[Fukushima, Iizaka Onsen] Snow hike to see frozen bamboo shoots in an abandoned tunnel

[About Banse-Oji] Due to the inconvenience of travelling along the Yonezawa Kaido road, said to have been opened by Date Masamune, the road connecting Fukushima and Yonezawa began development as a new road over the Kuriko Pass in 1876, under the order of Yamagata Prefectural Governor Mishima Michitsune. This included exceptionally large-scale construction such as the Kuriko Tunnel, Japan's first long tunnel at 870m in length, and the entire line was opened in 1881. *Tunnel = Tunnel opening ceremony was attended by Emperor Meiji, who named the road "Banse-Oji" with the hope that it would "become a road that will be loved by people for all eternity." In the Showa era, the road was widened to accommodate vehicles, and after World War II, it was designated as National Route 13. To accommodate increased traffic and eliminate winter closures, the route near the prefectural border underwent a major change in 1966 with the completion of the East-West Kuriko Tunnel, resulting in the current road known as the "Kuriko Highway." On the Kuriko Snow Hike, participants walk along Mansei-oji from Route 13 to the abandoned Kuriko Tunnel, renovated in the early Showa era and featuring modern gateposts. Enjoy the otherworldly sensation of walking on snow in special snowshoes, and leisurely hike along the old road toward the Kuriko Tunnel. Inside the tunnel, the meltwater seeping out creates a mystical, icy bamboo shoot, creating a truly magical landscape. (Note: This may not be viewable depending on weather and other conditions.) A guide will accompany you and provide instruction on how to put on and walk in snowshoes. Even beginners and first-time snow mountain climbers can feel at ease. Come join us on a snow hike that will allow you to experience the history of the road that connects the present day through modern times and the mysteries born from nature. *This is a long course that takes approximately one day. For a half-day course, please join the Futatsugoya Snow Hike.

The ice formations that form on the remains of a tunnel that has been abandoned for about 60 years are a mystical sight that cannot be seen anywhere else.

The guide will kindly and carefully teach you how to put on and walk in snowshoes, and will accompany you throughout the tour, so even beginners can feel at ease.

Iizaka Onsen, where the tour will meet and finish, is one of the largest hot spring towns in the Tohoku region, with around 40 inns and hotels, and eight public baths. There are also foot baths and tourist spots, and you can enjoy hot spring tours and gourmet food such as round-bottom dumplings.