Japan Unveils Hitachinokuni Long Trail: The Country’s Longest Hiking Route Spanning 350 km

A New Milestone in Japanese Hiking: The Hitachinokuni Long Trail

According to УНІАН — Туризм: The Hitachinokuni Long Trail, stretching 350 kilometers, has officially opened in Japan. This extensive hiking path weaves through six municipalities in Ibaraki Prefecture, located just northeast of Tokyo. The trail’s inauguration took place in Hitachi-Omiya city following the completion of its final 75-kilometer segment. Since 2019, the local government, together with the Hitachi Province Trail Club, has worked to establish this 350 km loop, now recognized as the longest circular hiking route in Japan.

Trail Highlights and Accessibility

The route is divided into five sections and showcases the traditional satoyama rural landscapes cherished in Japan. It passes through the cities of Kitaibaraki, Takahagi, Hitachi, Hitachiota, Hitachi-Omiya, and Daigo. Visitors can reach the trailhead conveniently within roughly 90 minutes from Tokyo by train, car, or express bus, making it accessible for day trips or extended hikes.

Supporting the trail’s promotion is Yohei Tanaka, a professional extreme racer who serves as an ambassador, actively encouraging the region’s tourism infrastructure development.

In a related transport development, a new direct train service has been launched between Malmö, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway. Operated by Snälltåget, this scenic route along Sweden’s west coast takes 6.5 hours without transfers, stopping at Varberg and Gothenburg. Tickets start at just £11 one-way, and since its summer debut, the service has welcomed over 25,000 passengers.

Kazuhiko Oigawa, a local government representative, remarked: "Our goal is to offer tours that allow visitors to fully experience the region’s stunning nature, rich culture, and history, while attracting more people to northern Ibaraki."

The launch of the Hitachinokuni Long Trail is expected to significantly boost tourism in Ibaraki Prefecture by drawing both locals and travelers to explore this scenic area. Meanwhile, the new Scandinavian rail link highlights a growing enthusiasm for regional travel in Europe, offering a model for enhancing cross-border tourism and transportation connectivity worldwide.