Michinoku Hike & E-Bike (Guided)

You can reach the starting point of Morioka from Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train) on the Hayabusa Line. Trains run approximately every hour and the journey takes approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

Meet your guide and fellow travellers at Morioka Station at 1pm. Your guide will escort the group on the local bus from Morioka to your hotel in Jodogahama Beach. The bus departs at 1.30pm and arrives into Jodogahama Beach at around 3.40pm.

Jodogahama Beach, located just outside Miyako City, is one of the most picturesque spots along the coastline. The name “Jodogahama” translates to “Pure Land Beach,” a reference to its serene beauty. The beach features a stunning white pebble shoreline, crystal-clear waters and a sheltered inlet, making it one of Japan’s top beaches and swimming destinations.

Our accommodation for the evening is in a fantastic location and offers breathtaking views. Later this afternoon, your guide will give a tour briefing to the group at the hotel providing an overview of the exciting week ahead.

Tonight we’ll feast on a delicious buffet at the accommodation, featuring a wide variety of options. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying ‘Bin Don’, a local Miyako dish. This unique dish features seasonal ingredients packed into a bottle, which are then poured over rice for a flavourful and memorable experience.

Meals: D

This morning, we’ll journey south to the scenic Omoe Peninsula, starting at the Ome Fishing Port. From there, we’ll embark on a hike, gradually climbing to the highest point of the day at about 100m from where we’ll be afforded sweeping views of the rugged coastline below. We’ll pass the serene Tanesashi Beach before venturing into a peaceful stretch of forest, eventually reaching Cape Todogasaki – the easternmost tip of Japan’s Honshu Island. Here we’ll pause to take in breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy a well-deserved lunch break as well as a visit to the iconic lighthouse.

Continuing along the trail, taking in views of the Aneyoshi Fishing Port, we’ll make our way down to the Aneyoshi Campground. From there, we’ll drive to our ryokan in Yamada, where there is some free time to unwind or explore the town. In the evening, we’ll gather at a local Ippuku restaurant for a traditional dinner where we can enjoy fresh seafood and tempura, offering a true taste of the region’s culinary delights.

Meals: B,L,D

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll take a short 10-minute drive to the Tanohama area, where we’ll rejoin the Michinoku Trail. From Tanohama, we’ll hike along the scenic Uhikorobashi Pass, also known as “the cow that falls over.” due to its unique shape. While the ascent is a bit steep, the views more than make up for it, offering a stunning 270-degree panorama of the bay from the highest point. The ascent takes us to just under 300m with a slow and steady climb which includes a number of stairs. Once we reach the top, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest before beginning our descent toward the serene Aragami Swimming Beach.

After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere at the beach, we’ll enjoy lunch at a welcoming local restaurant before visiting the Kamaishi Daikannon, a 48.5m statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy. We’ll then drive 30 minutes south to Kamaishi, where we’ll check into our charming inn for the night. The owner is a warm, welcoming host, always with a smile and eager to share the rich history and charm of the region with us. Spend some free time before dinner enjoying a rejuvenating onsen or perhaps take a stroll around the beach which is located just in front of the inn.

In the evening, we’ll indulge in a traditional kaiseki dinner at the inn, showcasing the freshest local ingredients. After dinner, you’ll have the option to hear our host share her personal story and experience of the tsunami— a heartfelt and moving narrative she tells with great care.

Meals: B,L,D

Today, we journey further south to the breathtaking Goishi Coast, with the scenic drive to our starting point at Anatoshiiso taking just under an hour. At Anatoshiiso, we’ll admire a striking rock formation with three natural holes carved by the sea’s erosion. From this viewpoint, we’ll embark on a 4km hike along a forested trail, flanked by towering pines. We’ll pass a quaint fishing port where we may spot local fishermen harvesting oysters. The trail culminates at Goishi Beach and from the Goishi beach boat port we’ll take a traditional sappa boat ride around the spectacular Goishi Cape before stopping for lunch.

After lunch, we’ll switch to e-bikes for a leisurely and scenic ride along the Michinoku Trail to our evening accommodation. En route, we’ll pass the Goishi Information Centre and a stunning 300-year-old camellia tree. Also nearby, is the Camellia Botanical Garden which showcases over 600 varieties of camellia plants from 13 different countries, as well as a variety of locally grown seasonal flowering plants

Our accommodation this evening is known for its hot springs and boasts spectacular ocean views – an ideal spot to unwind, reflect on the day and watch the sunset.

Meals: B,L,D

Today promises a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. We’ll kick off the morning with a gentle 4km bike ride around the picturesque Hirota Cape, soaking in the stunning coastal views at a relaxed pace. Enroute, we’ll pay a visit to the Fumonji Temple, a 500-year-old Soto Zen temple that includes a three-storied pagoda and a centuries-old crepe-myrtle tree.

For lunch, we’ll stop at the charming Nagahora Village where local women serve up authentic, home-cooked meals bursting with flavor and heart.
Next, we’ll embark on a relatively easy 4.5km hike through a tranquil forest trail, passing a quaint fishing port, a serene hot spring, and a quiet shrine. With only a gentle climb to a 50m elevation, it’s a leisurely walk perfect for taking in the surroundings.

After the hike, we’ll hop back on our e-bikes for a scenic 13km ride into Rikuzentakata. This route winds through lush rice fields and rugged coastline and we’ll pass the midway point of the Michinoku Coastal Trail. As we near Rikuzentakata, we’ll cycle along the seawall, arriving at the Michi-no-eki rest stop and the Tsunami Memorial Museum. This museum is well worth a visit, offering a powerful and poignant look at the region’s resilience and recovery. Alternatively, you might prefer to take a break and grab an ice cream or coffee and stock up on snacks. A short stroll behind the museum leads us to the iconic Miracle Pine, a poignant symbol of hope and resilience in the region.

We’ll then check into our hotel where spectacular views of the surrounding landscape await. Dinner will be served at the hotel and after a day full of adventure, you may wish to unwind with a soothing soak in the onsen.

Meals: B,L,D

Today, we’ll travel from Rikuzentakata into Miyagi Prefecture, starting with a short drive to the Kesennuma Welcome Centre. From there, we’ll embark on a scenic hike up Kamehameha Mountain, gaining and descending 220m, with stunning panoramic views at the summit. After taking in the vistas, we’ll make our way down to Tanakahama Beach, passing by Oshima Shrine on the descent; a beautifully decorated Shinto site that serves as a guardian for the mountain.

At the beach, we’ll switch gears and cycle for 4km along the road, passing stunning coastline before rejoining the hiking trail and hiking to the Tatsunaizaki Lookout. We’ll then get back our bikes and cycle along the peninsula to the Welcome Centre, a perfect spot to take a break and indulge in some ice cream while soaking in the surroundings. After our break, we’ll cycle back at a leisurely pace to our accommodation where you’ll have time to relax and freshen up for our final evening in Kesennuma. In Kesennuma, you’ll have a number of options for exploration. You may wish to take a peaceful stroll along the pier to watch the fishing boats, visit the Shark Museum and quirky gift shop, or stop by the local brewery for a pre-dinner drink.

The evening culminates in a truly unforgettable experience; a multi-course dinner paired with locally brewed sake, offering a deep dive into the region’s culinary delights. After dinner, if time permits you may wish to take a relaxing stroll before we return to our accommodation.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to our guide and take a taxi transfer to Kesennuma station and take a train to Sendai via Ichinoseki. From Sendai, the Hayabusa Line is the best option heading south to Tokyo – a journey of ~2 hours and 15 minutes.

Alternatively, you may like to explore the coastline further or perhaps spend some time in the Sendai area. Please enquire if this is your preference 

Meals: B

• 7-day fully guided walk with our expert local bilingual guide
• Highway bus transfer from Morioka to Jodogahama Beach accompanied by your guide
• Support vehicle/driver and luggage transfers (from Days 2 to 6)
• 6 nights accommodation
• Daily meals (as listed in the itinerary)
• Private vehicle transfers to and/or from start and end points on the trail (as listed in itinerary)
• E-bike hire and helmets
• Insightful talk with a Tohoku local where we’ll learn stories of the tsunami
• Traditional sappa boat ride along the Goishi Cape
• Michinoku Coastal Trail Hiking Passport
• RAW Travel’s exclusive interactive app which includes your itinerary details
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker

• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than water at meals
• Train tickets to/from the start/end point of the walk
• Expenses of a personal nature