Chikuni Kaido
ShionomichiThe Chikuni Kaido, often referred to as the Shionomichi, or "Salt Road", spans a distance of roughly 120 kilometers across Niigata and Nagano Prefectures. Today, travelers can choose to walk sections of the trail, or cover the entire route from start to finish on a combination of paved roads and quiet paths that follow or closely parallel the original route.
Guides
Walking the Salt Road with a guide is recommended. Guides can help you stay on track in areas that are hard to navigate, and bring more depth and meaning to your journey by providing insight into the trail's rich history, culture, and natural surroundings.
Certified Shionomichi Kodo Club guides have gone through a comprehensive guide training program, and are local, knowledgeable, dependable, and passionate about the trail.
Shionomichi Kodo Club
The Shionomichi Kodo Club is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the historic Salt Road connecting Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture to Nagano's Matsumoto. Our mission includes:
● Preserving the route's natural environment and cultural heritage
● Training guides to pass down local knowledge and traditions to future generations
● Contributing to regional revitalization through responsible, sustainable tourism
