In October 2024, three national parks and 14 cities, towns and villages located in eastern Hokkaido joined forces to open the long-distance trail known as the “Hokkaido East Trail,” with a total length of approximately 410 km. This trail was developed with the aim of promoting Japan’s national parks to the world under the concept of “NATIONAL PARK,” and was designed with long-term stays in mind, that allow travelers to walk at a leisurely pace while taking time to fully experience the surrounding nature. By walking the trail through its designated route, visitors can gain a deep understanding of nature, culture, and the local ways of life.
The Hokkaido East Trail connects five distinctive areas, including the seas of the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site, the vast farmland spreading at the foot of Mount Shari, one of Japan’s largest calderas, the dairy-farming region of the Kushiro River basin, and Japan’s largest wetland. By walking the trail, visitors can closely experience human livelihoods, the natural environment, and changes in the topography, making it a major attraction that can be enjoyed in ways that suit each person’s pace and interests.
There are some people who choose to walk the entire trail, while others select and walk only certain sections. Because the route brings together the very best of eastern Hokkaido, even a short walk allows visitors to fully experience the area’s unique character, nature, and encounters with local people. It is precisely because you move at a walking pace that you can discover landscapes that might otherwise go unnoticed, and feel a closer connection with the local people, an experience unique to this trail.
In this article, we focus on the area around Kiyosato Town, which lies at the foot of Mount Shari, and introduce some easy-to-walk sections on the Hokkaido East Trail, recommended stopover spots, and ways to enjoy experiences unique to Kiyosato Town. This article is intended to be a helpful reference for those who are thinking about walking the trail, as well as for first-time visitors to eastern Hokkaido who are new to the area.
Enjoying Trail Walking in Kiyosato Town by Public Transportation
The JR Senmō Main Line passes through Kiyosato Town, with three stations: Midori Station, Sattsuru Station, and Kiyosato Station. Within the Hokkaido East Trail, this area is especially easy to access by public transportation, making it a recommended option for those who are uneasy about traveling by car or who want to try the trail casually and with ease.
In particular, the section from Sattsuru Station to Kiyosato Station follows a farmland route where walkers can enjoy a head-on view of the majestic Mount Shari as they go. The wide open farmland and the vast open sky convey an expansive sense of scale that truly is a distinct characteristic of eastern Hokkaido. By walking this section, you can closely sense the seasonal changes in crops and the presence of agricultural work, an appeal unique to this part of the trail.
Stopover Spots to Visit in Kiyosato Town Along the Way
There is a soba restaurant along the trail that is also popular with local residents, making it easy to stop by and take a break while walking. Enjoying a bowl of soba after walking through the farmland is sure to be one of the highlights of your journey.
Furthermore, there is a farm called Berry no Mori Kobo, where visitors can enjoy berry picking, and in 2025 a new café named “En (Destiny)” opened on the property. It is an ideal spot to take a break along the trail, where you can enjoy drinks and sweets made with berries harvested on the farm. Taking a moment to relax in nature and sharing casual conversations with local people can make your travel memories even more meaningful.
Enjoying Experiences Around Kiyosato Town Other Than the Trail
In the area around Kiyosato Town, visitors can enjoy a wide range of things. Not only walking the trails, but also experiencing agriculture, savoring meals made with local ingredients, and taking leisurely strolls while admiring the views of Mount Shari. Even with a short-term stay, one of this region’s greatest attractions is the opportunity to experience the unique nature and way of life of eastern Hokkaido.
The Hokkaido East Trail is not solely about the purpose of walking long distances.
By starting to walk on your journey in accessible places like Kiyosato Town, where the landscape and local way of life can be felt up close, you can experience the true essence of the trail in a relaxed and natural way.
Before Walking the Hokkaido East Trail
While the area around Kiyosato Town is blessed with a rich natural environment, it is also home to brown bears. It is important to take adequate precautions, such as carrying bear bells and traveling in groups. Furthermore, since many routes pass through agricultural areas, be sure not to enter fields without permission and remember to be considerate of the lives of the local farmers.
Additionally, to protect against ticks, bees, and horseflies, it is essential to wear long sleeves and long pants and to be fully equipped with insect repellent. Checking maps and routes in advance and making a realistic plan with thorough preparation will lead to a safe and comfortable trail experience. Detailed information can be found on the official website.
For those who are Interested
In the eastern Hokkaido area, including Kiyosato Town, there is much more to enjoy beyond the Hokkaido East Trail. Attractions such as breathtaking natural landscapes seen from observation decks, the culinary appeal of fresh agricultural and seafood products, and a wide variety of seasonal experiences. By engaging with the local culture and way of life alongside the trail experience, your journey becomes all the more enriching.
Whether you’d like to walk manageable sections while using public transportation, or enjoy a trip that combines trail walking with local experiences, we can arrange various ways to spend your time according to your preferences. If you are interested, please feel free to contact Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company. Our specialist staff will propose a Hokkaido East Trail journey including the area around Kiyosato Town, completely tailored to your needs.
