30 years' experience providing walking holidays worldwide
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SELF-GUIDED
6 DAYS
Moderate
The 1025km Michinoku Coastal Walk is one of the longest walks in Japan, and like many of these long-distance walks, there are stand-out days. We have put together a seamless walking experience over 6 days from Hachinohe, via superb coastal walking, to the iconic Jodogahama Beach – one of the most stunning beach vistas in the world.
Staying in Japanese lodges and hotels and eating authentic Japanese meals adds to this already rich immersive experience. Walk through native forests and along the coastline witnessing breathtaking views day after day.
Arrive in Hachinohe either by Shinkansen (train) or plane. If travelling by train, you will arrive at the Shinkansen Station which is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from central Hachinohe. You can take the local train, but it only leaves every hour so it may not be convenient. By taking a flight you will arrive at Misawa Airport, about a 20-minute taxi ride to the CBD and your accommodation. There’s a nice walk out to a few shrines if you have time, or sit back and relax in one of the cafes or restaurants.
Accommodation: Japanese Hotel in Hachinohe
The walk starts from the trailhead at Kabushima Shrine, which doubles as a bird sanctuary. Since the word “kabu” in Kabushima can mean both “turnip” and “stock” in Japanese, the shrine is a popular place for people to come and pray for good luck in the stock market, as well as for a few people who come to pray for their own popularity “stock.” The shrine was destroyed in a fire on November 5, 2015, but has since been rebuilt and is now officially re-opened. Pass the line of rugged rocks at Cape Tamurazaki and the secluded fishing port of Fukakubo to Yodo-no-Matsubara, the Yodo Pine Grove and the face of Shira-Iwa rock, also called Myojin-iwa, which means “Great God Boulder”.
Accommodation: Japanese Hotel in Hachinohe
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: Easy / 9.6km / 3 to 4 hrs
Elevation: +224m/-199m
This is a stunning day of walking; almost all of it is through gorgeous Japanese forest coupled with amazing cliff-top views as you go. Take some time out at Samurai Rocks and Yokonuma Lookout. Both locations are drop-dead gorgeous. Samurai Rocks got its name from the Edo period when a Samurai came down here to check out the damage done by a Tsunami and then proceeded to sit on the rocks and have lunch. Explore Itsukushima Shrine if you have time.
Accommodation: Japanese Hotel in Kuji
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: Moderate / 15km / 5 to 6 hrs
Elevation: +560m/-540m
This day starts from Fudai and makes its way around the coast. It is a quirky day, as you get to see the response to the Tsunami with the building of massive sea walls to protect from future tsunamis, and at the same time wander around the coast on tracks that have been tunnelled through the mountain. A very beautiful coastline with stunning lookouts and a beautiful long forest walking to Kitayamazaki Cliffs. We walk through Sanriku Fukko National Park and via strangely-shaped rocks and sea caves set on 200-metre-high cliffs as well as a dynamic coastline that stretches for about eight kilometres.
Accommodation: Hotel Ragaso on the Hiraname Coast
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 17.7 km / 6 to 7 hrs
Elevation: +665m/-506m
This is a great way to finish your Michinoku Coastal Trail adventure. The walk starts from the station and it is not long until you meet the ocean and the forest once again. There are the usual amazing views but also gentle walking along streams. It doesn’t feel as hard today as the walk is a bit shorter. There is the added benefit of finishing at one of Japan’s most famous tourist spots, the drop-dead beautiful Jodogahama Beach. If it is crowded, our recommendation is to go to the excellent visitors centre and then make your way to your hotel. The visitors centre has some very meaningful displays, particularly about what happened with the tsunami. Before dinner, make the short walk back down to the beach as the crowds will have dispersed. If you have the stamina get up early and take an onsen before breakfast.
Accommodation: Jodogahama Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: Moderate / 14.7km / 5 to 6 hrs
Elevation: +755m/-764m
After breakfast at 8:30 we shuttle you to Morioka.
You will arrive by 11.30am. You can either choose to stay in Morioka or make your way back to Tokyo (2.5 – 3.5hrs) on the Shinkansen. Or if you have had enough of big cities travel to the more relaxed Sendai a short 40min ride away. We can advise you on a day of walking on the MCT on the outskirts of Sendai if you would like.
Meals: Breakfast
Each night you will be staying in lovely 3 to 4 star Japanese accommodations.
The Japanese hotels come in various styles, from more traditional structures to more modern hybrid hotels.
Breakfast is provided each morning and it is generally an elaborate affair. Some Western dishes and breads are also provided. Lunches can easily be obtained from the many small supermarkets that sell fresh sushi or at one of the many local eateries. When dinners are provided they are elaborate affairs including a buffet dinner on the last night with never-ending sushi and sashimi – our advice is leave room for the buffet and be prepared to eat well in the evening on Day 5!
The hotels have Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping on. A few of the hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms have ensuites, and be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the hotel, especially when they’re located near the sea with ocean views. The hotel in Hachinohe does not have an onsen. Note: onsens are usually communal, separated by gender.
This walk is available from 1 MARCH TO 30 NOVEMBER. Spring March, April, May and Autumn particularly October and November are ideal months to walk weather wise. Summer brings much warmer weather there are swimming opportunities along the track. This walk is not available during winter as it is very cold and can snow.
On most days of this walk you will have to catch a train to get to the start and/or from the end of the walk. The train rides vary from 15mins up to 2.5hrs. All of the details will be provided in your information pack. Unfortunately we cannot pre book the trains for you. You will need to pay the fare on the day which will range from $3 to $6. The included taxi transfers and hotel shuttles are prebooked and part of your package.
This is a moderate walk. The tracks are modern and well maintained. Some days have steady elevation however it is worth it for the views. The days walk average 12.8km a day. Please see the fitness guide for more information.
Travelling to the Start of the walk
This walk starts in Hachinohe on Day 1 and ends in Morioka. You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. The journey from Tokyo to Hachinohe takes about 3.5 hours. To make it easy, we have collated some useful information that will assist you in planning for your travel.
By rail: Arrive in Hachinohe either by Shinkansen (train) or plane. If you are travelling by train you will arrive at the Shinkansen Station, approximately 20 minutes by taxi from central Hachinohe. You can take the local train instead to central Hachinohe, but it only leaves every hour so it may not be convenient.
Japan has one of the best train systems in the world, so it’s very easy to catch a train to any destination in the country. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. Travelling in Japan on trains is a seamless experience, and it is not necessary to always pre-purchase tickets. There’s plenty of Rail staff that speak English well enough to direct you the right way and to converse with you about how to buy your ticket. We can provide more information if you wish, so please ask one of our destination consultants.
You will find the following website Japan Transit Planner useful for catching trains in Japan. You can search train and bus timetables, departure and arrival stations, times, and prices. Otherwise, the app Japan Travel by Navi Time is fantastic. It lets you search train and bus timetables all over Japan. You can choose the departure station, arrival station, and time. The results give you the name of the train, platform number, total cost, duration of journey, total distance, and transfers.
By air: By taking a 1hr flight from Tokyo or 1hr 35mins from Osaka you will arrive at Misawa Airport about a 40-minute taxi ride to the CBD and your accommodation. There’s a nice walk out to a few shrines if you have time, or sit back and relax in one of the cafes or restaurants.
Travelling from the end of the walk
By rail: The train from Morioka to Tokyo takes around 2.5 – 3.5hrs
By air:Take the train to a major city and catch a flight from there
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer, it’s quite warm and humid but still good for walking, particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream.
As walkers, we believe any time is good for walking, but spring and autumn are the most popular as the weather is ‘perfect’ for walking.
See the weather information about www.holiday-weather.com/morioka/ at different times of the year.
For over 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know that you’ll have many more questions even with that in mind. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks from departure outlining all the fine details and much more.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips requiring international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants, or if you have a very specific track-related question, ask for Brett, who has walked the Michinoku Coastal Trail area a few times. You can contact us via our contact form, email us at info@stroll.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.
For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo travellers on our self-guided Michinoku Coastal Trail trips. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.
The 1025km Michinoku Coastal Walk is one of the longest walks in Japan, and like many of these long-distance walks, there are stand-out days. We have put together a seamless walking experience over 6 days from Hachinohe, via superb coastal walking, to the iconic Jodogahama Beach – one of the most stunning beach vistas in the world.
Staying in Japanese lodges and hotels and eating authentic Japanese meals adds to this already rich immersive experience. Walk through native forests and along the coastline witnessing breathtaking views day after day.
Arrive in Hachinohe either by Shinkansen (train) or plane. If travelling by train, you will arrive at the Shinkansen Station which is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from central Hachinohe. You can take the local train, but it only leaves every hour so it may not be convenient. By taking a flight you will arrive at Misawa Airport, about a 20-minute taxi ride to the CBD and your accommodation. There’s a nice walk out to a few shrines if you have time, or sit back and relax in one of the cafes or restaurants.
Accommodation: Japanese Hotel in Hachinohe
The walk starts from the trailhead at Kabushima Shrine, which doubles as a bird sanctuary. Since the word “kabu” in Kabushima can mean both “turnip” and “stock” in Japanese, the shrine is a popular place for people to come and pray for good luck in the stock market, as well as for a few people who come to pray for their own popularity “stock.” The shrine was destroyed in a fire on November 5, 2015, but has since been rebuilt and is now officially re-opened. Pass the line of rugged rocks at Cape Tamurazaki and the secluded fishing port of Fukakubo to Yodo-no-Matsubara, the Yodo Pine Grove and the face of Shira-Iwa rock, also called Myojin-iwa, which means “Great God Boulder”.
Accommodation: Japanese Hotel in Hachinohe
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: Easy / 9.6km / 3 to 4 hrs
Elevation: +224m/-199m
This is a stunning day of walking; almost all of it is through gorgeous Japanese forest coupled with amazing cliff-top views as you go. Take some time out at Samurai Rocks and Yokonuma Lookout. Both locations are drop-dead gorgeous. Samurai Rocks got its name from the Edo period when a Samurai came down here to check out the damage done by a Tsunami and then proceeded to sit on the rocks and have lunch. Explore Itsukushima Shrine if you have time.
Accommodation: Japanese Hotel in Kuji
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: Moderate / 15km / 5 to 6 hrs
Elevation: +560m/-540m
This day starts from Fudai and makes its way around the coast. It is a quirky day, as you get to see the response to the Tsunami with the building of massive sea walls to protect from future tsunamis, and at the same time wander around the coast on tracks that have been tunnelled through the mountain. A very beautiful coastline with stunning lookouts and a beautiful long forest walking to Kitayamazaki Cliffs. We walk through Sanriku Fukko National Park and via strangely-shaped rocks and sea caves set on 200-metre-high cliffs as well as a dynamic coastline that stretches for about eight kilometres.
Accommodation: Hotel Ragaso on the Hiraname Coast
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 17.7 km / 6 to 7 hrs
Elevation: +665m/-506m
This is a great way to finish your Michinoku Coastal Trail adventure. The walk starts from the station and it is not long until you meet the ocean and the forest once again. There are the usual amazing views but also gentle walking along streams. It doesn’t feel as hard today as the walk is a bit shorter. There is the added benefit of finishing at one of Japan’s most famous tourist spots, the drop-dead beautiful Jodogahama Beach. If it is crowded, our recommendation is to go to the excellent visitors centre and then make your way to your hotel. The visitors centre has some very meaningful displays, particularly about what happened with the tsunami. Before dinner, make the short walk back down to the beach as the crowds will have dispersed. If you have the stamina get up early and take an onsen before breakfast.
Accommodation: Jodogahama Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Walking: Moderate / 14.7km / 5 to 6 hrs
Elevation: +755m/-764m
After breakfast at 8:30 we shuttle you to Morioka.
You will arrive by 11.30am. You can either choose to stay in Morioka or make your way back to Tokyo (2.5 – 3.5hrs) on the Shinkansen. Or if you have had enough of big cities travel to the more relaxed Sendai a short 40min ride away. We can advise you on a day of walking on the MCT on the outskirts of Sendai if you would like.
Meals: Breakfast
Each night you will be staying in lovely 3 to 4 star Japanese accommodations.
The Japanese hotels come in various styles, from more traditional structures to more modern hybrid hotels.
Breakfast is provided each morning and it is generally an elaborate affair. Some Western dishes and breads are also provided. Lunches can easily be obtained from the many small supermarkets that sell fresh sushi or at one of the many local eateries. When dinners are provided they are elaborate affairs including a buffet dinner on the last night with never-ending sushi and sashimi – our advice is leave room for the buffet and be prepared to eat well in the evening on Day 5!
The hotels have Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and futons for sleeping on. A few of the hotels have rooms with actual beds. The rooms have ensuites, and be prepared for a little luxury when it comes to the heated toilet seats. The bathing area is often the pride of the hotel, especially when they’re located near the sea with ocean views. The hotel in Hachinohe does not have an onsen. Note: onsens are usually communal, separated by gender.
This walk is available from 1 MARCH TO 30 NOVEMBER. Spring March, April, May and Autumn particularly October and November are ideal months to walk weather wise. Summer brings much warmer weather there are swimming opportunities along the track. This walk is not available during winter as it is very cold and can snow.
On most days of this walk you will have to catch a train to get to the start and/or from the end of the walk. The train rides vary from 15mins up to 2.5hrs. All of the details will be provided in your information pack. Unfortunately we cannot pre book the trains for you. You will need to pay the fare on the day which will range from $3 to $6. The included taxi transfers and hotel shuttles are prebooked and part of your package.
This is a moderate walk. The tracks are modern and well maintained. Some days have steady elevation however it is worth it for the views. The days walk average 12.8km a day. Please see the fitness guide for more information.
Travelling to the Start of the walk
This walk starts in Hachinohe on Day 1 and ends in Morioka. You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. The journey from Tokyo to Hachinohe takes about 3.5 hours. To make it easy, we have collated some useful information that will assist you in planning for your travel.
By rail: Arrive in Hachinohe either by Shinkansen (train) or plane. If you are travelling by train you will arrive at the Shinkansen Station, approximately 20 minutes by taxi from central Hachinohe. You can take the local train instead to central Hachinohe, but it only leaves every hour so it may not be convenient.
Japan has one of the best train systems in the world, so it’s very easy to catch a train to any destination in the country. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. Travelling in Japan on trains is a seamless experience, and it is not necessary to always pre-purchase tickets. There’s plenty of Rail staff that speak English well enough to direct you the right way and to converse with you about how to buy your ticket. We can provide more information if you wish, so please ask one of our destination consultants.
You will find the following website Japan Transit Planner useful for catching trains in Japan. You can search train and bus timetables, departure and arrival stations, times, and prices. Otherwise, the app Japan Travel by Navi Time is fantastic. It lets you search train and bus timetables all over Japan. You can choose the departure station, arrival station, and time. The results give you the name of the train, platform number, total cost, duration of journey, total distance, and transfers.
By air: By taking a 1hr flight from Tokyo or 1hr 35mins from Osaka you will arrive at Misawa Airport about a 40-minute taxi ride to the CBD and your accommodation. There’s a nice walk out to a few shrines if you have time, or sit back and relax in one of the cafes or restaurants.
Travelling from the end of the walk
By rail: The train from Morioka to Tokyo takes around 2.5 – 3.5hrs
By air:Take the train to a major city and catch a flight from there
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer, it’s quite warm and humid but still good for walking, particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream.
As walkers, we believe any time is good for walking, but spring and autumn are the most popular as the weather is ‘perfect’ for walking.
See the weather information about www.holiday-weather.com/morioka/ at different times of the year.
For over 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know that you’ll have many more questions even with that in mind. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks from departure outlining all the fine details and much more.
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips requiring international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants, or if you have a very specific track-related question, ask for Brett, who has walked the Michinoku Coastal Trail area a few times. You can contact us via our contact form, email us at info@stroll.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.
For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo travellers on our self-guided Michinoku Coastal Trail trips. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.
Would be hard navigating the villages/ roads without the hike app … which is excellent. All in all a fantastic well organised experience. The accomodation was excellent … and experiencing the traditional rooms was excellent.
It was a really fun walk! lots of amazing views and beautiful landscapes.
Three unexpected moments that really stuck with me:
grabbing a snack at the Shigezaki lookout restaurant and seeing a volume of an obscure manga I quite like (yama no susume) and seeing the characters enjoying the walk I was currently doing
The train ride from Kuji to Fudai – particularly the first two stops. The train travelled through a tunnel of beautifully coloured leaves. I reckon it’s probably only great for a few weeks, but it was pretty great for me. Also when they stopped on some of those impressive bridges so you could enjoy the view.
the Jodogahama rest stop – I went there and ordered a curry rice, and it came out with the rice moulded in the same shape as the rocks outside. They even added parsley to mimic the trees on top! sitting and eating that meal was the best conclusion to a walk I could ever wish for.
Overall, extremely rewarding and well facilitated. Every single day was packed with stunning views, beautiful forests and wonderful curiosities.. It was hard work at times, but there was usually an onsen at the end of the day to rest a weary body. two thumbs up!
I walked the Michinoku Coastal Trail self guided. This was my second walk in Japan with Stroll.
Everything happened as it should have and I was very happy with transfers and accomodation. The scenery is spectacular.
The walk was more beautiful than I expected and I loved the contrast of the natural beauty and the harsh infrastructure of the tsunami walls. I’m not sure what to say about the bears except some advice I would have liked before we chose to do this walk. We felt lucky to see the bears so close – mixed with gratitude they didn’t rush at us. They were magnificent creatures.
This was a quiet, very enjoyable walk with some magnificent scenery- especially after the business of Japanese cities. Stroll organised this very well with great information on how to get to starting points and to hotels, and concise and helpful trail notes and guidance. We thoroughly enjoyed the northern Honshu scenery and hospitality. The organised evening meals were really interesting Japanese and enjoyable, and the final hotel location was spectacular.
Our family which includes three daughters ranging from teenagers to young adults, absolutely loved this walk. The walk was varied, peaceful & interesting with just the right amount of walk length and challenge. The bush was stunning, the coastline beautiful. The accommodation was good and the walk notes excellent. We absolutely loved it. Highly recommended!!
You did a good job! First the route is spectacular — beautiful coast scenery and beautiful woods and flowers. Great walk in June 2025. It was hard for us — we are 75 and 71 and limped-leg Americans — but the scenery is amazing in the woods and on the coastline. You get treated like a king and queen at the hotels and the last two are spectacular. The food is amazing! Do it!
The route was challenging yet rewarding, with beautiful views of coast and forest. And so quiet. Quite another side of Japan from the well known cityscapes.
Passenger
We loved the variety of this trail, a combination of coastal scenes, fishing villages, history, traditional accommodation and modern hotels, it was so much more than a hike, we felt we experienced a lot of ‘real’ Japan.
The Michinoku Coastal Trail experience was outstanding. The walking is varied and beautiful with both coastal and forest sections. All accommodation was great. The last 2 nights at the Traditional Guest Inn and then Jodogahama Beach were absolute highlights with amazing food and hospitality. We loved this walk.
Susan O
Would be hard navigating the villages/ roads without the hike app … which is excellent. All in all a fantastic well organised experience. The accomodation was excellent … and experiencing the traditional rooms was excellent.
David S
It was a really fun walk! lots of amazing views and beautiful landscapes.
Three unexpected moments that really stuck with me:
grabbing a snack at the Shigezaki lookout restaurant and seeing a volume of an obscure manga I quite like (yama no susume) and seeing the characters enjoying the walk I was currently doing
The train ride from Kuji to Fudai – particularly the first two stops. The train travelled through a tunnel of beautifully coloured leaves. I reckon it’s probably only great for a few weeks, but it was pretty great for me. Also when they stopped on some of those impressive bridges so you could enjoy the view.
the Jodogahama rest stop – I went there and ordered a curry rice, and it came out with the rice moulded in the same shape as the rocks outside. They even added parsley to mimic the trees on top! sitting and eating that meal was the best conclusion to a walk I could ever wish for.
Overall, extremely rewarding and well facilitated. Every single day was packed with stunning views, beautiful forests and wonderful curiosities.. It was hard work at times, but there was usually an onsen at the end of the day to rest a weary body. two thumbs up!
Mark B
I walked the Michinoku Coastal Trail self guided. This was my second walk in Japan with Stroll.
Everything happened as it should have and I was very happy with transfers and accomodation. The scenery is spectacular.
Carolyn WP
The walk was more beautiful than I expected and I loved the contrast of the natural beauty and the harsh infrastructure of the tsunami walls. I’m not sure what to say about the bears except some advice I would have liked before we chose to do this walk. We felt lucky to see the bears so close – mixed with gratitude they didn’t rush at us. They were magnificent creatures.
David H
This was a quiet, very enjoyable walk with some magnificent scenery- especially after the business of Japanese cities. Stroll organised this very well with great information on how to get to starting points and to hotels, and concise and helpful trail notes and guidance. We thoroughly enjoyed the northern Honshu scenery and hospitality. The organised evening meals were really interesting Japanese and enjoyable, and the final hotel location was spectacular.
Katrina K
Our family which includes three daughters ranging from teenagers to young adults, absolutely loved this walk. The walk was varied, peaceful & interesting with just the right amount of walk length and challenge. The bush was stunning, the coastline beautiful. The accommodation was good and the walk notes excellent. We absolutely loved it. Highly recommended!!
Bruce L
You did a good job! First the route is spectacular — beautiful coast scenery and beautiful woods and flowers. Great walk in June 2025. It was hard for us — we are 75 and 71 and limped-leg Americans — but the scenery is amazing in the woods and on the coastline. You get treated like a king and queen at the hotels and the last two are spectacular. The food is amazing! Do it!
Catherine J
The route was challenging yet rewarding, with beautiful views of coast and forest. And so quiet. Quite another side of Japan from the well known cityscapes.
Passenger
Jane F
We loved the variety of this trail, a combination of coastal scenes, fishing villages, history, traditional accommodation and modern hotels, it was so much more than a hike, we felt we experienced a lot of ‘real’ Japan.
Brent M
The Michinoku Coastal Trail experience was outstanding. The walking is varied and beautiful with both coastal and forest sections. All accommodation was great. The last 2 nights at the Traditional Guest Inn and then Jodogahama Beach were absolute highlights with amazing food and hospitality. We loved this walk.