Wilderness Woven by Water: Oze & Adatara(5 days, 4 nights)

Leave the city behind and retreat into the rugged wilderness of north Japan.

Starting in ‘Oku-Aizu’ (lit.‘deep’ Aizu) you’ll spend 5 days and 5 nights in coexistence with nature, in an environment both volatile in temperament yet generous in blessings. After conquering the mountains and marshes of Oze, meet the courageous ‘yumori’ (hot-spring guardians) of Dake Onsen as you climb Mt. Adatara, before soaking in a natural hot-spring river that carves through a dramatic volcanic valley!

OUTLINE

MEETING PLACE

TOUR COURSE

NIGHT 1

Prepare for the journey ahead by spending the night at a local guesthouse in Hinoemata Village in the foothills of Oze National Park.

 

 

DAY 1

Embark on a trek through Oze National Park and spend the evening in a hiker’s hut on the mountain.

DAY 2

Continue the trek through the stunning Ozegahara marshlands.

Explore the Edo period village of Ouchi-juku.

DAY 3

Start the day with by discovering an ‘extreme’ side to hot-spring bathing in a natural hot-spring river!

 

 

 

Visit local sake brewery Himonoya-shuzo and learn how they’ve used local water for centuries to create their popular ‘Senkonari’ sake. Discover the deep connections between water and sake brewing.

DAY 4

Mt. Adatara, known fondly as ‘nipple mountain’ by the locals due to its shape, is one of Japan’s ‘100 Famous Mountains’ and a popular spot for viewing the colourful Autumn foliage. An active volcano, Mt. Adatara is home to several springs that source the baths of various hot-spring villages at its foot, including Dake Onsen.

The highlight of today’s hike is not just the panoramic view from the peak of Adatara, but the journey itself and your unique guide: a local ‘Yumori’.

The ‘Yumori’: Onsen guardians

Have you ever stopped to wonder how it is possible for the mineral-rich hot spring water to continuously flow into the baths of Japanese ryokan inns? At Dake Onsen, the source of the spring is located some 8km deep into the forests of Mt. Adatara. The spring water is so rich in minerals that the pipes from the source of the spring need to be maintained weekly, releasing the build up of sulphur and minerals. A team of local men are entrusted with this laborious task, hiking to the source of the spring every week – sometimes multiple times – even in the height of winter! It is upon the shoulders of the ‘Yumori’ (literally meaning hot spring guardian) that the health of the hot-springs and the livelihood of the town depend.

On the way to the peak of Mt. Adatara, your Yumori guide will show you to the source of the spring and share stories of their experience protecting it. The level of appreciation you’ll have for your relaxing bath at the end of this hike will be second-to-none!

Dinner

Spend the evening hopping between various local restaurants – including a counter-bar owned by another of the Yumori – just a stone’s throw from your accommodation at Dake Onsen.

DAY 5

Discover the art of bonsai from local masters and explore the wild landscapes that inspire them.
The bonsai culture here is unique, with each bonsai starting with a seed taken from within the national park and nurtured by artisans for up to 100 years. After learning about this art form, you will hike into the park and explore its natural calderas and volcanic landscape.

Bonsai Trail
A mountain journey to experience the “Azuma Goyomatsu Bonsai Culture” handed down in the Bandai-Azuma and Inawashiro region.


You will learn the unique perspective of bonsai creation, where Goyomatsu pines have been grown from seed for about 100 years over three generations, and visit the birthplace of this tradition.


The trunks and branches of Goyomatsu, shaped by harsh wind and snow, reflect the natural environment of this area and convey the Japanese sensibility of appreciating nature as beauty.


It also offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of passing on both nature and culture to future generations.

Tour ends at JR Fukushima Station.