Michinoku Coastal Trail - Northern Section (Self Guided)

The easiest way to reach Hachinohe is by bullet train from Tokyo on the Hayabusa Line (for Shin-Aomori). Trains run approximately every hour. Expect a journey of just under 3 hours. Upon arrival at Hachinohe station, transfer to the local Hachinohe Line, which will take you to Hon-Hachinohe station.

Your accommodation is conveniently situated downtown, which is a great starting point for immersing yourself in the local culture and history. You may like to visit the nearby Hachinohe Portal Museum, where exhibits showcase the area’s rich heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Hachinohe Art Museum, though please note that most displays are in Japanese (a translation app will come in handy).

This evening you may like to treat yourself to an authentic dining experience at one of Hachinohe’s traditional Izakaya eateries. Wander through the quaint old side alleys, where hidden culinary gems await. Indulge in local delicacies and savour the unique ambiance of these time-honoured establishments.

With less than 2% of international travellers exploring Tohoku, you’ll find yourself immersed in a genuine cultural experience. While English may not be widely spoken, this adds to your journey as you connect with locals and uncover the true essence of this enchanting destination. 

From its rich history to its culinary delights and vibrant culture, Hachinohe offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern allure.

Meals: n/a

Today’s walk begins with an easy journey from Hon-Hachinohe to Same (pronounced Sah-meh) station. From there, a short stroll will lead you to the Sanriku Fukku National Park and the Kabushima Shrine, marking the northernmost point of the Tanesashi Coast and the official start (or end) point of the Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Hachinohe, renowned as a vital industrial fishing port, has a long-standing tradition of locals visiting the Kabushima Shrine to seek blessings for prosperity in their businesses and fishing endeavours. The area surrounding the shrine serves as a habitat for black-tailed gulls from late February to August.

After exploring the shrine, a brief walk alongside the road leads to the Ashigezaki Viewpoint. This vantage point, once an observation post during WWII, offers stunning views along the coastline. You may also like to indulge in some of the region’s finest ice cream at the nearby café. This section of the trail showcases wildflowers from spring to autumn, adding to its picturesque scenery.

Continuing south, you’ll soon reach Osuka Beach, offering a refreshing opportunity for a dip, weather permitting. You’ll pass by some fishing huts before entering the Yodo Pine Grove, characterised by majestic black pines, some dating back over a century. The grove also features the Shira-Iwa or ‘White rock,’ a nesting spot for Japanese cormorants.

Emerging from the pine grove, you’ll reach the Tanesashi Coast Natural Lawn, once a grazing ground for horses until the mid-50s. This is a great spot to take a break and savour the panoramic ocean views. You may like to grab some lunch from the café adjacent to the Tanesashi-Kaigan Information Centre. The Centre, which is also worth a visit, offers insights into the unique ecosystem along this coastline.

After taking in the surroundings, return to Hachinohe by train from Tanesashi.

Options for enhancement

Option 1: If your arrangements commence on a Saturday, we recommend taking the opportunity to explore the Tatehana Wharf Sunday Market before starting your walk today. This bustling market features around 300 stalls offering an array of delectable treats including tasty meat skewers, dumplings, fresh fruit, bakery items, and coffee. It’s also ideal to stock up on provisions for the day’s hike. 

Option 2: For those seeking an extended walk, you can continue onward for another 2.3km to Okuki Station, approximately a half-hour stroll. Be mindful of the train schedule back to Hon-Hachinohe as services aren’t frequent.

Meals: n/a

After breakfast, your journey continues with a 30-minute transfer southward, bypassing some lengthier road sections, as you re-enter the trail in Iwate Prefecture. Today marks the beginning of a more rugged coastline, characterised by elevated terrain and breathtaking vistas.

Your hike will lead you through a stretch of forest before arriving at the Samurai-ishi rock slabs, an ideal spot to pause and take in the scenery. Continuing southward along the trail, you’ll be treated to spectacular views until you reach the Kita-Samuraihama Campground, a perfect lunch stop.

Resume your hike towards the Yokonuma Viewpoint, offering picturesque panoramas of the coastline. You’ll then traverse through a valley, catching glimpses of the sea before ascending into a forested area with towering red pines. Crossing a stream, you’ll soon encounter a little fishing port before ascending once more into the lush forest.

The trail brings you to the Itsukushima Shrine, a sacred site (the head shrine of which is located on Miyajima Island near Hiroshima). Take your time to explore before continuing along the road and outskirts leading into Kuji, where you’ll find the Moguranpia Aquarium. From here, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation for the evening.

Relax and soak in the onsen before enjoying a dinner at your accommodation, culminating a day of exploration along the captivating coastline.

Meals: B, D

Following breakfast, a short transfer will take you to Noda Station, from where you’ll take a train to Fudai and begin your hike. Some parts of the walk will take you along the road as you depart from this quiet, small town. Fudai has a remarkable history, evident as you pass by the school and the impressive 15.5m seawall, dubbed the ‘Miracle Floodgate’. This seawall played a pivotal role in protecting the town and its community from the devastating 2011 tsunami, as indicated by markings on the wall showing the height of the water at its peak. Continuing along the road, you’ll pass through several tunnels, while also enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

You might consider stopping at a small fishing port for a leisurely lunch before continuing along the coast and taking in the views. Soon after leaving the fishing pot, you’ll arrive at the Nedari Nature Trail, a picturesque path offering views akin to an open aquarium on clear, calm days. This spot is perfect for slowing down and immersing yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you. Following a short tunnel through the cliff, there is a steep stair climb to reach the Kurasaki-so Observation Point, where you’ll also find your accommodation for the evening.

Meals: B, D

This morning your journey begins with a transfer to the Kitayamazaki Lookout. We highly recommend visiting the Visitor Centre and exploring each of the lookout points to take in the breathtaking panoramic views along the 200m-high sea cliffs spanning 8km of coastline. 

Depending on the season, you might also consider taking a walk along the Nature Trail Loop before setting off on the Michinoku Trail. This area is renowned for its white rhododendrons, typically in bloom around June, and is designated as a prefectural natural monument.

Today’s adventure takes you north on the trail, leading you back to the Kurasaki-so Viewpoint. After descending into the forest from Kitayamazaki Lookout, you’ll encounter a steep ascent of approximately 120m. From this vantage point, it’s a great hike along the coast, navigating undulating terrain. Be prepared for a final, short, steep ascent to reach the Kurasaki-so Observation Point and your accommodation.

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, your journey commences with a transfer to the Kitayamazaki Lookout, and the beginning of today’s challenging hike. While the distance covered may not be extensive, the ascents and descents over the next few kilometres will prove to be a challenge and slow you down. However, the rewards will be well worth the effort, as you’ll be treated to incredible views and stunning scenery along the way. Adequate training for this trail is crucial, especially today, as it is considered the most demanding day of the entire trail.

The hike begins with a stair descent to the beach before heading inland to navigate through the forest. As you progress, you’ll encounter a series of stairs to ascend out of the valley, followed by a winding trail along the cliff-top. Further along, a shorter descent leads to another stretch of valley before another climb, followed by a descent down log stairs. Afterward, you’ll hike up and around the next ridgeline, before arriving at Tsukue Beach.

Continuing along, the trail will lead you across a series of beaches and through several tunnels. These hand-carved tunnels, though only a few hundred meters in length, are pitch dark, requiring a head torch for navigation. To reach one of the tunnels, you’ll need to walk around a large rock. On the rare occasion that the tide is too high, you’ll need to descend a ladder, which is a few metres high and is affixed to the rock. There’s a short stretch of easy rock-hopping before the last tunnel. You’ll then ascend from the beach, which includes two short, affixed ladders and a series of log stairs. 

Returning into the forest, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views along the coast until reaching the fisherman’s huts at Tsukue-hama Beach. Following a well-deserved break, you’ll walk briefly alongside the road before returning to the trail and ascending log steps. You’ll enjoy beautiful views overlooking Tsukue-hama Beach before continuing onward to Aketo Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Rikuchu Bentenzaki Lighthouse, offering panoramic views to the north and south.

The trail rejoins the sea road and you’ll soon arrive at the Aketo Seawall Monument. It’s just a short distance further on to your accommodation. After checking in, take the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate with a well-deserved soak in the soothing onsen overlooking the ocean.

Meals: B, L, D

Following a hearty buffet breakfast you’ll embark on a short transfer further south along the coast, bypassing some longer road stretches of the trail, until you reach the Shiofuki-ana Blowhole. This picturesque viewpoint offers a wonderful spectacle, where, if luck is on your side, you may witness the blowhole in action. Nestled beneath the blowhole is a sea cave, and when the waves are strong, water is propelled through the blowhole, reaching heights of up to 30m. Designated as a national natural monument, the blowhole is best experienced with a northeast wind and rough waves. From this vantage point, you’ll also see Hideshima Island, another designated natural monument, known as the largest habitat for the endangered Madeiran storm petrel.

After soaking in the scenery, begin your hike which offers several ascents and descents with even more stunning vistas to admire. The trail meanders inland, crossing a stream and ascending out of the valley. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular trees, including pine, fir, maple, Japanese magnolias, and a giant bamboo grove, making for a truly enchanting hike until you reach the Takonohama Fishing Port. The final leg of the journey weaves along the cliffs and through a couple of tunnels, leading you to the picturesque Jodogahama Beach.

You may consider stopping at the resthouse near Jodogahama Beach for a leisurely lunch before further exploration. A little further along you’ll find the Jodogahama Visitor Centre offering additional insights into the area. If the weather is warm, you can enjoy a swim in the gorgeous, clear water. Alternatively, indulge in a relaxing soak in the onsen at your accommodation, allowing your tired legs to rejuvenate after a wonderful and often challenging hike.

Meals: B, D

After enjoying breakfast there is an option to take a bus transfer to the city of Morioka, located approximately 1.5 hours inland from the coast. From Morioka, you can take a bullet train to Tokyo. The Hayabusa Line is the best choice, this time heading south to Tokyo, which will take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Alternatively, if you wish to extend your stay in Jodogahama to unwind or explore more of the area, you have the option to do so. Please enquire at the time of booking, if this is your preference.

Meals: B

• 7-nights’ accommodation
• Daily meals (as listed in the itinerary)
• Transfers indicated in itinerary on days 3 to 7
• Luggage transfers (from days 3 to 7)
• RAW Travel’s exclusive interactive navigation app
• Pre-departure orientation with our local representative
• Local and Australian emergency contacts
• Carbon offset for your trip and native tree planted for every walker

• Flights 
• Travel insurance
• Drinks other than water at meals 
• Train tickets
• Single supplement
• Expenses of a personal nature