Michinoku Coastal Trail Self-Guided Walk

Make your way to Hachinohe, located in Japan’s Aomori Prefecture on the northeast coast of Honshu. This charming city blends modern culture with rustic appeal and serves as the starting point for your journey along the Michinoku Coastal Trail. You’ll have time to explore the city centre, visit local temples or sample fresh seafood before the walk begins. Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Meals:  Nil

Today you begin your walk to Kabushima Shrine, perched dramatically at the edge of the sea and home to a colony of black-tailed gulls during spring and summer. From here, follow the well-marked trail through alpine meadows, grassy headlands and windswept coastal paths to the Tanesashi Coast. Along the way, enjoy expansive sea views and the tranquil beauty of Japan’s northeast shoreline. Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) or Japanese-style hotel Walking Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi Walking Time: 3.5–4 hours Elevation Gain: 107 m / 351 ft ascent; 90 m / 295 ft descent

Meals:  B,D

Begin your day with a transfer to the trailhead near Nakano, where the path leads you through quiet forested terrain and along rugged coastal trails. Today’s highlights include views of the Pacific Ocean and Samurai Rock — a large stone named after a travelling Edo-period samurai. You’ll also pass a naturally formed saltwater pool used by locals in summer. After finishing today’s walk, you will stay overnight at a hotel in the city of Kuji. Accommodation: Western-style hotel Walking Distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 mi Walking Time: 4–5 hours Elevation Gain: 395 m / 1,296 ft ascent; 315 m / 1,033 ft descent

Meals:  B

Spend the morning exploring the quiet village of Fudai. Known for its unique floodgate and seawall that protected the village during the 2011 tsunami, Fudai retains its welcoming charm and offers a glimpse into local life. Afterwards, enjoy a short walk along the coast to Kurosaki with an optional longer section for those seeking more trail time. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange a private viewing of the traditional kagura dance unique to the region (additional cost applies). Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) or Japanese-style hotel in Fudai Walking Distance: 1.9 km / 1.2 mi (optional 6.4 km / 4 mi) Walking Time: 1 hour (up to 3 hours with extension) Elevation Gain: 191 m / 627 ft ascent; 56 m / 184 ft descent

Meals:  B,D

Start your walk at Kurosaki Viewpoint and trace a forested trail along the dramatic Sanriku coastline. Today’s section features mossy woodland, sea stacks and some of the most striking viewpoints of the entire trail. Descend to the Kitayamazaki Observatory, where sheer cliffs and panoramic ocean views provide a memorable finish. Peruse the shops and cafes at Kitayamazaki before taking a taxi to your accommodation for the evening. Two shortcut options are available for those who prefer a shorter walk. Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel Walking Distance: 9.6 km / 6.0 mi Walking Time: 4–5 hours Elevation Gain: 324 m / 1,063 ft ascent; 341 m / 1,119 ft descent Optional Shortcuts: Shortcut 1: 6.9 km / 4.3 mi (145 m / 476 ft ascent; 153 m / 502 ft descent) Shortcut 2: 9.2 km / 5.7 mi (233 m / 764 ft ascent; 240 m / 787 ft descent)

Meals:  B,D

Your final walk is a rewarding one, covering diverse terrain through coastal forest, quiet hamlets, and fishing coves. The route ends at Jodogahama, or “Pure Land Beach” — named for its pristine blue waters and smooth rock formations. It’s a striking finish to your Michinoku journey. A shorter walking option is available using a local bus. Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel (Jodogahama or Miyako) Walking Distance: 13.3 km / 8.3 mi Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours Elevation Gain: 581 m / 1,906 ft ascent; 630 m / 2,067 ft descent Optional Shorter Version: 5.3 km / 3.3 mi (~2 hrs) with local bus

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, transfer inland to Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture and a well-connected city ideal for onward travel. If you have time, stroll through Iwate Park, visit historic ruins or relax in one of Morioka’s welcoming cafés before continuing your journey.

Meals:  B