This summer I set upon the goal of trying to hike all the parts of the Snow Country Trail, the 280 mile loop that connects the three prefectures of Gunma, Niigata and Nagano via hiking trail and access roads. As I have a fulltime job in the summer, I have been trying to tackle this monumental task one section at a time on my days off. With this section, I started off optimistically, hoping that the clouds would part as I made my way to the summit. Although I reached the summit amidst a cold white haze, I did manage to get some great views on both the way up from the Naeba valley and back down into the Saragakyo valley side.
- 1 min read
Neaba Valley to Saragakyo Valley
Snow Country trail section hiking

By C. Rio
Community writer

Clouds beginning to move in (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Looing up toward the peak (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Not alone, after all (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Busy bees (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Trail winding its way up to the peak (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Trail is well marked and easy to follow despite not being able to read Kanji (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Shrine at the pass (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)

Up on the ridge (Photo: Matthew Shewchuk)
Join the discussion
Thanks, Kyushu is beautiful and I wish I had spent more time there. I would have to recommend you check out Mt. Aso. I just posted a photo essay of a hike I did there 2 years ago, If you would like some idea of what it is like.
Mandy Bartok
11 years ago
Great shots! I've been enjoying all of your mountain posts. Any recommendations for good hikes in Kyushu?
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Culture -
2
Sendai Named a Top Summer Destination by Lonely Planet
Miyagi -
3
Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored -
4
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
5
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
6
What to Eat in Kobe Chinatown
Hyogo -
7
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
8
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
9
Japan Is One of Emirates' Top Summer Searches
Planning -
10
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
3
July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
4
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
7
Kamakura Fireworks
Kanagawa -
8
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
9
Tenjin Matsuri
Osaka -
10
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture