Hato was born in Minamiawaji on May 4, 1976. After graduating from Takigawa Daini High School, he joined J1 League club Yokohama Flügels with teammate Takayuki Yoshida in 1995. He played as mainly right midfielder and his opportunities to play gradually increased from 1997. In 1998, the club won the Emperor's Cup. However the club was disbanded end of 1998 season due to financial strain, he moved to Yokohama F. Marinos. He played as mainly right side-back and also center back. The club won the champions 2001 J.League Cup and 2003 J1 League. He moved to Kashiwa Reysol in April 2004. However the club was relegated to J2 League in 2005 and he moved to Omiya Ardija in 2006. He returned to Yokohama F. Marinos in 2010. He retired end of 2011 season.