Isabella Bird’s Unbeaten Tracks

Follow in the footsteps of Isabella Bird, the pioneering 19th-century British explorer whose curiosity opened the world’s eyes to Japan’s remote northern regions. At a time when few Western women traveled alone, Bird ventured deep into the mountains of Tohoku, documenting landscapes, cultures, and people rarely seen by outsiders. In her classic book, Unbeaten Tracks in Japan, she described the Okitama Valley as the “Arcadia of Asia,” captivated by its dramatic terrain, thriving villages, and abundant natural beauty.

This exclusive three-day itienerary is designed in the spirit of Bird’s journey, blending gentle adventure, cultural immersion, and intimate local encounters across the historic 13 Toge Route—an ancient mountain road that for more than 500 years connected the Echigo (Niigata) and Yonezawa (Yamagata) regions. Once trodden by samurai, merchants, and pilgrims, these passes remain a living testament to Japan’s rich past and the enduring rhythms of rural life.

Guests will hike through pristine beech forests, e-bike between charming villages, and enjoy private meals with Matagi hunters and local farming families. Along the way, you’ll explore exquisitely preserved trade houses, visit historic shrines, and savor inspired regional cuisine reflecting the mountains and the seasons. The journey culminates in an immersive farm-to-table ramen masterclass—an exceptional taste of Okitama’s agricultural heritage.

Meticulously designed for discerning travelers, this thoughtfully crafted itinerary offers a rare opportunity to experience the landscapes, traditions, and hospitality Isabella Bird encountered—many just as she found them more than a century ago.