A new long-distance hiking trail showcasing some of Japan’s rarest and most unspoiled natural environments has opened in eastern Hokkaido.
An initiative of the Ministry of Environment, the path is designed to increase the appeal of the area among inbound and domestic visitors amid increasing interest in physical activity, the outdoors and wellness, particularly among international travellers.
Japan is the third most popular destination for adventure travellers globally, according to the 2023 Adventure Travel Industry Snapshot report released by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Among those travellers, hiking, trekking or walking were in the top five trending activities.
Hokkaido’s 410km route links the three national parks of Kushiro-Shitsugen, Akan-Manshu and Shiretoko, an expansive area that includes Japan’s largest wetland and largest caldera lake.
It links Kushiro in the south-east to Rausu in the north-eastern tip via Teshikaga, traversing marshland, volcanic landforms, farmland and the coastline to showcase the local environment.
Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, renowned for its rich ecosystem that supports globally endangered bird species. Here, visitors can also spot the red-crowned crane, Yezo deer, and Ezo red fox.
Campsites and lodging facilities, as well as tours for canoeing, cycling and wildlife observation, are available along the route.
According to the Hokkaido East Trail Management Office, the walking trail “will serve as a pillar of the trail network concept, allowing people to enjoy the national parks’ nature at their own pace over an extended stay and to enjoy a wider range of walking trips”.
