If you think Japan is just neon lights and bullet trains, think again. Out here on the Michinoku Coastal Trail, it’s all crashing waves, ancient shrines, and rugged paths that demand to be walked. Ever had a thousand black-tailed gulls screaming good luck at you? At Kabushima Shrine, that’s just the welcome committee. From there, we’re hiking through the best of Japan’s untamed coast—windswept trails, pine-fringed beaches, and cliffs that look straight out of a samurai flick. Fresh seafood? Obviously. Izakaya hopping? You bet. A sappa boat ride with local fishermen? Oh yeah, we’re getting in on that too. Toss in amazing accommodations, steaming onsens (hot springs), and some hands-on salt-making wizardry, and you’ve got a journey that’s 100% unforgettable.
Some places just get under your skin. The Michinoku Coastal Trail in Japan is one of them. This isn’t a hike you check off—it’s one you lose yourself in. Rolling ridgelines, sea cliffs that drop into eternity, and forests where the only soundtrack is the wind through the trees. We’ll thread through sleepy villages, swap stories over sizzling seafood, and take time to soak in the culture—literally, in the best onsens this coast has to offer. If you’re looking for something real, raw, and ridiculously beautiful, this is it!
Make your way to your accommodation at the Hachinohe Grand Hotel in Hachinohe for the next 2 nights. As today is an arrival day, you can arrive at any time because no activities are planned for today. This afternoon, you’ll meet your guides in the foyer of the hotel for a welcome, followed by dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hachinohe Grand Hotel
Today, you’ll meet your guides in the foyer of the Hachinohe Grand Hotel at 8am. A private transfer whisks us to the start of our walk at Kabushima Shrine. Located on a small hill overlooking the sea, the shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of fortune and wisdom. The shrine is particularly famous for the thousands of black-tailed gulls that nest in the area.
Our coastal trek begins here, passing rocky outcrops, grasslands, reefs, and sandy beaches. In Tanesashi, we’ll meet a local fisherman and enjoy fresh seafood dockside. After returning to the hotel, we head out to a yokocho, exploring lively bars and izakayas while sampling Japanese tapas.
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), 4 hours
Accommodation: Hachinohe Grand Hotel
After breakfast, we’ll transfer in our private vehicle to the Takonoki walkway, where our coastal trek begins. Our journey will take us through charming forests of red pine trees across rivers, along serene beaches, and over mountain passes, showcasing a remarkable blend of rugged rocky outcrops and stunning ocean vistas.
We’ll make our way to the Itsukushima-jinja shrine, which offers breathtaking views of Ushijima Island. After our walk, we’ll head to our next accommodation, the exquisite Hotel Ragaso, renowned for its spectacular ocean views and relaxing onsen hot springs. This evening, indulge in a superb dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi), 4 hours
Ascent: +890 m (+2,919 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Ragaso
On Day 4, after breakfast, we’ll transfer to Fudai Beach. The trail today follows the coastline on Japan’s Sanriku Coast, famed for its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and panoramic vistas. While challenging, the next section of the trail is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable. We’ll cross streams and plunge into quiet forests as we make our way over Kitayamazaki cliffs.
This afternoon we’ll board a “sappa boat” navigated by local fishermen, offering an exhilarating, up-close experience of Kitayamazaki’s high cliffs and Tanohata’s unique rock formations. Our boat brings us back to the shore at the Hotel Ragaso for dinner and rest.
Hiking: 12 km (7.4 mi), 6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Ragaso
After breakfast, we’ll continue our walk along the scenic coast from Kitayamazaki to Hotel Ragaso. The trail winds through lush forests, serene seaside villages, and several mysterious hand-dug tunnels that cut through the cliffs such as the Yama no Tunnel and the Oshima Tunnel. We’ll pass by quaint fishermen’s huts and enjoy a nice lunch, savouring fresh, local produce while soaking in the serene coastal atmosphere.
Our walk today concludes at our hotel. Later on, we will immerse ourselves in a traditional salt-making experience, where we’ll learn the ancient art of extracting salt from seawater using age-old techniques. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a superb dinner as well.
Hiking: 12 km (7.4 mi), 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Ragaso
Starting our walk in Taro, we’ll pass through picturesque coastal paths lined with pine trees and wildflowers. We’ll take a scenic detour to visit Mikayo Kashinal beach and continue to Sagabe viewpoint for panoramic coastal views. As we approach Anegasaki, we’ll encounter the Anegasaki lighthouse, standing tall as a sentinel over the surrounding waters.
In the afternoon, we will participate in creating a traditional Japanese craft using ancient techniques and traditional materials. This may include lacquerware, basketmaking, or jomon pottery. Later on, we’ll go to Hotel Jodogahama.
Hiking: 12 km (7.4 mi), 5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Jodogahama
This morning, we’ll go on a morning coastal cruise around the Jodogahama cliffs, where the striking rock formations and azure waters create a breathtaking panorama. Following the cruise, we’ll embark on a scenic coastal walk, passing by the stunning Jodogahama beach. The day concludes by returning to our accommodation at the Hotel Jodogahama and having a nice dinner.
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 mi), 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Jodogohama
Today, we’ll transfer by private vehicle, stopping at the Shiome Memorial Park along the way, before starting our walk along the Kurosaki Coast. This scenic walk features a unique rock formation called the Anatoshi-iso rock, featuring three natural arches shaped by the ocean. En-route we’ll stop at Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen where we can have lunch and a soothing dip in the hot springs.
We’ll hike along the Goishi Coast through forests of pine and cypress trees. Later, we’ll head to our accommodation at the Ofunato Onsen for a nice dinner and relaxation at the spa.
Hiking: 7 km (4.3 mi), 5 hours
Elevation gain: 350 m (1,148 ft)
Accommodation: Ofunato Onsen
The final day on the Michinoku coastal trail starts with a transfer to Ogama, setting the stage for the day’s highlight. We’ll embark on a walk to Osaki lighthouse, exploring the scenic Ogama and Kannakura Tsunami rocks along the way, culminating in the iconic lighthouse that stands as a beacon of maritime history.
After the hike, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at Karakuwa Marusan, where we can savor local flavors and recharge. Following lunch, we’ll transfer to Sendai. The tour concludes with a drop-off at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Sendai, where you can cherish the incredible memories from this adventure. You will need to make your own way from Sendai to Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train).
Hiking: 7 km (4.3 mi), 3 hours
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Add-ons:
Not included:
This Michinoku coastal trail tour is rated moderate, which means that a moderate level of fitness and good health are required for this tour. You also must be able to walk in all weather conditions. Expect to hike for up to 6 hours and 14 km (8.7 mi) per day.
You can find detailed day-by-day hiking distances and some elevation changes in the itinerary.
Looking to explore a different side of Japan? Check out this cycling adventure!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Most of the time, the hikes are on coastal and hillside paths with a mix of rugged terrain and gentle slopes. The hikes feature steep ascents and descents, with some rocky and uneven sections, and lots of scenic viewpoints.
Group sizes and pricing
Michinoku coastal trail tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Michinoku coastal trail tour is Hachinoke. To get there, most people fly into Haneda Airport (HND). From there, you can take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to reach Hachinoke (2 hours and 45 minutes).
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide in the afternoon on Day 1 in the foyer of the Hachinoke Grand Hotel.
Medical and travel protection is mandatory on this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
