Details of the Hitachinokuni Long Trail and Central Area.
Location of the central area
Central Area About courses already opened
Prior to the full opening of the Hitachinokuni Long Trail, a portion of the course in the central area opened in March 2021 and March 2022. It is an attractive course with excellent accessibility, many sights to see, and plenty of walking to be done.
This course is suitable for those with a good walking ability, as it has some of the most strenuous ups and downs of the Hitachinokuni Long Trail. Please note that there are some crossing points.
Please plan your walking distance and schedule well in advance. Please enjoy the trekking within a reasonable range by checking the map and dividing the distance into small sections, or by walking the course in a piste.
Course Location
The partially opened course is located in Daigo-machi, Hitachi-Omiya City, and Hitachi-Ota City in Ibaraki Prefecture, and the nearest stations are Shimonomiya Station and Fukuroda Station on the JR Suigun Line.
▼Please download the map below for an overview of the course.
The central area is accessible by public transportation such as JR Suigun Line.
For more information, please refer to the regional information below under “Access to the Course.”
Or please also check the “Access Information” page.
The central area’s already opened course is located in the Yamizo mountain range and includes the famous Fukuroda Falls, Okukuji Nantai Mountain, and the scenic Ryujin Gorge.
The trail from Tsukimachi Falls to Mt.Namasefuji in the south is commonly referred to as the “Daigo Alps,” and is a strenuous up-and-down trail with as many as 21 peaks in a short distance. As the name suggests, on a clear day you can enjoy views as far as the Nasu Mountains in the distance.
Mt.Namasefuji and its surroundings also offer a thrilling and adventurous trekking experience. The spectacular view of Fukuroda Falls from above is also a treat. Although the stream is shallow, there are wading spots, so please be careful.
Heading south toward Mt.Nabekorobashi , you can enjoy a different kind of trail in the forest. While stepping on the soft trail and enjoying the view from the observatory, continue northward from Mt.Nabekorobashi to Mt.Tsukiore.
After descending Mt.Tsukiore, where you can also see historical remains, you will reach the hot spring resort area of Fukuroda. Enjoy a relaxing and heart-warming stroll through the town, which is unique to hot spring resorts.
After passing through Fukuroda Station and entering Mt.Washinosu and enjoying the view of the Kuji River, we head for the popular mountain range where Mt.Chofuku and Mt.Okukuji-Nantaisan await. From here, a solid trail continues for some time. Enjoy the oddly shaped rocks and spectacular views as you make your way through to the scenic Ryujinkyo Gorge.
From Ryujinkyo, the trail descends to Kegano via the hidden and famous mountain “Okameyama” and the Nishikinsuna Shrine, famous for its festival.
As of March 2022, these C-01 to C-77 sections are open, so please check the course against the map.
Encounter prehistoric geology
Fukuroda area, which was an underwater volcano long ago, has undergone dynamic crustal deformation to become what it is today. This course is full of geological discoveries, where you can walk on the landforms that remind you of the breath of prehistoric times, and touch and feel them.
Geo-scenery that you can meet on the course of the North Long Trail i...
Encounter famous waterfalls and scenic spots
The topography shaped by lava flows in prehistoric times gave birth to magnificent waterfalls such as Tsukimachi Falls and Fukuroda Falls. The course allows you to see Fukuroda Falls from directly above and enjoy the great power of the famous waterfall from a different perspective. The deep canyon beauty of the Ryujin Gorge is also a must-see.
Encounter the great view
The Daigo Alps, a low mountain with surprisingly steep cliff faces, and the Mt.Nantai area offer spectacular views of the Nasu Mountains in the distance on a clear day.
Encounter history
In the Fukuroda area, you can feel the breath of prehistoric times through the bare geology, and you can also see the town’s elegant lifestyle as it has been a hot spring resort since ancient times. Mt.Tsukiore is also home to the ruins of Tsukiore Castle, which served as a stronghold of Daigo in the Middle Ages, and the historic Tsukiore Kannon-do Temple.
Around Mt. Nantai, visitors can feel the atmosphere of the former Shugendo (mountain asceticism). And at the Nishikinsuna Shrine, you can similarly feel the breath of festivals that have continued from long ago.
We introduce local information related to the course of the Hitachinokuni Long Trail from various viewpoints such as sightseeing, nature, and history.
Please take a look at the local guide below.
