Sasagamine & Yumemidaira Forest Trek

12000yen/person
Book Now/ Check Availability
8:30 - 15:00, 10:00 - 16:30 Minimun 2 people Pickup Service

Ancient Giants of the Deep Forest — on the Border of Nagano and Niigata

Perched at 1,300m above sea level and encircled by peaks rising to 2,000–2,400m, Sasagamine Plateau feels like a world apart. People first ventured into this remote highland in the 18th century, drawn by its towering forests and rich timber. Just beyond the Sasagamine dam lies Yumemidaira — a hidden forest where loggers and their families once made their lives, deep in the mountains and cut off from the outside world for months each winter. Today, we follow the old trolley track they laid through the trees, deeper and deeper into the forest, until we come face to face with its most extraordinary resident: a massive Katsura tree, thought to be over 800 years old, standing in silent, ancient dignity. With very little elevation gain, this trek is accessible to beginners and seasoned hikers alike. Come and let the forest of Sasagamine restore your body and clear your mind.

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Guided by a Certified Forest Therapy Guide

Your guide holds an official forest therapy certification from Shinano Town — bringing deep local knowledge to every step of the walk.

Perfect for Beginners

The trail is mostly flat with only gentle inclines — no mountaineering experience needed.

Your Memories, Captured

Your guide will photograph you along the way and share the images with you after the tour — a little something to remember the day by. (On request)

Step Back 100 Years

Every winter, the heavy snowfall sealed this forest off from the outside world entirely — yet 30 to 50 people called it home year-round. It was a simple life, but one that has much to teach us today.

Tour Details
12000yen/person
  • Minimum number of people: 2 (If you want to attend the tour even only yourself, it can be held for 24000 yen)
  • Maximum number of participants: 8
  • Group discounts available for parties of 5 or more
  • 5: 10,000JPY/person, 6: 9,000JPY/person, 7~8: 8,000JPY/person
  • What to bring: Comfortable outdoor clothing, hiking shoes, rain gear, water, snacks, an insulating layer, and a small daypack
  • Included: guide fee and travel insurance. Lunch is not included.
Book Now/ Check Availability

Trip Itinerary

Meeting place: Myoko Kogen Station or Sasagamine Otomi Lake Bus Stop, etc. Please contact us for more details

8:40 / 10:10 - Meet
Meet at Myoko Kogen Station for a quick tour briefing, then head to the trailhead by guide’s vehicle.
8:40 / 10:10 - Meet
Meet at Myoko Kogen Station. After a brief explanation of the tour, we moved to the tour starting point by Guide’s car.
9:15 / 10:45 - Tour Start
Cross the dam wall and climb a short flight of steep steps. Turn around and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Kubiki peaks — Mt. Hiuchi, Mt. Yakeyama, and Mt. Kanayama.
10:15 / 11:45 - Yumemidaira Marsh
Wind through beech and birch forest until you reach Yumemidaira Marsh. In early spring, skunk cabbage carpets the ground with Mt. Mitahara rising in the background.
11:30 / 13:00 lumber mill ruins.
Deep in the forest, the remains of an old lumber mill stand quietly among the trees.
12:00 / 13:30 Lunch time at Giant Katsura tree
At last — the elder of the forest. Stop here for lunch in the shade of this extraordinary 800-year-old tree.
15:00 / 16:30 Tour Finish
Return to the Otomi Lake bus stop, then back to Myoko Kogen Station by guide’s vehicle.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

No worries. this tour is easy to maderate, beginner-friendly hiking. 

Yes, all tours are guided in English.

Absolutely. Our tours are designed to give you deeper insight into the region’s nature, culture, and local life.

Depending on the conditions, we may adjust the route, reschedule, or cancel the tour for safety reasons.

We recommend comfortable clothing, hiking shoes/trail runners, rain gears, small backpack, water, lunch and snacks. 

No, we don’t. However, we are planning to start rental gears from 2027 season. 

You can book directly through our website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Cancellation fees apply as follows: 30% of the tour price for cancellations made within 7 days of the tour date; 40% for cancellations made the day before; 50% for cancellations made on the day of the tour prior to departure. In the event of a no-show or cancellation after the tour has begun, 100% of the tour price will be charged.

This tour includes the following travel accident insurance.

Death & Permanent Disability ¥1,000,000
Hospitalization (daily) ¥5,000/day
Surgery — Inpatient ¥50,000
Medical Visit (daily) ¥3,000/day

Personal Liability  ¥100,000,000

Emergency Rescue & Repatriation ¥1,000,000

Feel free to contact us anytime. We’re happy to help you plan your perfect experience.

Contacts

For any inquiries please email

shinanodiscovery@gmail.com

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