Kitayamazaki View Point on the Michinoku Coastal Trail

Tanesashi coastline

Michinoku Coastal Trail coastal scenery

Fudai cuisine on the Michinoku Coastal Trail

Michinoku coastal pathway in Fudai

Michinoku beach along the trail to Jodogahama

Michinoku Coastal Trail scenery

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Michinoku Coastal Trail Self-Guided Hike

Discover Japan’s untamed northeast coast on a self-guided walk with full logistical support throughout.

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3 reviews

7 Days from

$1943 USD

$2090 USD

Trip Code: MCT

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Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Michinoku Coastal Trail Self-Guided Walk - Single Supplement

$570 USD

Duration

7 Days

Activities

7 days self-guided walking

Accommodation

2 nights Japanese Inn
4 nights hotel

Meals

4 Dinners
6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint

41kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(243kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Michinoku Coastal Trail Trip highlights

Walk the best sections of the Michinoku Coastal Trail from Hachinohe to Jodogahama
Visit coastal landmarks including Kabushima Shrine and the cliffs of Kitayamazaki
Explore coastal shrines, forested headlands and remote fishing villages, each offering a unique window into traditional life
Walk independently with detailed route notes, luggage transfers and local support
Choose optional shorter walks to suit your pace and conditions

Overview

The Michinoku Coastal Trail is a self-guided journey along Japan’s remote northeast coastline, showcasing rugged headlands, forested paths, fishing villages and dramatic seascapes far from the usual tourist routes. Over seven days, walk the most scenic sections of this little-known trail from Hachinohe to Jodogahama, taking in highlights such as the cliffs of Kitayamazaki and the region’s striking emerald waters. With accommodation in welcoming local inns, regional cuisine each evening, daily luggage transfers, detailed route notes and local support, this trip offers the freedom of independent travel with the reassurance of expert planning - ideal for experienced walkers seeking a quieter, more authentic side of Japan.

Itinerary

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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 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 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 Elevation Gain: 191 m / 627 ft ascent; 56 m / 184 ft descent Optional Longer Walk: 6.4 km / 4 mi

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 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) 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

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

6 breakfasts and 4 dinners
2 nights Japanese Inn twin share basis
4 nights Western style hotel twin share basis
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions, Michinoku Coastal Trail Walking Guidebook, maps and GPX tracks
Train and bus tickets for the intermediate journeys and 4 pre-paid taxis as per itinerary details
Daily luggage transfer for 1 piece of luggage per person from Day 2 through Day 6
Local support by telephone

Not included

International or domestic airfares, airport transfers, visa and travel insurance (compulsory)
Transportation to the starting point in Hachinohe and onwards from Morioka at the end of the trip
Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc
Local bus fares payable directly at your own cost
Optional taxi distance extensions payable directly at your own cost
Any local entrance fees