According to data from Airbnb, Japan was Asia’s most popular tourism destination in 2024, and interest in the region doesn’t seem to be waning. From world-class ski resorts to super futuristic cities, there are a lot of very good reasons to visit Japan right now, and we’ve got another addition to the list. The Hokkaido East Trail is a new multi-day hiking trail that will take you through a breathtaking diversity of landscapes, spanning volcanic calderas, glittering lakes, expansive marshland, and lush forest.
What is the Hokkaido East Trail?
The Hokkaido East Trail is a long-distance walking trail tracing the eastern part of Hokkaido. The newly opened trail was designed to link the three eastern Hokkaido national parks: Shiretoko, Akan–Mashu, and Kushiro-Shitsugen.
Where is the Hokkaido East Trail?
The scenic mountainous trail traverses the eastern part of Hokkaido, running from Kushiro City (in the south) through Akan–Mashu, then up to the small fishing town of Rausu (near the Shiretoko Peninsula in the north).
How far is the Hokkaido East Trail?
In its entirety, the trail stretches for around 410 kilometers – though there are shorter routes if you’re not up for the whole multi-week mega hike.
How long does it take to hike the Hokkaido East Trail?
Hiking the entire 410 kilometres would take between two to three weeks, but since the trail is so new (it opened in October 2024), exact thru hike times haven’t been confirmed.
How do you get to the Hokkaido East Trail?
There are various trailheads dotted along the route, many of which can be reached via buses or shuttles from nearby towns including Kushiro, Akan, and Rausu.
What can I see on the Hokkaido East Trail?
This gargantuan trail passes through Hokkaido's seven national parks, linking marshlands, farms, forests, a caldera, and coastal terrain. Some highlights include the red-crowned cranes in Kushiroshitsugen National Park, calderas, lakes and hot springs in Akan-Mashu National Park, and endangered bird species like Blakiston's fish owl and Stellar's sea eagle in Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Best times to visit the Hokkaido East Trail?
The summer months of July and August are a great time to hike in the Hokkaido region for mild weather and beautiful, lush scenery. The temperatures fall slightly in September and October, but it’s still a beautiful time to hike – with the fall foliage turning the trails into spectacular patchworks of colour. It’s best to avoid hiking in this area during the winter months, as temperatures can turn harsh.
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