Tour summary
Just two hours from Tokyo, Hitachi is your gateway to nature and tradition. Start at JR Hitachi Station, a seaside stop with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Visit the sacred Oiwa Shrine, walk peaceful forest trails, and receive a special blessing. Relax afterward in a soothing onsen.
On day two, marvel at Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s three great waterfalls, as you hike serene paths and admire its cascades. Stroll through Daigo’s nostalgic streets, visiting cozy cafés and shops. Finally, ride a local train along the Kuji River, enjoying mountain views on your way to Mito—the perfect end to this 2-day escape.
Data: The itinerary can be flexibly adjusted depending on the physical condition and experience of the guests and the weather on the day.
Cancelled if more than 2 mm of precipitation is expected. The course may be changed due to the weather on the day or if the guide deems it necessary.
Total walking distance: 10.5km
Ascent: 759m
Descent: 761m
Total walking time: 8 hours
In detail
Day 1: Sacred Mountain and Pilgrimage Trails
- Meet your guide at JR Hitachi Station, then transfer to Oiwa Shrine, a revered spiritual site surrounded by ancient cedar forest.
- Take part in a short purification ritual led by the shrine maiden, followed by a guided walk through the shrine grounds and surrounding sacred trail.
- Enjoy a moderate forest hike with views from the summit of Mount Oiwa and Mount Takasuzu and a picnic lunch along the way.
- In the afternoon, visit a nearby local home in the gate-front village, where you’ll meet residents and experience their everyday life.
- Transfer to a local onsen ryokan for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Forest Walk and Fukuroda Falls
- After breakfast, transfer from the ryokan to the trailhead.
- Choose between two hiking options: a gentle 4.6 km forest trail (Tsukore Old Road), or a more challenging route up Mount Namase-Fuji, which rewards hikers with panoramic views.
- After the hike, visit a converted watermill guesthouse to enjoy tea and traditional sweets with the local owners, and hear their stories of rural life.
- Then head to Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan’s three most celebrated waterfalls.
- End the day with a stroll through retro Daigo Town, known for its nostalgic Showa-era charm and locally owned shops.
- The tour concludes at JR Mito Station, with convenient train access back to Tokyo.
Included Sites
- Oiwa Shrine and sacred hiking trail
- Village encounter at shrine gatefront
- Fukuroda Falls
- Tsukore Old Road or Mount Namase-Fuji
- Okuno Takisanso (riverside tea break)
- Daigo retro shopping street
Your Guide
Miyuki Abe
Born and raised in Hitachi-Ota, she is a certified adventure guide with experience in both mountain and river activities.
She studied abroad in Cardiff, UK, and now works across multiple fields—from leather craft and tour development to coaching and community events.
Deeply connected to the local community, she offers travelers rare, insider access to the people and culture of the region.
Location
Meeting Point: JR Hitachi Station (approx. 90 min from Tokyo by express train)
End Point: JR Mito Station (approx. 70 min back to Tokyo by express train)
Local travel by chartered car or taxi is arranged by your guide.
Accommodation
Traditional Ryokan Stay
Enjoy a night in a local ryokan with hot spring baths and seasonal cuisine made from regional ingredients.Room type and atmosphere vary based on group size and preferences. Sample properties include.
Nakanoya Ryokan – Website
A traditional ryokan with over 200 years of history, located in the tranquil Yokokawa Onsen area. Simple sulfuric hot springs are known for their healing properties.
Yamadaya Ryokan – Website
A historic ryokan with over 300 years of tradition, offering spacious rooms and high-quality onsen facilities. Perfect for FIT travelers seeking a refined ryokan experience. Enjoy seasonal local cuisine featuring regional ingredients.
Omoide Romankan – Website
A large ryokan in Fukuroda Onsen, ideal for group stays, with 75 rooms and extensive facilities.
Beautiful natural surroundings across seasons and meals prepared with local ingredients.
Experience a 4-star level stay.
More information
| FIT / Group | Both |
| Min. and Max. # of Participants | Min 2 / Max 6 (larger groups by request) |
| What is Included in the Price | ※Neither accommodation nor dinner included. English-speaking guide, activities, local transportation, admission fees, lunch x2, insurance, Train fee from Hitachi Daigo sta. to Mito sta. |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Start/End Time | Start: 9:30am (Day 1) at JR Hitachi Station End: 5:00pm (Day 2) at JR Mito Station Not Available: From Jul to Sep, Dec 20 to Jan 15 |
| Meeting / Departing Point | Meeting Point : JR Hitachi Station Departing Point : JR Mito Station |
| Transportation | Chartered car or taxi arranged locally |
| Notes: dietary restrictions, age limit. etc. | – Please inform us ahead of time if any guests have dietary restrictions or require a hired car, as we may not be able to accommodate these requests on the day of the event. – We also suggest that guests carry some local currency for personal shopping and other expenses, as certain establishments may only accept cash payments. – Wear appropriate footwear and clothing suited for hiking and the season, and bring a light rain jacket in case of drizzle. A backpack is recommended to carry your personal items during the hikes. |
※Available by 2026. Jun 30th
Scenes from the Tour
