Tokai Nature Trail

[halfjapanesegirl]

Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone here had walked the entire Tokai Nature Trail. I'm interested in doing this walk in Spring next year but I wanted some advice from anyone who'd done it already as there isn't a lot of information online.
I am thinking of buying a map (the Yama-to-Kogen-chizu) to aid me, and I can speak/read a fair amount of Japanese.

My questions are these:
1. Is the route well sign-posted?
2. Are there safe and inexpensive places to stay along the way? Camp-sites?
3. Just how difficult is the trail?
4. Would it be inadvisable to walk it alone?

Any other information or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

HJG

[spicytuna]

Interesting!

I've thought about doing that trail as well. There isn't much information in English but if you can read Japanese, this site is the official site for the trail and is a good place to start.

http://www.tokai-walk.jp/index.html

[samokan]

wow. this is interesting. I hope I can do this before I leave Japan

[acjama]

I never walked the Tokai trail, just the first half day leg from Takao to Sagamiko. But I have done trekking, hand here's a few yens's worth.

Originally Posted by halfjapanesegirl

1. Is the route well sign-posted?

Yes. But in varying intensity. I suggest at least a map and a compass. GPS system is preferred, cell phone recommended. However, reception might not be all that in the mountains and satellite phone's overdoing it.

Originally Posted by halfjapanesegirl

2. Are there safe and inexpensive places to stay along the way? Camp-sites?

The Tokai trail goes in and out of forests, so there should be plenty of opportunities and rest houses. Google maps, Japan tourist guides, above mentioned link...

Originally Posted by halfjapanesegirl

3. Just how difficult is the trail?

Japanese trekking trails are always in good shape. Most trekking is done by seniors, so sneakers (barring rainy weather) are quite enough. A walking stick advisable for comfort.

Originally Posted by halfjapanesegirl

4. Would it be inadvisable to walk it alone?

Always. Food poisoning and injuries are reality in Japan, too. But there are no wolves, if that's what you're afraid. A deer might hid in the grass and jump up when you're two meters from them, giving you a heart attack (I am never going to get over that one, am I? ). Chances of crime are smaller than in other countries, smaller even on the trekking trails, but no matter how small the probability, it still stings when it hits.