About As(About East Tokachi Long Trail)

 Toyokoro and Urahoro towns, located in central-eastern Hokkaido, have a lot of unique natural assets as well as important cultural and historical sites. East Tokachi Long Trail promotes experience-based tours by means of courses which connect these attractive sites. We operate 5 tours annually following the 3 core courses: Forest, Coast and Bird.

 The Forest Course offers a nice walk through woods while studying local history and geology at the remains of Urahoro Coal Mine, which operated from 1919 to 1954, and the K-Pg boundary, the geological evidence of the mass extinction of dinosaurs about 66 million years ago. You can also enjoy wild edible plants in spring, colored leaves in fall, and a hot spring on this route!

 The Coastal Course provides a wonderful experience for plant lovers and birders. The course covers the river terrace from Kobukariishi Lookout to Tokachibuto, primeval flower gardens, and the brackish coastal lakes of Yudonuma, Lake Chobushi and Oikamanaito.

 The Bird Course specializes in endangered migratory birds along the Tokachi River. Aleutian Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) and Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) can be spotted, as well as Japan's natural treasures: White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonesis), Bean Goose (Anser fabalis), and White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons).

Tour 1, 4th Saturday in May: Geo-tour ＆ Wild Edible Plants Tour along the Forest Course includes the K-Pg boundary and Rushin Hot Spring.

Tour 2, Last Saturday in June: Flower Garden Footpaths ＆ Cycling along the Coastal Course includes Toyokita Natural Flower Garden, Kobukariishi Lookout, Yudonuma, Lake Chobushi and Oikamanaito.

Tour 3, 3rd Saturday in October: Urahoro Coal Mine ＆ Autumn Leaves Tour along the Forest Course includes the ruins of Urahoro Coal Mine and Rushin Hot Spring.

Tour 4, 3rd Saturday in November: Encounter with 5 Natural Treasures along the Bird Course includes the Tokachi River basin, Urahoro, and Toyokoro.

Tour 5, 4th Saturday in March: Spring Birdwatching, Spotting 5 Natural Treasures along the Bird Course includes the Tokachi River basin.