Journey and pray for good fortune against the backdrop of the Hino River, Neu Inn town and Tatara
This course runs along the crystal clear Hino River. See the Neu Inn town, a location on the Izumo Highway that retains its vintage appearance, and the Tatara Culture that contributed to the modernization of Japan. You can also meet Mandarin ducks while a visit to the Kamochi Shrine, with the most auspicious shrine name in Japan, may also bring good fortune!
- Distance30.9km
- Elevation gain638m
- Descent△643m
- Maximum elevation604m
- Average time3 hours
- Recommended seasonFall
Route map
Tourist information for this route
1. Riverside Hino
Comfortable hotel equipped with bright rooms, free Wi-Fi, a warm restaurant, bathhouse and barbecue facilities.
2. Hino River (Rafting)
Ride an inflatable raft up to the upper reaches and boldly paddle down the Hino River with your friends as you take in the surrounding wonderful nature.
3. Kurosaka Kagamiyama Castle Ruins
In 1610, after the success of Sekigahara, Seki Kazumasa was relocated to Hino, Aimi and Aseri with 50,000 koku and had his own fortressed castle built for defence. At the same time, a castle town was built on the land where thick reeds grew. Following this, it became Ikeda's territory and the castle was abolished by the Ikkoku Ichijou Rei (One Castle per Province Law) and became a jin'ya (encampment). In 1869, it was converted into a government office. The stone walls and wells of the castle remain today.
4. Takisan Park
Famous for its spring cherry blossoms and azaleas. Of particular note is the rhododendron dilatatum, which blooms from mid-late April and paints the entire mountain pink, creating a dazzling sight unlike anywhere else.
5. Kamochi Shrine
Kamochi Shrine is said to bring good fortune and many visitors come from afar praying to win the lottery! Kamochi Shrine is the only one of the 80,000 shrines in Japan to have such an auspicious name (its name is written as 'Kanemochi' meaning 'rich' in Japanese) and is visited by many people from all over the country.
6. Neu Inn Town
The inn of choice for the Daimyo (feudal lord) and an early Western-style bank in the Showa era, this inn strongly retains its vintage, historical appearance today.
7. Mandarin Duck Viewing
From Fall to the start of Spring, Mandarin ducks migrate to the Hino River flowing through Hino Town. As many as 1,000 birds can be seen up close from the observation hut during their peak season.
8. Kamochi Terrace Hino
Cycle station and tourist base located in Neu, Hino Town. Various tourist pamphlets are available as well as delicious Hino specialties on sale, like rice, miso and vegetables. A replica of Kamochi Shrine is displayed inside and lottery tickets are also available to purchase!
How to access the course (starting point)
For cars
Approximately 40 minutes from San'in Expressway Kofu IC.
By train
5 minutes by taxi from Neu Station on the JR Hakubi Line.