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Duration
7 Days
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Self-Guided
Guests Reviews
4.9 / 5.0
Sections
Highlights
Natural Wonders
The Eastern Hokkaido Trail is a stunning nature walk through Japanese forests and with lookouts across ancient caldera and lakes.
Stay in Comfort
Stay, rest and recover in comfort in traditional Japanese Ryokan with Onsen, plus a waterside city hotel on your first night.
Volcanic Landscapes
The Eastern Hokkaido Trail crosses striking volcanic terrain shaped by steam vents, sulfur fields, and vast caldera rims.
Hot Spring Onsens
The Eastern Hokkaido Trail rewards hikers with hot springs and foot baths along the trail for relaxing and soaking throughout the day.
Cultural Heritage
The Eastern Hokkaido Trail highlights the deep cultural heritage of the Ainu people along with the region’s history of sulfur mining.
Delicious Local Food
Enjoy included traditional local seasonal meals meticulously prepared by your hosts, plus lovely local food available along the way.
Overview
The Hokkaido East Trail 7-Day “Extended Explorer” self-guided walking package explores one of Japan’s most untouched natural regions, combining wetlands, volcanic landscapes, tranquil lakeshores, open countryside, and natural hot springs. Covering approximately 98km in total, the itinerary includes daily walks averaging 14–18km, with the longest day reaching 25km through the spectacular Lake Kussharo region.
Designed for adventurous walkers seeking authentic experiences rather than technical mountain trekking, the journey combines rewarding day walks with comfortable traditional accommodation, authentic local meals, and memorable onsen experiences throughout. Highlights include panoramic wetland views, expansive Hokkaido landscapes stretching to the horizon, steaming volcanic scenery, and the dramatic approach towards Mt. Shari and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Our self-guided package includes accommodation, luggage transfers, transport arrangements, detailed route notes, and local support, allowing you to walk independently with confidence. From Kushiro City to the relaxing hot springs of Kawayu Onsen, the Hokkaido East Trail 7-Day “Extended Explorer” delivers a uniquely Japanese walking adventure far from the usual tourist trail.
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kushiro and check in to your accommodation before setting out on a 10km city explorer walk. Discover local sights, waterfront areas, and the relaxed atmosphere of eastern Hokkaido’s largest city. Dinner is at your leisure, with a list of recommended local restaurants provided for your evening.
Enjoy breakfast in Kushiro, either at your accommodation or with a local Katte-don seafood bowl experience before travelling by train into the Kushiro Shitsugen wetlands region. Today’s journey includes a scenic 12.1km countryside and wetland walk before continuing by rail to Kawayu Onsen. From Kawayu Onsen Station, enjoy a further 4km walk through forested trails and volcanic scenery via the Aoba Tunnel and Tsutsujigahara to your onsen accommodation, where a traditional Japanese dinner is included.
Walking; 12.1km plus another 4km
Meals included; Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before travelling by local bus and train from Kawayu Onsen into the eastern Hokkaido countryside. Today’s featured walk follows a scenic 12.4km section between Shibecha Station and Isobunnai Station, passing through peaceful rural landscapes and open natural surroundings. After completing the walk, return by train and bus to your hotel to relax in the onsen and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner. Lunch can be purchased from a local convenience store before departing.
Walking; 12.4km
Meals included; Breakfast and Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before setting out from Kawayu Onsen on a rewarding 25km walk through the volcanic and lakeside landscapes of eastern Hokkaido. Today’s route travels via the Nibushi Peninsula and Sunayu before reaching the shores of Lake Kussharo and the Kussharo Prince Hotel. After the walk, a pre-booked private taxi returns you to your ryokan accommodation, where you can relax in the natural onsen and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.
Walking; 25km
Meals included; Breakfast and Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before travelling by local bus and JR train from Kawayu Onsen to Sattsuru Station. Today’s walk covers 18.6km through peaceful eastern Hokkaido countryside, following rural landscapes and open farmland towards Kiyosatocho Station. Lunch can be purchased from a local convenience store before departing. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening. Dinner is at your leisure, with a list of recommended local restaurants provided to help you choose where to dine.
Walking; 18.6km
Meals included; Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before beginning today’s 15.9km walk through the scenic countryside of eastern Hokkaido towards Shiretoko-Shari Station. The route offers peaceful rural landscapes and expansive views characteristic of the region. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the local area. Dinner is not included tonight, allowing you the flexibility to dine at one of the nearby local restaurants.
Walking; 15.9km
Meals included; Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before checking out and meeting your private taxi transfer to Memanbetsu Airport. Your self-guided eastern Hokkaido walking journey concludes upon arrival at the airport, where you can continue with your onward travel arrangements or further exploration of Japan.
Walking; Nil
Meals included; Breakfast
What's Included
Included
6 Nights Comfortable Accommodation
5 Japanese Breakfasts
3 Japanese Dinners
Baggage Transfer Daily
JR Train Tickets (See Itinerary)
Private Taxi Transfers (Days 4 and 7)
IBUKI GPS Locator Device (Loan)
Taxes (10% Consumption Tax)
Not Included
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
International & Domestic Flights
Local Bus Fares
Drinks during meals
Eastern Hokkaido Trail Video
Hokkaido East Trail Accommodation
The accommodation that we select along the Hokkaido East Trail offers hikers an authentic and welcoming experience, blending cultural heritage with comfort. Hikers typically stay in a comfortable hotel near the waterfront on the first night in Kushiro City before staying two nights in a lovely Ryokan in Kawayu Onsen for the middle two nights, before a final night in an Onsen Ryokan in Kiyosato-Town. One of the most cherished aspects of these stays is the warm hospitality of the hosts, who greet guests with genuine kindness and care. These accommodations provide not just rest, but a meaningful connection to the people and culture of the region.
Hokkaido East Trail Meals
One of the highlights of walking the Hokkaido East Trail is the opportunity to enjoy local meals. The meals that are included in this package are generally buffet or Kaiseki style. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine that emphasises seasonal ingredients, meticulous preparation, and artistic presentation. Due to the set-menu nature of these traditionally made meals, catering to specific dietary requests can be difficult, so self-managing may be necessary for those with strict dietary needs.
Hokkaido East Trail Route
Hokkaido East Trail Walking Guide
Grading: Intermediate
Hikers on the Hokkaido East Trail will follow a varied route through some of Hokkaido’s most dramatic landscapes. The journey begins with sweeping caldera views, then descends into quiet forests before transitioning onto peaceful countryside roads. The trail then leads across the steaming, sulfur-stained slopes of Mt. Io and finally opens onto the expansive shores of Lake Kussharo, where lakeside walking and natural hot springs offer a relaxing finish. The mix of volcanic terrain, serene woodlands, rural pathways, and wide-open water views creates a diverse and memorable walking experience. This walk also includes walking along rail trail and country roads, adding to the opportunity to soak up rural life in Hokkaido. Additionally, on the day that you arrive into Kushiro City there's an opportunity to explore the city self-guided.
Hokkaido East Trail Client Experience
Booking the Hokkaido East Trail through Hiking Trails Pty Ltd will give the traveler an experience that feels both effortless and deeply immersive. With detailed daily notes, maps, and all accommodations arranged in advance, they will be free to focus entirely on the journey—walking through quiet forests, and tracing the steaming, sulphur-rich slopes of Mt. Io. Each day will end in a welcoming inn or lakeside onsen, where they can unwind and watch the light fade over Lake Kussharo. The blend of dramatic landscapes, Ainu cultural history, wildlife encounters, and hot-spring relaxation will create a self-guided adventure that is both richly personal and smoothly supported.
Some dietary restrictions cannot be fully supported on this hike due to the remote nature of the trail, limited food options in rural areas, and traditional Japanese meal offerings at accommodations. Meals often consist of a spread of delicious small dishes, many of which include local and seasonal ingredients. Because not all components can be adjusted or substituted, travelers with specific dietary needs—such as severe allergies or strict vegetarian or vegan diets—may need to self-manage their meals by bringing suitable snacks or choosing carefully from the dishes provided. For most guests, however, the traditional local meals are a highlight of the experience.
To get to the start of this package you will need to fly into Kushiro Airport from Haneda Airport (Tokyo). The current flight name for this is JAL 543 and the departure time is 12.56pm local time and arriving into Kushiro Airport at 2.45pm local time.
At the conclusion of the package you will be able to fly from Memambetsu Airport to Haneda Airport (Tokyo) for onwards travel. The departure flights are ANA4778 and JAL564. These flights depart at 1.40pm local time and arrive at Haneda Airport at 3.40pm local time.
These flights have not been pre-booked for you and are your responsibility to book and manage.
The flight details above are for reference only and are subject to change by the operator.
This package includes JR Train Tickets and local train travel which will have been pre-booked and paid for for in advance. Prior to your departure we will provide you with a QR code for these ticket bookings. You will need to scan this QR code at the JR Kushiro Station to print your tickets. You will need the QR code to access these train tickets.
Day 2; JR train from Kushiro Station to Toya Station
Day 2; JR train from Kushiro Shitsugen Station to Kawayu Onsen Station
Day 4; JR train from Kawayu Onsen Station to Satsura Station
Day 5; JR train from Kiyosato Station to Abshiri Station
As many Japanese towns and stations share the same names, and as some of these travel legs connect with other transport or walking sections, it is important that you pay close attention to your personalised itinerary.
Local buses are required for some connections within this package. As local buses cannot be booked in advance, whilst we will provide details on the how and where, these have not been pre-booked for you. You will need to carry local currency for these buses.
Bus fares as at 1 December 2025;
Kushiro Airport - Kushiro City / 950JPY per person
Taiho Sumo Museum - Kawayu Onsen / 290JPY per person
Abashiri Station - Memanbetsu Airport / 1050 JPY per person (on the last day)
We can also book a private car for you from Kushiro Airport - Kushiro City for an additional fee.
Whilst the prices displayed are for twin share rooms, we can also provide pricing for single travellers and for travellers who wish to have their own rooms. These prices are higher per person as the operators charge more for single share accommodation.
New Group Discounts! Save $100 Per Person.
Yes. If you're traveling in a group of six or more, booking as a group, and staying in twin share accommodation, we'll discount your trip by $100 AUD per person.
Booking must be managed and invoiced as one group, and have identical itinerary.
This offer applies to Kumano Kodo, Shin-etsu Trail, Hokkaido East Trail, and Jeju Olle Trail self-guided walking packages only.
Walking the Hokkaido East Trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the wild beauty, rural landscapes, and local culture of eastern Hokkaido. As this region is home to diverse wildlife and rapidly changing weather conditions, walkers should come well prepared and approach the trail with care, awareness, and respect for both nature and the local community.
Before beginning your walk, we recommend reviewing route information carefully and planning appropriately for your fitness and experience level. Essential equipment includes navigation tools, wet weather gear, warm layers, and insect protection. Eastern Hokkaido is also home to wild brown bears, particularly in more remote and forested sections of the trail. Carrying a bear bell is strongly recommended, and walkers should make regular noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife. Always stay alert, follow current local advice regarding bear activity, and avoid walking quietly through dense vegetation.
The trail passes through sensitive natural environments and small rural communities, so responsible travel is an important part of the experience. Please respect local residents, stay out of private farmland, take all rubbish with you, and help preserve the trail for future walkers. A friendly greeting and considerate behaviour go a long way in maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that makes hiking in eastern Hokkaido so special.
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