If you think you’ve seen everything Japan has to offer, Walk Japan’s newest tour might make you think again.
The East Hokkaido Walk, a relaxed seven-day, six-night guided trip, takes travelers deep into Japan’s wild and beautiful northeastern edge. Few tourists reach this part of the country, but for those who do, the rewards are clear: sweeping wetlands, steaming volcanoes, ancient forests, and some of the clearest crater lakes anywhere in the world.
“Our tour is a great way to appreciate Japan’s history, geography, culture, and modern way of life,” said Paul Christie, who has led Walk Japan since 2002. “It takes us through the beautiful countryside that provides us with intimate connections with the locals and their culture.”
Scheduled in June, July, September, and October—when the weather is ideal for walking—the East Hokkaido Walk covers everything from the Ramsar-listed Kushiro Shitsugen wetlands, where rare red-crowned cranes roam, to Lake Akan-ko, famous for its floating marimo algae balls.
Travelers will also see Atosa-Nupuri, a volcanic mountain dotted with steaming vents, and the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of Japan’s last true wilderness areas. There’s also Mashu-ko, a deep, clear crater lake often said to be one of the purest bodies of water in the world.
Walk Japan keeps daily walks manageable, up to 11 kilometers a day, and wraps each evening in a stay at a cozy modern inn with onsen hot springs and meals built around local ingredients.
“If you’re joining our tour, you need to have a lot of appetite for local cuisine, be ready to immerse yourself in local culture, and most of all, be willing to build connections with other guests,” Christie pointed out.
One thing that sets Walk Japan apart is the small group size—only 12 travelers per trip. “We’ve found that this group size helps everyone connect better and makes it easier for our tour leaders to guide comfortably,” Christie explained. “With smaller groups, we can enjoy amazing inns, restaurants, sites, and experiences that bigger tours simply can’t access.”
The company’s tour leaders also bring something special to each trip. They come from a wide range of backgrounds—agriculture, media, academia, the arts—and speak both English and Japanese fluently. According to Christie, “Our tour leaders are known for their enthusiasm, friendliness, knowledge, communication skills, and professionalism. Their goal is to create memorable experiences that encourage guests to return, many of whom do, often repeatedly.”
The East Hokkaido Walk is also part of Walk Japan’s long-term work to support rural communities. Since 2007, the company’s Community Project has been helping revive two small valleys in Kyushu by providing local jobs, restoring empty properties, and maintaining parks and public spaces.
“Our Community Project is helping communities maintain their society and environment, with the long-term vision of providing a sustainable and viable future,” the Walk Japan CEO said. “We bring the same commitment to diversity and inclusiveness into our workplace as we do in our tours.”
The East Hokkaido Walk starts in Kushiro and ends at Memanbetsu Airport, with prices starting at JPY550,000 per person based on double occupancy.
For travelers ready to step off the beaten path, slow down, and see Japan in a whole new way, Walk Japan’s latest adventure offers a deeper, more meaningful experience—and memories that last long after the trip ends.
“We’re offering something that keeps communities alive, maintains traditions, and gives travelers experiences they would otherwise miss,” Christie said.
For further information on Walk Japan, its tours, and its Community Project, visit walkjapan.com.
