Several hiking and cultural tours listed on our site take place on the ancient Salt Road, but this is the only one we currently offer as a trail run - and the only trail run tour being held along the Salt Road that we are aware of. This historic 120km trail (in total) cutting right through the heart of Otari village was once a vibrant and vital trade route for marine products, hemp, tobacco and other valuable products of the time. This particular tour takes us on a running tour through history as we jog past historical markers and culturally significant objects, but also provides a fascinating insight into Nagano Prefecture and Japan's rural village way of life in these modern times.

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​The tour meets at JR Minami Otari Station, and starts with a train ride north on the picturesque Oito Line. After a brief stretch and last-minute gear prep, we'll start our run with an easy pace along quiet paved roads. We'll stay on un-trafficked roads for the first several kilometers, slowly gaining elevation before peeling off onto the first trail portion on the run right about the time everyone is nice and warmed up. From this point on the run is a mix of trail and road, as we dart in and out of small rural settlements and forest trails. We'll climb one long, steep pass which will slow our pace to a power hike, before reaching the top of the pass from which 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 4km stretch sees us climb another small pass before a descent to the next historical site on our agenda - 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 big 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.

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​By this time the clocks, and our stomachs, will be telling us it's time for lunch, and we can 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 have the option of heading 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.