Shin-etsu Trail

Section Introduction

Section09

Kettō – Mikura – Ōakasawa – Koakasawa

Section length: 9.7 kilometers; Time required: approx. 5-6 hours

Section highlights

A walk through Akiyama-gō village, an “unexplored” region where traditional Japanese scenery remains. Cross a suspension bridge and go through the village on a route traveled by writer Bokushi Suzuki in the 19th century. Encounter the local people and culture and enjoy the charm of a long trail journey.

0km
9.7km
Kettō＜572m＞
  • ビジターセンター
  • 駐車場
  • トイレ
  • テント
  • 水
  • 宿泊施設
Kettō no Ishigakida (stone-walled rice fields)
0.5km
9.2km
Mikura Bridge＜502m＞
Suspension bridge; no more than seven people can cross at one time
1.7km
8.0km
Mikura＜695m＞
Pass through village
2.8km
6.9km
Ōtochinoki (giant tochi tree)/Fūketsu (wind cave) parking area＜774m＞
  • 駐車場
Primeval tochi (horse chestnut) forest
Mt. Naeba trail (via Komatsubara marsh)
Walk on the old Kusatsu Highway above the Mikura tunnel. The path may collapse easily, so be careful of slipping
5.5km
4.2km
Matsuzawa Bridge
Walk along the road; be careful, as there are many large vehicles
Maekura Bridge
Beautiful views of autumn colors and Nakatsu River
Jabuchi waterfall
7.3km
2.4km
Ōakasawa＜699m＞
Yamagen Woodwork
  • 駐車場
  • トイレ
Walk along the old Bokushi no Michi road
8.4km
1.3km
Amazake Village ruins＜795m＞
9.7km
0km
Koakasawa＜759m＞
Tonenbo, the Akiyama-go Information Center
  • 駐車場
  • トイレ

Key points

point1 The Mikura Bridge crossing the Nakatsu River is a wooden suspension bridge capable of carrying no more than 500 kilograms. Be careful, when traveling in large groups; it may close under some circumstances.

point2 There will be little shade on the paved road sections of the Trail, so take preventative measures to deal with the sun and hydrate regularly.

point3 While there are small shops and restaurants here, they may be closed or be low on supplies, depending on the season, so don’t rely on this for food supply.

Milestones

Kettō

The starting point for sections 8 and 9, depending on the direction of travel. Located on highway 405, it can be accessed from the direction of Tsunan Station by car or shared taxi.

Mikura

Access by ca is possible, but there is no parking lot.

Ōakasawa

Located on highway 405, it can be accessed from the direction of Tsunan Station by car or shared taxi.

Koakasawa

The starting point for sections 9 and 10, depending on the direction of travel. Located on highway 405, it can be accessed from the direction of Tsunan Station by car or shared taxi.

Accommodations
  • Tent site
  • Accommodations

on the trail, within walking distance of the trail

  • Katakuri no Yado, Akiyama-gō Kettō Onsen
  • Moegi no Sato, Akiyama-gō, Kettō Onsen

off-trail accommodations

  • Kawazu-ya, Sakasamaki Onsen

information on the trail and nearby facilities

Section list