Experience04
CHIZU TRAIL
(2nd & 4th Saturdays and Sundays)
CHIZU TRAIL is an exploratory trail where you can experience the nature and history of Chizu at your own pace and with your own senses.
Over two days, you’ll walk through the forest’s quiet serenity, wander the back alleys of Chizu-juku—a former Edo-period post town—and meet local artisans.
Rather than following a set tourist route, you’re encouraged to “walk and discover,” revealing the deeper layers of Chizu.
Enjoy a variety of activities, from a forest trail where you can breathe in the pure woodland air, to a meditation session that helps you center yourself, and a pottery workshop introducing the local Chizu-yaki tradition.
By “walking, losing yourself, and making new discoveries,” you’ll weave your own story of Chizu with every step.
Dates
Mid-March to Mid-November 2025
(2nd & 4th Saturdays and Sundays)
Main Venues
Chizu-juku, Mitaki-en, Hirano Residence
Meals
Mitaki-en, Outdoor Dining at Sugi Shrine
Group Size
10–15 (minimum 5) days
Duration
2 days
Price
¥100,000 per person (includes lodging, meals, partial guiding, tax included)
Day 1 (10:00-12:00)
Forest Walk
Enjoy a relaxing time in Chizu’s serene forests, immersing yourself in the gentle sounds of nature, the comforting aroma of wood, and gentle, soothing breezes. Free yourself from the stress of daily life while recalibrating your mind and body. Through meditation and hands-on woodworking with local cedar, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural riches of Chizu.
- Guided forest walk to learn about Chizu’s environment and history
- Breathing exercises and simple meditation in the stillness of the woods
Day 1 (13:00-16:00)
Meditation Experience
Immerse yourself in a guided meditation session in the peaceful forests of Chizu Town, allowing both body and mind to rebalance. Surrounded by the scent of trees and the gentle calls of birds, take time to reconnect with yourself. Through meditation in nature, you can enjoy a deep sense of relaxation and mental clarity.
Guided meditation session in the forest
Sound meditation to feel the harmony of natural sounds
Relaxation elements such as zazen (seated meditation) and yoga
※ This program is supervised by the art collective ‘Ochill,’ which explores a distinctly Japanese sense of well-being as ‘well-down,’ focusing on reinterpreting and reconstructing personal indulgences, and rediscovering prayer through collective creation.
Day 1 (16:00-18:00)
Chizu Trail
Take a special walking tour through Chizu-juku, where the atmosphere of the Edo period still lingers in every corner. Once a thriving post town, Chizu-juku features numerous traditional wooden homes and historical buildings that continue to preserve the spirit of days gone by. Accompanied by an expert guide, immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural allure of this storied town.
Learn about Chizu-juku’s history and architecture under the guidance of a specialist
Step inside the buildings to experience the lifestyle and construction techniques of the era
Enjoy photographing the townscape while soaking in the ambiance of an Edo-period post town
Day 1 (18:00-9:00)
Stay at Hirano Residence
Spend a memorable night at Hirano Residence, an iconic part of Chizu’s nationally recognized cultural landscape. Admire traditional architecture as you savor an evening meal prepared with local ingredients, and delve deeper into the stories and heritage of the old post town, where weary travelers would seek rest and nourishment during the Edo period.
Day 2 (10:00-12:00)
Chizu Trail
Take a special walking tour through Chizu-juku, where the atmosphere of the Edo period still lingers in every corner. Once a thriving post town, Chizu-juku features numerous traditional wooden homes and historical buildings that continue to preserve the spirit of days gone by. Accompanied by an expert guide, immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural allure of this storied town.
Learn about Chizu-juku’s history and architecture under the guidance of a specialist
Step inside the buildings to experience the lifestyle and construction techniques of the era
Enjoy photographing the townscape while soaking in the ambiance of an Edo-period post town
Day 2 (13:00-14:00)
Lunch at Mitaki-en
Savor rustic mountain fare amid Chizu’s lush greenery at Mitaki-en. Experience the healing power of local ingredients—from pristine water and seasonal wild vegetables to freshwater fish nurtured by Chizu’s natural ecosystems. Through this meal, you will feel a tangible connection to the forest.
Day 2 (15:00-17:00)
Woodworking Workshop
Work with local artisans to explore sustainable woodworking techniques using Chizu cedar. Learn how leftover materials and thinned wood from forest maintenance can be transformed into items that promote a cycle of renewal, connecting the forest and community in a single, living tradition.
- Experiment with upcycled cedar offcuts.
- Embrace eco-friendly design practices that honor both local heritage and sustainability.
- Option to keep your creation or donate it to enrich the local cultural landscape.
