Hike Tōhoku’s Michinoku Coastal Trail and travel to the breathtaking Kitayamazaki Coast, where cliffs over 200 metres high stretch up over the ocean.
Hike Tōhoku’s Michinoku Coastal Trail and travel to the breathtaking Kitayamazaki Coast, where cliffs over 200 metres high stretch up over the ocean.
A place of profound natural beauty, the Michinoku Coastal Trail is Japan’s newest long trail, situated in eastern Tōhoku and stretching over 1,000 km in total. A major focus of this tour is the revitalisation of communities that were devastated by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
The Sanriku Coast (nicknamed ‘the Alps of the Sea’) is a dramatic coastline running from southern Aomori prefecture to Miyagi prefecture. We’ve curated the best parts of this trail, allowing you to walk through the most memorable areas, before continuing onto the next section via train, bus, and taxi.
With our fureai experiences, you’ll be able to meet and connect with locals while getting more insight into the way of life along the Sanriku Coast.
Starting in the town of Hachinohe, you will travel south over sandy beaches, forested trails, and coastal paved roads, while staying in a delightful mixture of cosy guest houses run by locals and local hotels, enjoying the freshest varieties of seafood along the way. Particularly recommended is the uni sea urchin, which is a regional speciality.
The northern trailhead of the Michinoku is Kabushima Shrine, famous as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls. It’s the first of many commanding views over the Pacific Ocean that you will enjoy during your journey.
A highlight of our 7-day self-guided walking tour is a day spent walking to Cape Kitayamazaki, a coastline of cliffs and jagged rocks that reach up to 200 metres high. With three observation decks, as well as a descent that allows you to take in the majesty of the cliffs from below, there is no shortage of splendour here.
Other highlights include the Samuraiishi (Samurai Rock), which offers a panoramic view over the coastline, and Jōdogahama Beach, a magnificent, tranquil beach of white stones, blue water, and green pines, whose name means ‘paradise’.
Why not start planning your trip? See below for the full itinerary.
Please note that this tour heavily features seafood due to the culture and cuisine of the region. As a result, we may be unable to accommodate diets that exclude fish and seafood.
![]() | 6 nights at accommodations along the Michinoku Coastal Trail |
![]() | 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners |
![]() | Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions |
![]() | Topographical maps |
![]() | Local support by telephone |
![]() | Daily luggage transfer between Hachinohe and Miyako |
![]() | Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks |
![]() | Flights |
![]() | Airport transfers |
![]() | Drinks and meals not included in itinerary |
![]() | Local journeys which must be paid directly on the day |
![]() | Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy |
![]() | Transportation to your starting point in Hachinohe and onwards from Morioka City at the end of your trip |
Tour itineraries are subject to change. We will inform you of any amendments as soon as we become aware of them.