{"id":7,"date":"2023-12-14T10:33:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T01:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shiono-michi.jp\/en\/?page_id=7"},"modified":"2026-03-23T15:34:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T06:34:48","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.shiono-michi.jp\/en\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"Shionomichi"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
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Shionomichi<\/span><\/div>\r\n <\/h1>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n
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The Shionomichi, or “Salt Road,” is a historic trail that stretches approximately 120 km from Itoigawa on the Sea of Japan to the landlocked castle town of Matsumoto, via rugged mountain passes and small countryside hamlets. The route, also known as the Chikuni Kaido, was used for centuries by porters and pack animals to carry salt and seafood products inland, while returning cotton, hemp, tobacco, and other commodities to the ocean.

In 2019, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs designated a portion of the route as one of the country’s “Top 100 Historic Roads,” and today it provides visitors with an unspoiled glimpse into authentic Japanese countryside and opportunities to engage with local communities along the way.\r\n <\/p>\r\n

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Otari-mura<\/span><\/h2>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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\"Otari-mura<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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The Shionomichi travels through a number of municipalities along its length, but the heart of the Salt Road and its most scenic and best-preserved sections are found here in Otari. The route splits into two separate and distinct trails as it climbs from the sea and enters the village, each running for more than 30 kilometers on opposite sides of the Himekawa River before reconverging near the village center. These two branches of the Salt Road are known as the Chikuni Kaido (on the western side) and the Chikuni Kodo (on the eastern side), and each has its own unique characteristics, feel, and appeal. The Otari village government has further broken down both the Chikuni Kaido and Chikuni Kodo into four \u201cmodel courses\u201d each, for a total of eight named trails of manageable lengths that can be explored as day trips. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The eight courses can be enjoyed as simple, unguided scenic walks, but\u3000going with a registered guide can provide more context and information that will bring the story of the Shionomichi to life in a more vivid and meaningful manner. In either case, we sincerely hope you\u2019ll come and experience the history and mystery of the Salt Road as you walk past ancient stone statues, historical sites, and local communities that offer a glimpse into the lives of people both now and in the distant past.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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Course Guide<\/h2>\r\n
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