Wilderness Woven by Water: Oze & Adatara

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

On your final day, reflect on your journey whilst enjoying a bonsai workshop with a local shokunin (craftsman) whose works are inspired by the nature of Bandai-Asahi National Park.

In the afternoon, explore the rest of the city, perhaps stopping for a spot of fruit-picking, a ‘Kokeshi Doll’ craft workshop or picking up some souvenirs before heading to your next destination! 

Tour ends at JR Fukushima Station.