
YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE
Unbeaten Tracks 3-Day Model Course JPN
Unbeaten Tracks in Rural Japan
Step into the "Arcadia of Asia" with Isabella Bird
Welcome to Yamagata's Okitama Valley, a region so captivating that the pioneering 19th-century British adventurer, Isabella Bird, famously described it as the "Arcadia of Asia." She was one of the first Western women to extensively explore and document rural Japan, and her spirit of discovery lives on. At YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE, we invite you to follow in her footsteps and uncover the unparalleled beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of this truly unspoiled corner of Japan.
Why Choose Yamagata's Okitama Valley?
Isabella Bird's Legacy: Explore the landscapes that inspired a legendary female adventurer, experiencing the "beauty and bounty" she so vividly described.
Rich in History: Delve into the legacy of the Uesugi Clan, one of Japan's most powerful samurai families during the tumultuous Sengoku period, whose influence shaped this region.
Japan's Ramen Capital: Prepare your taste buds! Yamagata boasts the highest number of ramen restaurants per capita and the highest consumption of ramen per capita in all of Japan.
Effortless Access: Despite its serene rural charm, Okitama is surprisingly accessible, just 2 hours and 20 minutes by bullet train from Tokyo.
Gateway to Tohoku: Your Okitama adventure is the perfect starting point for further exploration, serving as a gateway to the sacred Dewa Sanzan mountains or deeper into the diverse wonders of the Tohoku region.
Our Unique Experiences
We offer a number of distinct tours, each designed to immerse you in the authentic heart of Yamagata:
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1. North Japan Historic Hiking & E-Biking Adventure
Retrace the legendary path of Isabella Bird along sections of the ancient 13 Touge Route. This tour combines invigorating hikes over beautifully preserved stone passes like Kurosawa Touge, offering spectacular views of the Iide mountain range, with leisurely e-bike rides through scenic backroads. Connect with local villagers over a traditional lunch, hearing their stories of country life.
• Course Length: 25 km (6km hiking, 19km e-bike)
• Duration: 9:00 - 16:00
• Price: 30,000 yen/person -
2. Yamagata Ramen Farm to Table E-Bike Tour
Dive deep into Japan's ramen obsession in its undisputed capital! E-bike through the historic river port town of Nagai, visit a traditional miso factory, and gather fresh ingredients from local farms. The highlight? A hands-on ramen school with a real ramen chef, where you'll learn to craft soup, chashu, and your own karamiso. Taste the "Arcadia of Asia" in every delicious spoonful.
• Course Length: 25 km (e-bike)
• Duration: 10:00 - 16:00
• Price: 30,000 yen/person -
3. Yamagata Ramen Creation Experience
Dive into Japan's ramen obsession, right in its undisputed capital! Ideal for shorter itineraries, this express experience focuses on the highlight: a hands-on ramen school with a real chef. Craft your own soup, chashu, karamiso, and noodles. Taste the "Arcadia of Asia" in every delicious spoonful.
• Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Price: 20,000 yen/person -
4. North Japan Packraft Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating packraft journey down the pristine Arakawa River, inspired by Isabella Bird's own river explorations. Learn the basics of packrafting before navigating crystal-clear mountain waters, experiencing a thrilling progression of rapids culminating in the dramatic Akashiba Gorge. Enjoy the serene float through picturesque landscapes, a truly unique way to connect with nature.
• Course Length: 6 km
• Participants: 2-6 people
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (9:00 - 12:00 OR 13:00 - 16:00)
• Price: 16,000~ yen/person -
5. Legendary Canoe Tour to The Hidden Gorge
Journey to the Quiet Hidden Spot “Mifuchi Gorge” with Your Guides. A canoe field in the upper reaches of Lake Nagai Hyakushu where you can experience a sense of secluded land. We will guide you on a half-day tour that will lead you into nature both physically and mentally. Mifuchi Gorge, where cool air and silence continue even in midsummer, is a power spot where the legend of the dragon god remains.
• Course Length: 5 km
• Participants: 1-10 people
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (9:00 - 12:00 OR 13:00 - 16:00)
• Price: 12,000~21,000 yen/person -
6. Canoe Tour on a Scenic Lake Surrounded by Nature
This is an experiential activity where you canoe around Lake Shirakawa, surrounded by magnificent nature. The experience tour lasts a total of 2 hours, so even beginners can enjoy plenty of time on the lake. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of northern Japan, which changes with the seasons, from the lake with your guide!
• Course Length: 3 km
• Participants: 1-20 people
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours (10:00 - 12:00 OR 13:30 - 15:30)
• Price: 7,000~16,000 yen/person

Plan Your Isabella Bird Inspired Journey: A 3-Day Itinerary
For those seeking a truly immersive adventure, we've curated a special 3-day itinerary that combines the highlights of our tours, allowing you to follow closely in Isabella Bird's "Unbeaten Tracks." This comprehensive course blends historic hiking, e-biking through stunning landscapes, authentic local encounters, and a deep dive into Yamagata's renowned culinary scene.
• Experience: Hiking, E-biking, Matagi culture, Local lunches, Ramen making
• Duration: 3 Days
• Highlights: Nukumi Daira Giant Beech Forest, Kurosawa Touge, Utsu Touge, Shirakosawa Village, Nagai Town, Ramen Masterclass.
Tours for Every Season
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7. Submerged Forest Canoe Tour
A spectacular spring view of the submerged forest on the lake. This miraculous, magnificent sight appears in spring when the snow that has fallen in this heavy snowfall region begins to melt. You glide through the submerged trees and enter a mirror-like world enveloped in silence. A view you've never seen before unfolds before you.
• Course Length: 3km
• Participants: 20 people
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Price: 7,000~ yen/person -
8. Balloon Flight Experience in Yamagata, Famous for its Sea of Clouds
You'll soar 15-20 meters in a hot air balloon and enjoy spectacular views of rice fields, the city, and 2,000-meter mountains. In autumn, you might even see a sea of clouds below you. You can choose from a short flight experience to a full-participation plan where you help the crew prepare for takeoff. The full-participation plan also offers a rare opportunity to step inside a brightly colored hot air balloon — a truly unforgettable experience.
• Participants: 1-50 people
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
(full-participation plan)
• Price: 4,000~ yen/person -
9. Icefall Snow Trekking Tour
Snow trekking to Yamagata's spectacular ice waterfalls! Experience the magic of winter on an adventure hiking through snowy forests to a frozen waterfall. These natural ice formations, known as icefalls, are rare and breathtaking, with shimmering blue ice walls and delicate icicles creating a dreamy atmosphere. Don't miss out on this special winter adventure, only available during the coldest time of the year.
• Course Length: 3km
• Participants: 10 people
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours (9:00 - 14:00)
• Price: 15,000~ yen/person -
10. Taste Tradition: Discover Sake and Culture in Japan
Founded in 1892, Wakanoi Brewery in Iide has been crafting sake with local rice and pure spring water for over 130 years. Join a guided tour of the brewery to explore the world of Japanese fermentation and traditional sake-making. After the tour, enjoy a tasting of local sake—or try sweets made with sake lees if you prefer non-alcoholic options.
• Participants: 2-10 people
• Duration: Approximately 1 hours
• Price: 6,000 yen/person
Your Rural Japan Adventure Awaits!
Ready to discover the hidden gems of Yamagata? Whether you seek historic trails, culinary delights, or thrilling river adventures, YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE offers an authentic and unforgettable journey into rural Japan.
Visit us
Office Address
2529 Tsubaki Iide-machi, Nishiokitama-gun, Yamagata, JAPAN 999-0604
Access
From Tokyo: 2 hours 20 min by bullet train + 30 min by car
From Sendai: 2 hour by car
From Niigata: 2 hour by car
Contact us
If you have any questions about our tours, or if you would like to make a reservation, feel free to contact us using this form. A member of our staff will get back to you shortly.
For plans that include accommodation, arrangements are made by YAMAGATA Arcadia Tourism Bureau (Travel Agency License No. 2-292, issued by the Governor of Yamagata Prefecture).
YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE
canoe@hacinc.jp
Unbeaten Tracks 3-Day Model Course JPN
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