Ibaraki Kenpoku Long Trail Course Maintenance Report⑭

2022.11.06
Maintenance event

Participants, mainly from the Ibaraki Kenpoku Long Trail Cooperation Team, worked on the section connecting the Harutomo Sculpture Forest to the Hitachi Alps Traverse.

The trail seemed to have fallen into disuse in recent years and was returning to nature. It is a matter of course, but we were reminded that the road can quickly become desolate when it is no longer used by people.

A large fallen tree was cut down with a chainsaw, and branches were removed with saws and machetes. Each participant made full use of the tools he or she had brought with them to clear the area in one fell swoop.

The weather was a bit hot and humid, but no one got sick and we were able to reach the planned section of the trail.

This section of the trail was thought to be the most difficult section since the beginning of the Ibaraki Kenpoku Long Trail Project, but thanks to the cooperation of all the participants, we were able to clear the trail. We were happy to see the revival of a trail that had fallen into disrepair and to feel the sense of unity among the cooperative members up close.

Thank you to all the participants!


Twenty-two cooperative members participated in this year’s meeting. The meeting is about to start. The trees around us are starting to change color slightly.	After walking on the paved road for a while, you will finally reach the entrance of the trail.

Before maintenance ⑴ Near the trailhead. It is in rough shape.	Before maintenance (2) The path is not clear due to fallen trees and bushes.

Before maintenance (3) There are one fallen tree after another blocking the way to go.	Before maintenance (4) You cannot walk straight. We’ll make it a comfortable trail!

Selflessly proceeding with the upkeep, each one demonstrates his or her strength.	The horsepower of the participants with saws and pruning shears is amazing.

At some points mowers and rake brooms were used. More than 90% of the area is bush…	Maintaining the area around fallen trees cut with a chainsaw. We will finish the trail clean.

We will make steady progress to avoid injury.	Thanks for all the detail work you did!

After maintenance (1) The trail is now spacious.	After maintenance (2) The outlook became brighter.

After maintenance (3) A fallen tree that was blocking the way was cut down! After this, the fallen tree was pulled to the edge, making it even more comfortable.	After maintenance (4) . Comparing with (4) before maintenance… It is hard to believe that it is the same place!

It was a pleasant day as the weather turned completely autumnal.	A commemorative photo at the work completion location. Thank you, participants!