Special Contents
Experiencing the Ina Valley
Get Out in Nature
The awe-inspiring beauty of Ina Valley is a combination of the nature that surrounds it and the idyllic satoyama way of life of the people who live in it. Enjoy various outdoor activities such as paragliding, mountain biking, and trekking. The winds that blow through the mountains create excellent conditions for you to experience paragliding. And the Ina Valley’s TRAILCUTTER is a world-class mountain biking course that allows you to experience the thrill of the outdoors amidst the idyllic Japanese countryside.
Focus on Real History
Located in the very center of Japan, since ancient times many historical roads have traversed the Ina Valley. It is known as a place where the cultures of eastern and western Japan collide. Feast your eyes on the lesser-known historic wonders of the Ina Valley. Places like this simply cannot be found on the touristy “Golden Route” of Japan. The history here is real and lives on to this day. Due to the mountainous geography of the place, there is a distinct uniqueness to the Ina Valley.
The “Phantom Nakasendo” is a section of the original Nakasendo Road. Abandoned after only 15 years of official shogunal use due to treacherous terrain, this secret trail connects the Kiso and Ina Valleys and is only known by those in the know.
Trekking in the Japanese mountains is synonymous with Japanese ascetic mountain worship. This ancient practice remains strong a part of life today. Experience it for yourself in the Ina Valley.
In the historical town of Takato, witness the ingenuity of samurai castle building at Takato Castle Ruins. You can also experience the essence of local folk art thanks to the Takato masons. Stonemasons from Takato were renowned in Japan. You can still look upon the stone Buddhas that they left behind.
Experience the Satoyama Way of Life
The Ina Valley is an excellent rice-growing area that utilizes the abundant snowmelt flowing from the surrounding Alps. Historically the Ina Valley grew a lot of the rice that was eaten in the Kiso Valley where flat agricultural land is scarce. The Ina Valley is a place vibrant with the history of the comings and goings of traders since ancient times.
Drink in the scenery of the satoyama way of life, where honest, rural sustenance still remains. Here in the Ina Valley, you can experience the value of rice in Japan. Why not try traditional crafts rooted in rice agriculture. The art of wara-zaiku is a traditional straw craft that makes items such as rice bails, sandals, and even sumo rings.
Meet the Ina Valley Locals
Our trips and experiences value encounters with the local people of the Ina Valley. The Ina valley is known for its sunny and relatively warm climate. That is not to say that the winters don’t get extremely cold. However, the frigid winter mountains that engulf the Ina Valley stand in stark contrast to the warm-hearted locals. The friendly people of the Ina Valley are calm, kind, and value good hospitality. They make a point to imbue it upon their guests.
With such an open and welcoming temperament, the experiences that we have prepared allow you to mingle and meet the Ina Valley locals who love their home and can’t wait to show it to you. Your encounters with Ina Valley locals are sure to make your trip to Japan unforgettable!