Satoyama Life: Nature Adventures & Open-Air Dining in Scenic Shiobara Onsen, Nikko National Park

【OUTLINE】

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your mind and body with the unique wellness and retreat activities in Shiobara.
Nestled in the mountains of Nasushiobara City, this 1,200-year-old hot spring village is surrounded by forests and fields, offering the perfect setting for Local SATOYAMA experiences.
After immersing yourself in the Satoyama lifestyle, living in harmony with animals, history, and the changing seasons, enjoy the bounty of nature at the lovingly prepared "Aozora Shokudo" by locals.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Experience the refreshing wellness and retreat activities in the nature of Shiobara, away from the daily hustle.
  
• Learn about the satoyama lifestyle that harmonizes with nature, making you appreciate Shiobara even more.
  
• Explore with an outdoor guide who knows the mountains of Shiobara inside out, ensuring a safe adventure.
  
• After the activities, enjoy a semi-outdoor meal with local delicacies and interact with locals in a way that's unique to Shiobara.
  
• Participate in the program and contribute to the preservation of the satoyama and the Shiobara community.
  

【DETAILS】

　Shiobara Onsen Village, located along the Houki River in northern Tochigi Prefecture, is surrounded by the rich nature of Nikko National Park. With a 1,200-year history, it boasts 11 hot spring areas with six types of spring quality and seven spring colors. This historic wellness town has hosted the Imperial Family and many literary figures.

＜Activities by Aozora Project THE DAY＞
Aozora Project THE DAY: Yoichi Kimijima

Mountain paths that people stopped using have, over the years, become animal trails. Gradually, the living areas of animals and humans overlap, leading to conflicts where animals that come down to the fields are seen as "pests" and killed. Aozora Project THE DAY aims to solve these problems faced by satoyama (countryside) communities through outdoor activities, promoting coexistence with wildlife. The leader, Yoichi Kimijima, was born and raised in Shiobara. He continues to share the nature and history of Shiobara as a satoyama guide.（https://theday.fun/）

【SCHEDULE】

[09:50] Gather at "Pension Gasthof Yumekiko"

[10:00] Local Satoyama Experience (activities may vary based on the day's weather and participants' interests)

Our satoyama experts will tailor the Local SATOYAMA experience according to the day's weather, natural conditions, participants' profiles, and skills, ensuring everyone enjoys the best seasonal experience. We aim to accommodate your requests whenever possible, such as:
　・Walking and observing animal tracks with the "Kemonodō Walk"
　・Fir tree logging experience
　・Forest maintenance activities
　・Agricultural activities, allowing you to directly experience the blessings of nature

Enjoy the changing expressions of each season, such as:
　・Summer: Cool activities among the trees
　・Autumn: Enjoy the fluffy fallen leaves
　・Winter: Walking on the snow with snowshoes

[11:30] Enjoy a meal at Aozora Shokudo

savoring dishes filled with local love in a semi-outdoor setting. The menu features local cuisine and seasonal ingredients like Shiobara's highland vegetables, offering a unique gourmet experience. Connect with the locals who create the Aozora Shokudo, providing a special interaction you can't find in typical tourist spots.

[13:00] End at "Pension Gasthof Yumekiko"

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：3 hours
• Meeting point：Next to Pension Gasthof Yumekiko　[MAP]
  Nakashiobara 347-2, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi, 329-2924
  
• Access：2-minute walk from the "Myojinshita" bus stop on the Yu-Bus
  
• Shuttle Service：If you wish to have shuttle service within the Shiobara Onsen Village (to accommodations or Kamiyaishi-Shiobara Onsen-guchi Station, etc.), please fill in your desired pick-up location in the reservation form. Please note that there is a limit to the number of passengers, so we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
• Minimum number of participants：2 person
• Language support：Japanese, English (using supplementary materials and mobile apps)
  
• Included：
  ・Outdoor guide (guidance primarily in Japanese, but experienced in accommodating international guests using various tools)
  ・Lunch
  ・Insurance during the program
  ・Winter: Free rental of Nordic poles for those who wish (limited quantity)

• Excluded：
  ・Drinks during the natural activities
  
• Recommended Items to Bring：
  ・Water bottle for hydration during activities
  ・Snacks (chocolates, candies)
  ・Insect repellent (summer)
  
• Clothes：
  ・Wear clothes that can get dirty and are easy to move in, and long pants that cover the knees
  
• Participation requirements：
  ・Recommended for participants aged 4 and above
  ・If you have children aged 3 or under, please consult us. Partial participation may be possible in some cases
  ・Generally, one bag per person similar to what you would carry for daytime sightseeing is assumed; if you have a lot of luggage, please consult us in advance
  ・We also accept consultations for group participation, so feel free to contact us
• Free Wi-Fi：No
  
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・In case of cancellation due to bad weather, you will be notified via the email address registered at the time of application (decision made at least two hours before the event; if the weather is questionable, the event will generally not proceed)
  ・If it rains lightly without affecting the activity, it will go ahead as planned. Please understand this in advance
  ・Please take your own measures for waterproofing your smartphone and preventing injuries during the walk
  ・Depending on the natural conditions on the day, such as weather and lake conditions, the course may change
  ・Understand that there are risks of injury in the natural environment and consider joining your own insurance
  ・The program is designed to be manageable even for beginners, but if you are unwell or have concerns, please refrain from participating
  ・Although we have insurance and measures in place for unforeseen circumstances, nature is unpredictable. To minimize risks, always follow the guide’s instructions during the program

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 30%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%