In October of 2024, three National Parks in the eastern region of Hokkaido, as well as fourteen towns and villages got together and opened a Long Trail with a total length of about 410 kilometers. It has been named, “The Hokkaido East Trail.” One of the goals of the project was an attempt to brand name Japan’s National Park on a world level as a “NATIONAL PARK.” The Ministry of the Environment decided on a trail for people who want to stay long-term while taking their time to fully experience the National Park’s nature on a trail aimed at providing completeness.
The course gives people the opportunity to walk, have fun and come into contact with people, nature, culture and the topography of 5 distinct areas including; the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site’s “ocean,” the magnificent “field cropping area” that spreads out at the foot of Mt. Shari, Japan’s largest “caldera,” the “dairy farming area” that spreads across the mountain surface of the Kushiro River Basin, and Japan’s largest “wetlands.”
The way people enjoy the trail is different for each person. There are some people who walk the entire trail, while others walk only a very small fraction of the course. It’s a route condensed with the attractiveness of eastern Hokkaido, so even if you just walk part of the course you can still enjoy and come into contact with the people and nature of the land. The speed of walking through the area allows you feel the changes in topography and connect with the local residents.
In this article, we will talk about recommended places, sites and things to do when actually walking the Hokkaido East Trail around the vicinity of Kiyosato Town, from lakes, mountains, enjoying field farming, accommodation facilities, and other experiences you can have around the area as well.
Table of Contents：
1. Kiyosato Town: A Town with Mt. Shari and Beautiful Agricultural Scenery
– Our Recommended Route ① Uramashu Kaminoko Pond Primeval Forest Course
– Our Recommended Route ② Hoshi Kaze no Oka
2. Mingle with the Local People: Berry-no-Mori Kobo
3. Accommodation Facilities: Ryokuseisou・Lodge Fuukeiga
4. Before Walking the Hokkaido East Trail
5. Are you interested? Please contact us for enquiries!
Kiyosato Town: A Town with Mt. Shari and Beautiful Agricultural Scenery
First, introducing an overview about Kiyosato Town.
Kiyosato Town is home to a population of 3,700 people, located at the foot of Mt. Shari, which is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. The nearest airport to Kiyosato Town is Memanbetsu Airport, about an hour and a half drive away. It takes about 2 hours by car to Kiyosato Town at the shortest distance of 120 kilometers from Kushiro City, which is where the starting point of the Hokkaido East Trail is.
Along with “The Shari River,” one of Japan’s most clear streams, comes fertile soil, suitable for the field farming countryside with its main crops including wheat, sugar beets and potatoes. Furthermore, the town makes distinct local specialties using the agricultural produce. Some which include, using the original method that was first used in Japan to make “Shochu,” Japanese alcohol made from potatoes, as well as distinct noodles that are developed by using the wheat of the local region.
Many people move into the town for the quiet and beautiful scenery of Mt. Shari, agricultural landscapes, and charming townscapes. You too will surely be delighted with the town.
Our Recommended Route ① Uramashu Kaminoko Pond Primeval Forest Course
The first Hokkaido East Trail route we would like to recommend is located in Kiyosato Town and has 2 famous sightseeing spots linked together by the Primeval Forest Course. The 2 famous spots are “Lake Mashu,” a triumphant caldera lake with a high world ranking for its transparent waters, and the “Kaminoko Pond,” which was created by the underground water from Lake Mashu.
The starting point’s Uramashu Observation Deck is located northeast of Lake Mashu at an elevation of 585 meters high. There are 3 observation decks at Lake Mashu, the 1st Mashu Observatory, the 3rd Mashu Observatory and the Uramashu (Back Mashu) Observatory. Mt. Mashu is called, Kamuinupuri “Mountain of God,”which can be seen well from the westside. Lake Mashu faces the westside of the mountain, which makes the eastside the backside of the mountain, giving the observatory its name, Uramashu (Back Mashu) Observatory.
Compared to other observatories, there are few people who visit, which is why we recommend it to people who want to quietly enjoy the scenery of Lake Mashu.
The Primeval Forest Course starts from a gate located aside the souvenir shops around the observatory deck.
Begin walking on a path through the forest on a gentle slope surrounded by a mix of needle and leafed trees. This course is also recommended for beginner hikers as there aren’t too many ups and downs, and the path is properly maintained. Since you are walking through a mountain forest, you may even be able to see some wild animals on the way such as deer, squirrels, birds and more.
Here and there, you can see moss, fern, mushrooms and more. Bringing forth the feeling of fertile grounds.
At the end point is Kaminoko Pond, a magical pond colored in cobalt blue. The legend says that the Kaminoko Pond is made from the underground water of Lake Mashu. In the Ainu language, Lake Mashu is called, “Kamui-to (God’s Lake).” The depth of the water is 5 meters deep and because of its remarkable transparency, you can see clearly all the way to the bottom. You can also observe fish swimming in the pond.
Because of the low water temperature, fallen trees that have submerged to the bottom of the pond do not decay, which composes the element of its mystical scenery.
Our Recommended Route ② Hoshi Kaze no Oka
The Hoshi Kaze no Oka course is a place that the town formerly used as a ranch. You can walk down a gently sloping hill on a well-maintained path through the meadows of the original grasslands of the ranch. You can also comfortably enjoy the landscape on benches that have been installed in a place where you can see sweeping views of Mt. Shari, the Shiretoko mountain range and scenery of the agricultural community.
A recommended place on the trail is a tree that looks like the shape of a heart depending on the angle you look at it. The shape of the tree was created naturally by chance due to the wind effect and its growth. Do you think you would be able to spot it?
Furthermore, there is a specialized guided tour arrangement where you can walk with snowshoes during the winter season on Hoshi Kaze no Oka. This is recommended for people who would like to play freely in the snow or have an entire quiet snow landscape all to themselves.
Mingle with the Local People: Berry-no-Mori Kobo
Berry-no-Mori Kobo is an isolated field cropland where you can eat and drink, purchase processed goods, and experience harvesting blueberries and grapes on the field.
Inside the farm there are over 1,000 berry trees planted, including more than 25 different types. You can enjoy tasting the various different types of berries during a season that lasts quite long.
The most recommended season for visiting is from June to August. You can enjoy a wide variety of blueberry, haskap and grape picking.
Furthermore, inside the farm there is a café where you can enjoy refreshments such as fresh berry juice, gelato, croissants, taiyaki, muffins and more. The fresh juice is made with berries harvested from the field and put right into the blender without being diluted with water, so you can enjoy a remarkably rich flavored berry juice, a popular item among visitors.
A married couple that lives in Kiyosato Town manages the blueberry farm and their openhearted character is one of the attractive characteristics that makes this place special. There are tables and chairs outside and a prefabricated hut where you can take a rest while interacting with the local people.
Business Season: June ～ October (※ The business season may differ depending on the cultivation condition of the berries)
Business Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Accommodation Facilities: Ryokuseisou・Lodge Fuukeiga
The recommended accommodation facilities in this area are, “Ryokuseisou” and “Lodge Fuukeiga.”
“Ryokuseisou” is a hotel with a total of 48 rooms. 31 Western-style rooms, 6 Japanese/Western-style rooms and 11 Japanese-style rooms. It also has a large bathing facility, restaurant and banquet hall. The large bathing facility is also used by the local people as the water source comes from 100% hot spring water. Whether on business or sightseeing, the location is suitable when traveling through eastern Hokkaido.
Furthermore, the “Lodge Fuukeiga” is an Inn-style guesthouse with an owner who also manages mountain and fishing guides.
Built on top of a hill with views of Mt. Shari, the Shiretoko mountain range and the drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk, the scenery that you can see from the window is definitely like a “Fuukeiga,” which means “landscape painting.” Spending time with the talkative owner, and food made with local products is also what makes the place attractive.
Before Walking the Hokkaido East Trail
Eastern Hokkaido has a distinct characteristic as being a severe natural environment. There is a risk of encountering wild animals as well as sudden changes in weather. Furthermore, there are also various kinds of industries operating such as field and dairy farms, so it’s essential to be considerate of the local people’s livelihood.
Make sure to gather enough information beforehand, make a solid plan and do not neglect any necessary preparation.
You can check the site below for information on details. (Currently, there is only a Japanese site. Hereafter, there will be a corresponding English version as well.)
Are you interested? Please contact us for enquiries!
What did you think?
This article talked about the Hokkaido East Trail that just opened in 2024, and wonderful locations in the vicinity of Kiyosato Town. In addition, Kiyosato Town is a place where you can make deep connections with local farming families through an experience harvesting vegetables. As well as mountain climbing on Mt. Shari, a beautiful cone shaped volcano with an elevation of 1,547 meters. There are so many attractive activities and things to experience.
Furthermore, the eastside area of Hokkaido is not only limited to trails, there are also delicious seafood shops, beautiful natural landscapes you can see from observation decks, as well as many activities worth doing and spots worth visiting. Please feel free to contact Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company if there are any places you are interested in. Specialist consultants will create a customized tour including your requests. You can enjoy a stress-free trip as you will be accompanied by a specialist driver and guide throughout your tour.
