Hitachi Kuni's Sacred Trail

Begin your journey departing from Tokyo Station at 7:24 AM, arriving at Hitachi Station at 9:41 AM to meet your local guide. Enjoy seaside views from the station before a taxi ride to pick up fresh onigiri for lunch from a favorite local shop. The adventure continues with a 30-minute drive to the Sacred Trail entrance, leading through the atmospheric Oiwa Shrine. This historic shrine, a power spot dating back to the Jomon period, uniquely enshrines almost all of Japan’s deities, with its ancient cedar forests and moss-covered trails reminiscent of a miniature Kumano Kodo. After a brief village walk, Miki Shimojo, the Shrine Maiden, will guide you through a sacred ritual and a tour of the shrine grounds, sharing its cultural and spiritual significance. The recommended moderate hike to Mount Oiwa’s summit offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially in autumn, and a tranquil picnic spot for your onigiri lunch. Descend through a remote satoyama village for genuine local encounters, gaining insights into rural life. Conclude with a visit to a local Zen temple set against a beautiful waterfall, where you can light incense and reflect with the resident Zen priest. The hike covers 8.2km with an ascent of 390m and descent of 596m, taking approximately 4.5 hours.