Forgotten Trails:
Tracing the Ancient Paths of Japan
Photo by Sayaka Minamiura
In the mountains of Japan, there were once many ancient paths connecting villages and leading to mountain castles. Today, asphalt and concrete roads dominate, and those old paths are gradually falling out of use. Once, people, horses, and cattle traveled along these roads, and for mountain bikers like me, these forgotten paths are full of fascinating terrain.
I enjoy seeking out these "forgotten trails" that are not marked on modern maps. With the help of old texts and local residents, I hunt down these paths, one by one. Particularly appealing are the narrow singletrack paths, ideal for hiking or biking. The slopes are often just right, and many trails wind through the mountains with switchbacks, sometimes gradually forming into natural "harp pipe" shapes where the earth has eroded over time. Riding through such terrain on my Esker Cycles Woodsy, feeling the wind, is a truly satisfying experience.
Photo by Sayaka Minamiura
While biking along these old paths is fun, there's also something special about stopping to bow to the Dousoshin (the guardian spirits) and imagining the people who once walked these roads long ago. In spring, I can encounter wild plants, and in autumn, I find delicious mushrooms. Nature offers its rewards in its own time, and that connection feels deeply grounding.
Photo by Sayaka Minamiura
Moving at the pace of my own power, whether on a bike or on foot, brings a certain comfort. It's a speed that allows me to experience the small, beautiful moments that are easily overlooked—whispers of the forest, the flow of water, the scent of soil and plants. These moments remind me of the harmony between myself and nature. It's a quiet kind of happiness.
Sometimes, when I set out to explore an ancient path, I find that it's become overgrown or impassable. But the thrill of opening a new door, the excitement of discovery, never fades. Who knows what new world might be waiting for me on the next adventure? The journey is always filled with the promise of something new.