{"id":103744,"date":"2025-06-20T12:30:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T03:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/?p=103744"},"modified":"2025-06-20T12:30:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T03:30:36","slug":"japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cInaba Kaid\u014d\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AhS0wdNmfOw?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><strong>The People You Meet in Japan\u2019s Most Forward-Thinking Countryside<\/strong><br><br><br>It is the week after an unseasonal snowfall when we arrive at Awakura Onsen Station, the gateway to Nishiawakura, a mountain village nestled in the Ch\u016bgoku Mountains on the border between Okayama, Tottori, and Hyogo Prefectures. To the north, the peak of what might be Mount \u014cginosen stands capped in white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This village of just 1,300 people has earned a reputation as Japan\u2019s \u201ccutting-edge countryside.\u201d The reason? A wave of startups and local ventures from outside the region has taken root here. At the center of this movement is the \u201cHundred-Year Forest Vision,\u201d a long-term initiative to bring new value to the forest, which covers over 90% of the village. After WWII, vast areas of cedar and cypress were planted, but as timber prices declined, the forestry industry struggled to attract successors, leaving many of these forests untended and in decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6988-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103804\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6988-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6988-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6988-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6988-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A quietly standing statue of En no Gy\u014dja, nestled among the rocks\u2014one of Patrick\u2019s personal favorites.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In response, the village launched a bold initiative: a forest-centered regional revitalization plan that combines sustainable forestry with local branding under the concept of \u201ca refined countryside.\u201d By promoting the sixth industrialization of forestry\u2014adding value through processing and sales\u2014the initiative has attracted businesses like Youbi, a furniture maker known for its high-quality products crafted from locally sourced hinoki cypress. To get a closer look at how this forest-based vision is taking root, we set off on a hike guided by two locals: Patrick Kishida, an American who moved to the village just a year ago, and Gergely Kalmar, a Hungarian who runs GG Farm in neighboring Higashi-Awakura. As it turns out, this small mountain village is home to a surprisingly large international community!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8639-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103973\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8639-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8639-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8639-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8639.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Located in the Higashi-Awakura area of northern Mimasaka City, just next to Nishiawakura, GG FARM is run by farmer Gergely Kalmar. He cultivates over 100 varieties of crops each year in small batches. Known for their vibrant beauty and vitality, his produce is highly regarded by chefs and culinary professionals as a source of inspiration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8718-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8718-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8718-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8718-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8718-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8718-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A pouch full of spring harvest from GG Farm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On day one, we set our sights on the Wakasugi Primeval Forest, located on the northern side of the village. Our first stop: Nishiawakura Kobayashi Confectionery, a patisserie opened by local pastry chef Yuta Kobayashi after returning to his hometown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shop\u2019s display case is a joyful riot of elegant cakes: airy mousses layered on biscuit bases, glossy glazes, and vibrant edible flowers, lovingly grown by Gergely himself. It already feels like we\u2019ve hit the highlight of the day, but with over 9 kilometers to go before we reach the forest, it\u2019s time to refocus and hit the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6565-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6565-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6565-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6565-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6565-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6565-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6515-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6515-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6515-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6515-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6515.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Kobayashis, owners of Nishiawakura Kobayashi Confectionery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wakasugi Primeval Forest, one of the most biodiverse natural woodlands in the Chugoku region, boasts a fairytale-like setting of tangled trees and thick moss. Well-maintained trails\u20143 km and 5 km loops\u2014make it easy to explore the forest\u2019s quiet magic at your own pace. After the hike, we head to a guesthouse that features a hot spring sourced from Awakura Onsen Motoyu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, everything from heating and cooking to bathing is powered by local thinned wood as part of the village\u2019s sustainable forestry efforts. Dinner is a course meal of local wild game\u2014a delicious, full-sense experience of the region\u2019s blessings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9042-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9042-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9042-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9042-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9042.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The clear waters of the Yoshino River, flowing from the Wakasugi Forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7045-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7045-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7045-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7045-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7045.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Awakura Onsen Motoyu features radium-rich waters with a high natural radon content, heated using a wood-fired boiler fueled by locally sourced thinned timber. Visitors who are not staying the night are also welcome to bathe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7425-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7425-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7425-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7425-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7425.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At Awakura Onsen Motoyu, guests can enjoy meals made with locally sourced venison and seasonal vegetables.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>A Forest Teeming with Life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Day two takes us to Shidosaka Pass, one of the most challenging stretches along the old Inaba Kaid\u014d. Marking the border between Mimasaka and the historical provinces of Inaba, this steep and narrow route was once considered too treacherous even for cattle and horses. Heavy snowfall adds to its difficulty in winter. It even appears in ancient texts from the Heian Period and was used by the lords of Tottori during their sankin-k\u014dtai journeys (a system requiring feudal lords to travel to Edo to show loyalty). Today, a well-maintained trail allows hikers to traverse the pass, with sections of the original stonework still intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7454-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7454-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7454-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7454-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7454.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Morning mist drapes the mountains surrounding the village.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After descending Shidosaka Pass, we stop by Hyakumori to get permission to enter the village\u2019s managed forest. Hyakumori* is the organization responsible for overseeing and utilizing forest lands under the Hundred-Year Forest Vision, and also offers guided tours into the woods. Patrick, who has experience building trails in his home country, serves as an advisor here. Alongside his wife Moe, he also founded Tatara Trails, a project focused on developing mountain bike trails, organizing ride tours, and hosting trail running events like the Shinshin Sansan Fun Fun Trail Run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The original aim of the Hundred-Year Forest Vision was to enhance the value of local timber. But today, with initiatives like Patrick\u2019s, the project is evolving. Now entering its next phase\u2014Forest Vision 2.0\u2014it seeks to explore broader, more diverse ways to bring value and engage with the forest beyond just lumber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Note: Entering the forests of Nishiawakura Village requires prior permission, as logging operations and maintenance work may present safety hazards. For details, please visit Hyakumori\u2019s forest access portal: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hyakumori.com\/matching\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.hyakumori.com\/matching<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9180-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9180-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9180-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9180-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9180.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Blooming mitsumata flowers signal the arrival of spring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTo truly raise the value of the forest, people need to be in it\u2014get to know it by experiencing it, playing in it, and building a real connection,\u201d says Patrick. \u201cOur job is to help make that happen through a range of activities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patrick takes us into the forests in the southwestern part of the village, where the distant sounds of forestry work, like logging and timber processing, echo through the trees. The area is a manmade forest comprised of roughly 60% cedar and 40% cypress, and the timber harvested here is used for furniture, wooden goods, and building materials. One key showcase for this local wood is the village\u2019s central facility, Awakura Kaikan, where everything from structural materials to furniture to heating is sourced from the surrounding forests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8324-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8324-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8324-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8324-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8324.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Awakura Kaikan is a beautiful public facility built using locally sourced wood. It serves as the village\u2019s town hall, library, and lifelong learning center\u2014all under one roof. All of the furniture in these photos is made by Youbi, a local studio that crafts furniture and everyday tools from Nishiawakura-grown cypress.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9358-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9358-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9358-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9358-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9358-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Iwataki Shrine, affectionately known as \u201cChisha no O-taki-san,\u201d sits quietly against the thickly wooded mountainside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8405_01-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8405_01-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8405_01-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8405_01-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8405_01.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thai cuisine by a Thai chef at Aru no Mori.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We follow a network of forest roads for about 10 kilometers, eventually returning to the village center. At Awakura Shrine, we stop to admire a towering cypress tree said to be 800 years old. Then we visit Iwataki Shrine, affectionately known as Chisha no Otaki-san, to pay respects to its deity, said to be enshrined in the rocky formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the way back, we drop by BASE101% &#8211; NISHIAWAKURA -, a multipurpose space with a caf\u00e9, a shop selling wood products and crafts, and a strawberry-picking area. It\u2019s a place where locals, newcomers, and visitors from outside the village come together for rest and recreation. The facility\u2019s director, Jun Kameda, who also relocated here, reflects on the changes: \u201cThe energy of new residents is transforming this mountain village in powerful ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7088-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7088-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7088-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7088-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7088.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A convenient rest stop: BASE101% -NISHIAWAKURA-.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7093-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7093-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7093-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7093-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7093.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">BASE101% -NISHIAWAKURA- is a multi-purpose facility that includes a restaurant, caf\u00e9, and woodcraft factory shop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u201cForestry was the catalyst that made Nishiawakura a pioneer in rural entrepreneurship. But once we launched the venture school, people started moving here for reasons beyond forestry. I think we\u2019ve now entered a new phase of village-building of the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"last\">As part of this new program to uncover the broader value of its forests, Nishiawakura has launched an initiative to transform its manmade forests into a biodiverse ecosystem. What Nishiawakura seems to be striving toward is a rural landscape teeming with life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8778-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8778-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8778-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8778-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8778.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">At the caf\u00e9 space inside BASE101% -NISHIAWAKURA-, one of the most popular items is their original hot dog made with venison sausage. Another local favorite is the Forest Game Venison Roast Bowl, topped with tender, low-temperature-cooked venison.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br><br><br><br>Trail Guide<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6527-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6527-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6527-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6527-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A6527.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kobayashi_kashiten\/?hl=ja\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nishiawakura Kobayashi Confectionary<\/a><br>591-1 Kageishi, Nishiawakura, Aida District, Okayama<br>TEL\uff1a0868-75-4115<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7412.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7412.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7412-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7412-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7412-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/motoyu.asia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Awakura Onsen Motoyu<br><\/a>2050 Kageishi, Nishiawakura, Aida District, Okayama<br>TEL\uff1a0868-79-2129<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7090.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7090.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7090-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7090-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A7090-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/base101_nishiawakura\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BASE101% -NISHIAWAKURA-<br><\/a>461-1 Nagao, Nishiawakura, Aida District, Okayama<br>TEL\uff1a090-2466-9378<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8428-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8428-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8428-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8428-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8428-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/aru.no.mori\/?hl=ja\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aru No Mori<br><\/a>818-1 Nagao, Nishiawakura, Aida District, Okayama<br>TEL\uff1a090-8531-6189<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-image is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hyakumori.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hyakumori<\/a><br>657-1 Nagao, Nishiawakura, Aida District, Okayama<br>TEL\uff1a0868-75-3898<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tatara.trails\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tatara Trails<br><\/a>657-1 Nagao, Nishiawakura, Aida District, Okayama<br>TEL\uff1a0868-75-3898<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1006\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NishiawakuraTour17June2025-1006x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NishiawakuraTour17June2025-1006x1024.jpeg 1006w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NishiawakuraTour17June2025-295x300.jpeg 295w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NishiawakuraTour17June2025-768x782.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NishiawakuraTour17June2025.jpeg 1160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1006px) 100vw, 1006px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:79px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Move freely through the city and the trail with macpac\u2019s latest lightweight backpack.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A trusted companion for long trails, the New Zealand-born brand macpac introduces its latest addition: the simple and lightweight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macpac.jp\/feature\/tripinmossgarden\/product.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Manakau<\/a> backpack. Made from AzTec\u00ae 6oz fabric, it strikes the perfect balance between durability and lightness. The roll-top opening expands to fit your load, making it even more versatile. Pair it with the optional Trek Shoulder accessory for an even lighter, freer hiking experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8372-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8372-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8372-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8372-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A8372.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The poet \u014ctomo no Yakamochi once walked this road back in the Nara period. Centuries later, the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi traveled it too. The Inaba Kaid\u014d was a vital route connecting Himeji in the Harima Province to Tottori in the former Inaba Province. On this trip, we explore a stretch of the route that passes through the village of Nishiawakura in Okayama Prefecture, where the post town Sakane-juku (now part of Mimasaka City) once stood. Today, it is known as a hub for forward-thinking countryside living. Over the course of two days, we hike its forest paths while learning about the village\u2019s innovative vision for its man-made woodlands, trace the history of the old highway, find solace among primeval trees, and fall for desserts and meals that rival Japan\u2019s top restaurants.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":103791,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[119,118],"tags":[1571,9358,8052,8053,9357,9359,2347],"place":[231],"writer":[],"class_list":["post-103744","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-guides-en","category-hike-and-bike-en","tag-hike-en","tag-inaba-kaido","tag-japan-long-trail-walker-en","tag-macpac-en","tag-musashi-miyamoto","tag-nishiawakura","tag-okayama","place-okayama-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Japan Long Trail Walker- \u201cInaba Kaid\u014d\u201d<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The poet \u014ctomo no Yakamochi once walked this road back in the Nara period. Centuries later, the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi traveled it too. The Inaba Kaid\u014d was a vital route connecting Himeji in the Harima Province to Tottori in the former Inaba Province. On this trip, we explore a stretch of the route that passes through the village of Nishiawakura in Okayama Prefecture, where the post town Itane-juku (now part of Mimasaka City) once stood. Today, it is known as a hub for forward-thinking countryside living.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Japan Long Trail Walker- \u201cInaba Kaid\u014d\u201d\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The poet \u014ctomo no Yakamochi once walked this road back in the Nara period. Centuries later, the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi traveled it too. The Inaba Kaid\u014d was a vital route connecting Himeji in the Harima Province to Tottori in the former Inaba Province. On this trip, we explore a stretch of the route that passes through the village of Nishiawakura in Okayama Prefecture, where the post town Itane-juku (now part of Mimasaka City) once stood. Today, it is known as a hub for forward-thinking countryside living.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"PAPERSKY\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/papersky\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-06-20T03:30:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-20T03:30:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9358.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Akira\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@paperskyonline\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@paperskyonline\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Akira\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"28 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Akira\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/7f7d2856215ca469e9a7515ab0df97fe\"},\"headline\":\"\u201cInaba Kaid\u014d\u201d\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-20T03:30:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-20T03:30:36+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/\"},\"wordCount\":1561,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9358.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"hike\",\"Inaba Kaid\u014d\",\"Japan Long Trail Walker\",\"macpac\",\"Musashi Miyamoto\",\"Nishiawakura\",\"okayama\"],\"articleSection\":[\"LOCAL GUIDES\",\"HIKE &amp; BIKE\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/\",\"name\":\"Japan Long Trail Walker- \u201cInaba Kaid\u014d\u201d\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/en\/japan-long-trail-walker-inaba-kaido\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/papersky.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2B2A9358.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-20T03:30:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-20T03:30:36+00:00\",\"description\":\"The poet \u014ctomo no Yakamochi once walked this road back in the Nara period. 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Centuries later, the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi traveled it too. The Inaba Kaid\u014d was a vital route connecting Himeji in the Harima Province to Tottori in the former Inaba Province. On this trip, we explore a stretch of the route that passes through the village of Nishiawakura in Okayama Prefecture, where the post town Itane-juku (now part of Mimasaka City) once stood. 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