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.
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.
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.
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.
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