Winter is exactly the time to go sightseeing in Tohoku and Ichinoseki!
Here’s a snow trekking tour that’s beginner-friendly and easy to enjoy.
Put on traditional Japanese snowshoes (wakanjiki) and take a leisurely winter mountain walk, then warm up with a hot pot meal and a hot spring soak♪
The location is Mayu and Matsurube, at the foot of Mt. Kurikoma (Mt. Sukawa).
With its virgin beech forest, this is a recommended spot for experiencing nature firsthand.
Sightseeing in Ichinoseki’s Winter Nature! Let’s Walk With Traditional Japanese Snowshoes♪

Putting on the traditional Japanese snowshoes! With guidance, they’re firmly secured with hemp rope.
For footwear, rubber boots or snow boots are recommended, and snow gear is recommended to stay warm.

Wakanjiki, traditionally used for walking on snow in snow country. Also known by the shortened name “wakan.”
These days, aluminum versions and Western-style snowshoes are common,
but on this tour, you’ll use traditional wooden snowshoes.
The feeling of them molding to your feet with every step on the snow is something only wood can offer!

With snowshoes, you can walk easily on snow without sinking in.
Even on snowy paths where you’d sink up to your knees in just rubber boots, snowshoes let you walk with ease!


A fantastical landscape, crisp air, and stillness.
Let’s enjoy scenery unique to winter.

You can observe tree buds, find animal footprints, and discover small pleasures of nature.
If you’re lucky, you might have an adorable encounter.

Please also check out this article on the spectacular winter scenery at Matsurube >> Ichinoseki Matsurube’s Winter Scenery
You can enjoy hot springs and a pheasant hot pot lunch at Matsurube Onsen Kamikura!
Details of the Traditional Snowshoe Trekking Tour

Apply here >> Travel Planning, Operations & Applications: Maruku Co., Ltd.
BELLINO HOTEL ICHINOSEKI provides transport to and from the tour’s departure point (Ichinoseki Station)! *Reservation required
Right now, you can stay for a 5,000-yen discount
Please take advantage of our great-value Iwate Fukko-Wari (Reconstruction Discount) Campaign.