Walk Japan has unveiled the East Hokkaido Trek, a new nine-day, eight-night guided hiking journey across the vast, elemental landscapes of Japan’s northernmost island and one of its least populated regions. Designed for experienced walkers, the itinerary follows sections of the recently established 410km Hokkaido East Trail, linking three national parks across a terrain shaped by wetlands, fire and sea.
Founded in 1992, Walk Japan has built its reputation on thoughtfully curated walking tours that reveal lesser-travelled regions of the country. Its latest itinerary in Hokkaido is a par for course for the company.
Into The Wild
Beginning in Kushiro, the route moves through the sweeping marshlands of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, a Ramsar-listed wetland known for its expansive horizons and rare wildlife. From there, the landscape shifts dramatically. Walkers traverse low mountain passes and farmland before arriving at Atosa-Nupuri (Io-zan), an active volcano that continues to vent sulphurous vapour into the air — a vivid reminder of the island’s geological restlessness.
The trek also skirts the immense caldera lakes Kussharo-ko and Mashu-ko, two of Japan’s largest crater lakes, their islands rising as former volcanic peaks from mirror-like waters. Evenings offer restorative immersion in geothermal onsen, particularly in the remote township of Kawayu, where mineral-rich baths provide welcome relief after daily hikes of 11 to 18 kilometres.
The journey culminates on the remote Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often described as Japan’s last true wilderness. Here, dense forests meet the Sea of Okhotsk in a raw meeting of land and water that feels far removed from the country’s urban centres.
Throughout, the trek balances physical challenge with comfort. Accommodation has been selected for relaxation and character, and meals showcase Hokkaido’s celebrated produce — widely regarded as among the freshest and highest quality in Japan.
Fully guided and limited to 12 participants, the Walk Japan runs in June, July, September and October. Prices start from JPY 798,000 per person based on double occupancy.
