Shinanomachi was chosen by medical experts as the site of Japan’s first academic studies into the healing effects of a natural forest environment on the body and mind, or ‘forest therapy’ as it is now known. Certified forest medical trainers lead forest therapy tours in Shinanomachi, including deep-breathing therapy, water therapy, and plant therapy. Half-day and full-day courses are available for those wishing to experience the power and healing benefits of forest therapy.
| Available | All year |
| Fees | From 10,000 yen for a half-day course (per trainer) |
| Enquiries | Shinanomachi Woods-Life Community TEL: 026-255-5925 |
There are numerous walking routes in and around Shinanomachi, as well as the surrounding national park areas, including Lake Nojiri, and Kurohime, Madarao and Togakushi Highlands, where the beauty of nature can be enjoyed on foot from spring to autumn. Shinanomachi is also the home town of Kobayashi Issa, a renowned Haiku poet from the early 19th century. Issa’s former residence, as well as the remnants of an Edo era post station, can be taken in on one of the many walking courses on offer, which range from one hour to a full day.
| Available | April to November |
Mt. Madarao, at a height of 1,382 meters, takes roughly one to two hours to hike, and is ideal for beginners. From the top of Mt. Daimyojin-dake, which is close to Mt. Madarao, hikers are blessed with a splendid panoramic view of Lake Nojiri, surrounded by the ‘Hokushingogaku’, five revered local mountains that dominate the landscape, and the majestic Northern Japan Alps in the background. Mt. Kurohime, one of the ‘Hokushingogaku’ and a well-renowned moutain in Japan, is situated in a National Park, and is notable for its differing varieties of trees you encounter as you climb up the mountain. It takes roughly eight hours for a return hike of Mt. Kurohime, meaning adequate preparation, equipment, experience and ability are required. Mountain guides are of course available. Please contact the Shinanomachi Tourist Information Center for details.
| Available | June to November | Enquiries | Shinanomachi Tourist Information Center TEL: 026-255-3226 |
Mountain bike rental is available at the information center next to Kurohime Station, as well as at sites around Lake Nojiri. Exploring the Kurohime Highland area or making your way around Lake Nojiri by bicycle is a great, leisurely way to take in the sights.
| Available | All year |
| Fees | Half-day - 1,000 yen, Full-day - 1,500 yen |
With a wide variety of cycling courses on offer, there is something to suit the strength, experience, and desires of all visitors, including through the Shinanomachi township, with its beautiful and traditional rural sceneries of Japan, around Lake Nojiri, out to the majestic Naena Falls, as well as to Togakushi Highlands and its challenging hill climb. Your guide is sure to take you to places not described in any guidebook.
| Available | April to November |
| Fees | From 6,000 yen |
| Required time | From a half-day |
| Enquiries | Shinanomachi Tourist Information Center TEL: 026-255-3226 |
A fatbike, with its thick tires, is an amazing way to tear down a ski slope in summer! The fatbike downhill course is accessible by chairlift, and is a great day out for anyone from beginner to advanced.
| Available | July and August |
| Fees | From 2,500 yen |
| Required time | 60 minutes |
| Enquiries | TANGRAM Madarao Tokyu Resort TEL: 026-258-3511 |
