 12:40am
Lunch (Please bring your own)
12:40am – 1:50pm
Walk to Yubama (3km, approx. 60 min.)
1:50pm – 2:00pm
Break
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Walk to “The Beech Forest Lamp Inn” Yubama Onsen Miura Ryokan (2.5km, approx. 60 min)

“The Beech Forest Lamp Inn” Yubama Onsen Miura Ryokan　(Japanese only)
Tucked away in the rich nature of the southwestern foothills of Mount Kurikoma at an elevation of 700 meters, lies Yubama Onsen, a secluded place of legend, discovered by matagi hunters.

As it was in the age of the samurai, cell phone signals do not reach here, nor radio or television.

There is only the gentle glow of oil lamps at night, a breathtaking star-filled night sky, and the virgin beech forest.

Enjoy “The Luxury of Simplicity,” a digital detox experience, immersed in nature and authentic, deep Japan.

【Japanese-style Room】
6 tatami-size and 8 tatami-size rooms are available.

【Amenities】
Bar soap, body wash, 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste set, towel, bath towel, yukata robe, slippers, razor, hair dryer (limited availability)

【Meals】
Dinner and breakfast are made with love by the married couple who owns Miura Ryokan, making use of ingredients that allow guests to savor the flavors of the region. Enjoy Japanese-style cuisine made with ingredients that change with the season.

【Onsen】
Hinoki cypress tubs filled with 100% onsen water flowing directly from the source spring. Both indoor and open-air baths are available. In the evening, enjoy a bath by lamplight. From the outdoor bath, take in the changing of the seasons surrounded by the grand nature of Mount Kurikoma.

●Day 3: Breakfast at Miura Ryokan
Pick-up and drop-off service is available between Kurikoma-Kogen Station and Miura Ryokan. Pick-up location is subject to change based on reservation status, etc., so please inform us as early as possible if you would like to make use of the service. Depending on the situation, the pick-up and drop-off service location may be changed to Jinenjo no Yakata.

Necessary When Making a Reservation: 1. Desired date
2. Names of participants
3. Ages of participants
4. Contact information (representative’s contact information)
5. Check-in and check-out times
6. Whether or not pick-up service is required
7. Information about allergies.

Other (Notes)

-As there are no restrooms on the trail, please be sure to go before arrival.

– In regards to English language support, we can only accommodate guests provided they speak Japanese or are accompanied by an interpreter or a travel agency guide.

– For safety reasons, participation is restricted to middle school-aged and above. We kindly ask for your understanding in advance.

-In the instance that the number of participants will exceed 10 people, please consult in advance.

Cancellation Policy: 20 ~ 8 business days prior to reservation: 20% of reservation fee
7 ~ 2 business days prior to reservation: 30% of reservation fee
1 business day prior to reservation: 50% of reservation fee
No-shows and day-of cancellations: 100% of reservation fee

Closing Date: 10 business days prior to desired date

Operating Company: Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Federation, Public Interest Incorporated Association
Address: Miyagi Prefectural Office 14th floor, 3-8-1, Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi, Japan 980-8570
Tel: +81-22-221-1864　Fax: +81-22-211-2829
Email: dmo@miyagi-kankou.or.jp
Business Days: Monday to Friday
Business Hours: 8:30 am – 5:15 pm (JST)

Inquiries: Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Federation, Public Interest Incorporated Association
Address: Miyagi Prefectural Office 14th floor, 3-8-1, Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi, Japan 980-8570
Tel: +81-22-221-1864　Fax: +81-22-211-2829
Email: dmo@miyagi-kankou.or.jp
Business Days: Monday to Friday
Business Hours: 8:30 am – 5:15 pm (JST)