Highlights

  • Visit an abalone seedling farm, a large fish market, and more

  • Enjoy the companionship of a knowledgeable bilingual guide

  • Hike through mixed forests and along the beautiful and varied Sanriku coastline

  • See a traditional local dance unique to the region

  • Indulge in some of Japan’s freshest and most prized seafood

  • Meet members of the local community for an intimate look into the way of life here

For centuries, people have lived next to the Pacific coast, taking bounty from its waters and guarding themselves against its cataclysms. The bonds of humans with the sea and with each other form the unbreakable latticework that is the foundation of life here.

Opened in 2019 in Japan’s northern Tōhoku region, the 1,000-kilometre Michinoku Coastal Trail was created as a joint revitalisation effort by local governments and the Ministry of Environment to help the area rebuild after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, linking together the pockets of civilisation perched amidst the forest and the sea cliffs.

Oku Japan is proud to have worked closely with local entities to create this small-group guided tour. Join us in a group of no more than 13 like-minded travellers as we travel through the Sanriku Coast, which encompasses Aomori, Iwate, and northern Miyagi prefectures. Notable for its robust fishing and aquaculture industries, its remoteness, its rugged landscape and, above all, the remarkable warmth and resilience of its residents, this area is a look into a unique side of Japan.

Starting from Kabushima Shrine, the Michinoku’s north trailhead, we will travel south, hiking through verdant forests and alongside rocky cliffs that plunge steeply into the waves below – the tallest of which can reach up to 200 metres above sea level! After our walk to the ‘paradise beach’ of  Jōdogahama, the cliffs give way to a beautiful ria coastline that winds intricately alongside the Pacific Ocean.

In coastal towns and hamlets, we see the lifestyles that have sustained people for generations, centred around a sea that provides blessings and danger in turn. The way of life here is built on a culture of respect for the ocean, care for one another, and united strength through catastrophe.

In addition to our licensed bilingual Oku Japan guide, local guides and members of the community will teach us about industries key to life here: from an abalone seedling farm, which returns an important resource to the ocean, to Kesennuma’s bustling fishing harbour, whose catches are shipped all throughout Japan. We will see the traditions that have continued to thrive and inspire, such as local dances with roots in Shintō and folk culture that have sustained spirits in times of strife, and hear tales of regrowth and rebirth in the years since the tsunami.

Above all, we will glimpse into the livelihoods that people have built by propping each other up, following the concept of ongaeshi, or reciprocity, all against a backdrop of dramatic rocky coasts, beautiful beaches, and lush mixed forests.

Please note that this tour heavily features seafood due to the culture and cuisine of the region. As a result, we may be unable to accommodate diets that exclude fish and seafood.

What is included

  • Full-time services of an English-speaking tour guide
  • 9 nights in hotels and Japanese-style accommodations
  • Daily breakfast and 7 dinners
  • All transportation between tour locations
  • Daily luggage transfer of 1 item of luggage
  • Admission to a performance of a traditional local dance
  • Entrance fees for sites and activities listed on the group's itinerary

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and meals not included in itinerary
  • Transportation to your starting point in Hachinohe and onwards from Kesennuma at the end of your trip
  • Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
  • Entrance fees for sites and activities not listed in 'What's Included'

Michinoku: Life With the Sea 10 Days

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1 Arrive in Hachinohe

Arrive in Hachinohe and meet your guide at your hotel. You will enjoy a welcome dinner with your group later in the evening.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Day 2 Visit Kabushima Shrine and hike along Tanesashi Coast

Take a short train ride to the northern trailhead of the Michinoku Coastal Trail at Kabushima Shrine. This shrine is well-known for its abundance of black-tailed gulls which are most active from spring to the end of summer. Walk south along beautiful Tanesashi Coast with its green grass, flowers, and clear ocean views.

Overnight at an accommodation near the border of Aomori and Iwate prefectures.

Walking distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi
Elevation gain: 105 m / 350 ft of ascent and 90 m / 295 ft of descent
Time required: 3.5 - 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Japanese-style accommodation

Day 3 See the Views from Samurai Rock, then Hike to Kuji

From Samurai Rock, a massive slab with unbelievable views over the coast and an interesting history, we will travel south (past a shrine that has a connection to Miyajima’s famous Itsukushima Shrine) to arrive in the city of Kuji, known for ama, female abalone divers. Stay the night here at a hotel.

Walking distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 mi
Elevation gain: 395 m / 1,295 ft of ascent and 315 m / 1,035 ft of descent
Time required: About 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Day 4 Travel to Fudai and Then Onward to The Kitayamazaki Coast

Arrive in the town of Fudai by train. Fudai is known for its incredible story of survival: during the 2011 tsunami, its floodgate miraculously protected the town and its residents from waves as high as 20 metres (66 feet). From the floodgate, take a pre-arranged taxi to Kurosaki Fishing Port, then walk up to Kurosaki Viewpoint for spectacular coastal views. Afterwards, travel by pre-arranged taxi to Cape Kitayamazaki, where you'll see some of the Michinoku Coastal Trail's most memorable seascapes.

Walking distance: 1.9 km / 1.2 mi
Elevation gain: 190 m / 625 ft of ascent and 55 m / 185 ft of descent
Time required: about 1 hour

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)

Day 5 Walk to Jodogahama

Today’s walk will weave through beautiful mixed forests and along the striking coastline, to the stunning white-sand beach of Jōdogahama. Enjoy sights of jagged cliffs, tranquil bays, and small hamlets along the way.

Overnight at a Japanese-style hotel this evening.

Walking distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 mi
Elevation gain: 330 m / 1,080 ft of ascent and 320 m / 1,055 ft of descent
Time required: About 2.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel

Day 6 Visit an Abalone Farm, Walk Along the Todogasaki Coast, adn Enjoy A Traditional Performance in the Evening

In the morning, visit an abalone seedling farm for a tour that delves into sustainability and the connection between humans and the sea. Set out for Todogasaki Coast, enjoying the jagged, scenic coastline as you hike through the lush pine forest.

In the evening, experience one of the unique performing arts of the region; beloved local traditions which became an emotional anchor in difficult times. Overnight at a Japanese-style hotel and end your day by relaxing in a bath with ocean views.

Walking distance: 9.7 km / 6 mi
Elevation gain: 485 m / 1,595 ft of ascent and 505 m / 1665 ft of descent
Time required: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel

Day 7 Travel over Rasei-Toge Pass

Take a train to Yoshihama, which is known as a ‘miracle village’; despite the damage to it during the 2011 tsunami, it only suffered one human casualty.

Walk over Rasei-tōge Pass to Okirai, where you will see memorials to the earthquake and tsunami, as well as a 7,000 year-old cedar tree that withstood the wave. Arrive at your accommodation, with time in the evening to explore the town.

Walking distance: 8.6 km / 5.3 mi
Elevation gain: 340 m / 1,110 ft ascent and 350 m / 1,145 ft descent
Time required: 3.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Day 8 Hike Through Scenic Goishi Cape

Walk the loop along the Goishi Coast, named for its stones that look like pieces from the board game Go. Scenic points along the way include the Ranbōya Gorge with its 30-metre-high walls and Thunder Rock, one of the officially designated ‘100 soundscapes of Japan’ due to the rumbling sound of water through its caverns. After the walk, we will take a pre-arranged taxi to the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum before arriving at our accommodation for the night.

Walking distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
Elevation gain: 305 m / 1,000 ft of ascent and 265 m / 870 ft of descent
Time required: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)

Day 9 Arrive in Kesennuma

Travel by train to Kesennuma, a fishing city that is one of Japan’s largest sources of swordfish and skipjack tuna, whose large port plays host to boats from throughout Japan. Like many other areas along the Sanriku coast, Kesennuma was hit particularly hard by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami but has come a long way in rebuilding in the years since. You will visit the Kesennuma City Memorial Museum, located in the ruins of a school building and take a tour with a local guide. In the afternoon, explore the lively city at your leisure, before joining your group for a farewell dinner in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan (Japanese-style inn)

Day 10 Explore Kesennuma Fish Market, then continue onwards

Join a guided tour of the bustling Kesennuma Fish Market in the morning before your breakfast. Bid farewell to your tour group, then continue onwards to your next destination from Kesennuma station.

Meals: Breakfast

Scenic Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan – the Tanesashi Coast along the Michinoku Coastal Trail, featuring Pacific Ocean views, coastal cliffs, pine forests, and beautiful natural scenery
Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe, Aomori, with its iconic red torii gate overlooking the Pacific coast and black-tailed gulls in Japan
Scenic Kitayamazaki Cape in Iwate, Japan – dramatic 200-metre sea cliffs along the Michinoku Coastal Trail, offering breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and rugged coastal scenery























    I consent to receive communications by email. I understand I may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in all communications *
    We are aware of our responsibility to protect your personal data. We act in accordance with the principles introduced by applicable legal regulations and the general principle on good faith in the processing of personal data.
    We determine clearly and precisely its legitimate and lawful purpose for processing personal data and process personal data to the extent necessary and in connection with the products and services we offer.
    We transfer your personal data in compliance with applicable laws and only when it is necessary. We take required technical and administrative measures to protect your personal data and also we ensure that Data Processors take administrative and technical measures regarding data security by signing non-disclosure agreements.