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.