The Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail, a 320-kilometer route in the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a new hiking trail suitable for beginners and experienced hikers. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, traverse mountains and villages along the trail, and explore Japan's unspoilt landscapes on the outskirts of Tokyo. Why not enjoy the trail while immersing yourself in breathtaking natural scenery—mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean—as well as the serene countryside, rich history, and vibrant culture?

What is the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail?

The Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail is a newly developed trail that spans six municipalities in the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture. Once completed, it will extend to a total length of 320 kilometers, with 219 kilometers of the trail open as of 2024.

A key feature of this trail, which can be reached in about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, is that it offers more than just hiking. It provides opportunities to interact with local residents and experience traditional Japanese life.

Walking through villages and mountains, you will experience the history and culture of this region, once known as Hitachi no Kuni (Hitachi Province). The trail passes sacred mountains with a history of worship dating back to the Jomon period (14,000–300 BC), coastal areas featured in Manyoshu (Japan’s oldest poetry anthology), old post towns, and retro shopping streets.

Journey Back in Time on the Hitachi-no-Kuni Trail, a special website created with a time travel concept to showcase the charms of walking journeys while experiencing daily life, is now live. This site provides a clear introduction to key areas of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail, including their stories and short videos.

From the official website, you can obtain the latest course information and trail maps, as well as details on the trail route, access points, and information about nearby restrooms and convenience stores (as of 2024, trail maps are available in Japanese and English).

Additionally, guided services are available. A guide will take you along the trail and nearby highlights and facilitate interactions with local residents in English, so even foreigners unfamiliar with Japan or mountain trails can enjoy the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail with peace of mind. Tour packages (a day tour or a 2-day tour) are also available for international visitors, including transportation and accommodation within the area as part of the package.

It’s also possible to arrange a custom tour with international outdoor travel companies based on their specific requests. For inquiries, please contact Mitate Ltd. (info@mitate.kyoto).

Here are three different courses, from beginner to advanced, as examples of hiking routes on the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail.

Beginner-Friendly Route: Oiwa Shrine to Mt. Takasuzu

The route from Oiwa Shrine to Mt. Takasuzu is perfect for beginners. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing hikers to enjoy history, culture, and wonderful scenery.

Hitachi Station, a transportation hub, is directly accessible by train from Tokyo and is about 35 minutes by bus from Oiwa Shrine, the starting point of this route. This mystical shrine, located at the base of Mt. Oiwa—believed to be the oldest sacred mountain in Hitachi no Kuni—has gained popularity as one of Japan’s most notable spiritual spots.

As you pass through the torii gates, a magnificent landscape of towering trees will unfold before you. One sight that will especially catch your eye is a massive Japanese cedar tree, estimated to be 600 years old. About three meters above the ground, its trunk splits into three, creating an astounding presence. Continue past the two-storied gate, and you’ll find the main hall of Oiwa Shrine standing in solemn grandeur.

The trail from Oiwa Shrine leads to the summit of Mt. Oiwa, a sacred mountain believed to be home to 188 deities. The hike to the top takes about an hour, and on clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The trek from Mt. Oiwa to the summit of Mt. Takasuzu takes an additional 40 minutes. You can enjoy a sweeping view from the summit, including Mt. Tsukuba (one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains), the Nasu Mountain Range (which spans Tochigi and Fukushima Prefectures), and the Pacific Ocean. There’s also a spacious rest area with benches, making it the perfect spot for lunch.

The return journey follows the same path, but taking a side trail partway back offers a different perspective of the landscape.

Intermediate Route: Mt. Namase Fuji Loop Trail

If you have hiking experience and are looking for a slightly more challenging trail, the Mt. Namase Fuji Loop Trail will spark your sense of adventure. With steep inclines and rocky terrain, it takes approximately 4 hours to complete. On this trail, you can take in the grandeur of nature.

The entrance to this trail is near the Fukuroda Daiichi Municipal Free Parking Lot. You can reach the trailhead by bus or on foot from Fukuroda Station. If you take the bus, get off at the Fukuroda Bus Stop after a 12-minute ride. Walking from the station to the starting point takes about 30 minutes.

The trail begins with a gentle incline and gradually becomes steeper. The highlight of this hike is Ibaraki’s Gendarme, a rocky ridge connected to the summit of Mt. Namase Fuji. It is named after the famous Gendarme on Mt. Hotaka in the Northern Alps due to its resemblance. With no tall trees obstructing the view, you can enjoy a 360° panorama, offering an incredible landscape that makes it hard to believe the mountain is only 406 meters tall. It takes about an hour to get there from the trailhead.

During the descent, you’ll have the opportunity to admire Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls, from above. Beyond that, you can cross the river upstream of the waterfall for a true sense of adventure. Additionally, you can enjoy views of Fukuroda Falls from various angles, including from the suspension bridge and observation decks downstream.

After descending, you’ll find a shopping street. A defining feature of this area is the opportunity to savor soba, konjac, and other local dishes, as well as unwind in the hot springs.

Advanced Route: Mt. Chofuku to Mt. Okukuji Nantai

Among these three hiking trails, the Mt. Chofuku–Mt. Okukuji Nantai trail is the most challenging, requiring about 6 hours to complete. This trail is appealing for its grand landscapes shaped by bizarre rock formations, continuous sheer cliffs, and chain-assisted sections. It offers a true sense of adventure that is sure to satisfy any hiking enthusiast.

Mt. Okukuji Nantai has long been an object of worship. Ascetic monks have climbed Mt. Okukuji Nantai for centuries as part of their training. Knowing this, you can easily imagine how challenging the experience is!

The trail begins at Kami-Ogawa Station on the JR Suigun Line. After starting your journey, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the trailhead. From there, continue for another 80 minutes, passing the historic Chofuku Kanzeondo Hall. This path leads to Mt. Chofuku, also known as Mt. Nyotai.

It takes an additional 2 hours to reach the summit of Mt. Okukuji Nantai from Mt. Chofuku. Though it stands at just 654 meters in elevation, Mt. Okukuji Nantai captivates many hikers with its sheer, towering cliffs and grand, powerful landscape.

A small shrine stands at the edge of the cliff at the summit, framed by beautiful mountains in the background. From here, you can take in the panoramic view of the countryside scenery of the historic Daigo Town, including the settlement at the foot of the mountain, Kuji River, and more.

Descend from Mt. Nantai via a different route, finishing at Saigane Station on the JR Suigun Line. Though they are not officially part of the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail, several other routes to the summit of Mt. Okukuji Nantai are suitable for beginners and families.

Escape the City and Enjoy Time in the Satoyama Countryside

The Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail offers visitors a chance to explore the charming villages and mountains of the region. With trails suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers, each visit brings new discoveries with the changing seasons.

As popular spots like Tokyo become increasingly crowded, the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail remains a serene natural oasis on the outskirts of Tokyo. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your mind and body by walking through nature, experiencing history, and interacting with the local culture.

Visit the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail and experience its charm firsthand!