A Journey along the Northern Coastline

Hiking the Michinoku Coastal Trail and enjoy a variety of landscapes: the Sendai plains, ria coastline, coastal terrace and more

The Michinoku Coastal Trail stretches across over 1,000 kilometers from Kabushima in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture to Matsukawaura in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture.  It features stunning landscapes and serves as a symbol of hope and recovery after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Catch a glimpse of beautiful nature with few people and diverse sights unique to the eastern coast of Japan. Get ready to take in breathtaking scenery and learn about the people and the culture of the Tohoku area. This hiking trail offers a rich variety of scenery and challenges, allowing you to experience the unique beauty of Tohoku firsthand. While a large part of the trail is relatively flat and even goes through some urban areas, be prepared for some adventurous sections including paths along nature-rich valleys, steep climbs and descents through terraced landscapes, and a several kilometer stretch along the coast.

[Course 1]

Hiking the Michinoku Coastal Trail from Kabushima to Tanesashi Coast

(Day One)
Kabushima Island - the northern trailhead of the Michinoku Coastal Trail

Kabushima Island is where the trail begins, at the northernmost part of the Tanesashi Coast. It is part of the Sanriku Fukko National Park and Sanriku Geopark.

Kabushima Shrine - a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten 

Located on Kabushima Island, Kabushima Shrine is the northern trailhead of the Michinoku Coastal Trail. The guardian deity Benzaiten is enshrined within. Local people often visit to pray for successful businesses and the safety of their fisheries.

Sanriku Fukko National Park and Sanriku Geopark - breeding ground of black-tailed gulls

Kabushima Island is designated as a national natural monument for being a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls. It is the only place where you can observe the breeding of these gulls up close.

Sanriku Fukko National Park features dynamic cliffs and intricate coastlines where coastal plants and wildlife can be observed. It is known as the “Alps of the Sea,” where the eelgrass and seaweed beds serve as habitats for various wildlife. The park is also the home of the Sanriku fishing ports, said to be one of the three best fishing grounds in the world.

Nakasuka Coast to Osuka Coast - rugged terrain with colorful flowers and singing sands

As you hike on, you’ll come across the Nakasuka Coast, also known as "Flower Beach." Near it is the Osuka Coast, where you can enjoy the singing sand.

Nakasuka Coast - "The Shore of Flowers"

A few minutes from Ashigezaki Observatory Point is the rocky terrain of Nakasuka. Despite fierce winds, the area has a variety of coastal plants and even alpine flowers. It is nicknamed The Shore of Flowers. You can see various flora and fauna, depending on the season, coloring the rugged coastline every year without fail.

Osuka Coast - the beach of singing sands

As you walk on, you will come across the wide, sandy beach of Osuka Coast. While the vivid blue waters are likely to catch your eyes, the singing sand is what makes this beach unique. Every step you take produces a squeaking sound - said to be proof of the beach’s cleanliness and purity. The beach is over two kilometers, but the breathtaking views of the sea, the sound of the waves, and the sand beneath your feet make the hike worthwhile.

Tanesashi Coast - camping grounds and stunning views

Near the end of the trail, you’ll find scenic campgrounds and breathtaking vistas of beaches, villages, and mountains.

Tanesashi Natural Lawn Area - contrasting green grass and blue waves

Past the Shirahama Swimming Beach, the Shiraiwa (White Rock), and the Yodo Pine Grove, you’ll come across Tanesashi Natural Lawn, just before Tanesashi Coast. It creates a beautiful scene where the verdant grass and azure waves create a stunning scene. Some hikers opt to spend the night camping on the Tanesashi Natural Lawn. Nearby, you’ll find the Tanesashi Coast Information Center and a café.

Takaiwa Viewpoint - the highest viewpoint along the Tanesashi Coast

Walking further along takes you to Takaiwa Viewpoint, the highest viewpoint along the coast, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the scenic landscape. You’ll see majestic sea views, beaches, mountains, and villages. Your last stop, and one that marks the end of the trail, is Okuki Station.

(Day Two) 
Hike up Hashikamidake, 740 m

Hashikamidake, 740 m above sea level, is nicknamed Gagyusan because its gentle ridges look like a cow lying down. There are several trails leading up to the summit, which attracts many tourists in early June when the 20,000 azaleas growing in clusters around the eighth station turn bright red.

The summit offers a panoramic view of the Hakkoda mountain range and the Kitakami Mountains, and there is a spring called Ryujinsui near the summit, which is well-known as a very rare spring water near the summit, where water is scarce.

Hashikami Lighthouse - located at the easternmost point of Aomori

Further south from Tanesashi Coast is Hashikami Lighthouse. On clear days, the clear blue sky, azure waves, and small white lighthouse create a beautiful scene. You’ll also find rocky reefs, sprawling grasslands, and stunning scenes all around. Hashikami is the first place to see the sunrise each morning.

Highlights of the Michinoku Coastal Trail

Be sure to check out these spots when you hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail. 

Ashigezaki Observatory

Before you reach Nakasuka Beach, you’ll come upon the fort-like structure of the Ashigezaki Scenic Lookout. It stands among yellow and purple flowers, rolling waves, and the surrounding rugged terrain. Climb the tower to enjoy the magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean while admiring the seasonal flowers, such as rugosa roses.

Kaiseki Restaurant Kobunato

Before Itakomaimai Rock and Nakasuka Coast, you'll find a restaurant where you can enjoy local delicacies. Try their seafood ramen, which is made with fresh seafood and other exquisite local dishes. Their seasonal dishes, such as the sea urchin in June and July, are exceptional. Admire the Pacific Ocean and surrounding views as you gaze out through the large windows. 

Tanesashi Coast Information Center

Near Tanesashi Natural Lawn Area is the information center where you can learn more about the nature and lifestyle of Tanesashi Coast and Hashikamidake area. It also features information about the culture and history of the people who live on the coast.

Hashikami Hama Station Aldiva

Located in Hashikami Town is a seafood store called Hashikami Hama Station Aldiva.  Here, you can buy freshly caught seafood sold at local prices. Most of the sales happen in the morning, and you’ll find 30-50 different types of seafood in a season. You can also find various popular local products produced in surrounding cities and towns, such as the bottled salted sea urchin. Next to the store is a snack stand that sells donuts and soft-serve ice cream.

[Course 2]
Hiking from Fudai Village to Kitayamazaki and Tsukuehama

See stunning coastal landscapes in a hiking adventure that takes you from Fudai Beach down to the Kitayamazaki Nature Trail. This path is one of the long trails that takes you through some of the most challenging terrain. You’ll pass through hand-carved tunnels and hike up or down iron ladders set against steep cliffs.

This Kitayamazaki hiking trail stretches out over eight kilometers and gives you glimpses of rugged cliffs towering over 200 meters high. As you hike it, you'll see countless stunning views of the sea, making it the perfect nature spot with few people. It boasts the most impressive coastal beauty in Japan and is the only location in the country to receive the highest rating of “Special A-Class” in an evaluation conducted by the Japan Travel Bureau Foundation.

(Day One)
Fudai Village - a northeastern coastal village that survived the tsunami

Fudai Village sits on the northeastern side of Japan. Like similar towns along the coast, its main industries are fishing and agriculture. During the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the town was miraculously spared - thanks to a floodgate constructed in 1984.

Fudai Shopping Street - selling everything from seafood products to souvenirs

Commonly known as Abbey Road Shopping Street, Fudai Shopping Street has anything you may need. You’ll find almost everything in it - from the village’s proud kelp products to daily necessities and souvenirs. Look around, shop, and sample some products.

As you head towards Fudai Beach, you’ll see the miraculous floodgate that protected the village from the 2011 tsunami.

Fudai Floodgate - the floodgate that saved the village

In 1984, a 15.5-meter-high was constructed in Fudai after the town had experienced two tsunamis in 1896 and 1933. When the Great East Japan Earthquake unleashed a massive tsunami on Fudai, it only caused minimal damage - thanks to the floodgate, which prevented flooding in the central part of the village.

(Day Two)
Nedari Beach Nature Trail - a trail between the cliffs and the sea

As you walk down south, you’ll see the Nedari Beach Nature Trail, which offers magnificent coastal scenery. It’s one of the most popular spots on the hiking trail, where you can experience the waves up close as they crash against the rugged rocks. This adventure walk takes you through a hand-dug tunnel and cliff path on the side of the beach.

Kurosaki Observatory - majestic views of the Pacific Ocean

From Nedari Beach, you can climb to Kurosaki Observatory. There are over 700 steps, and the trail is a little steep, but the views make up for it. Once on top of the observatory, you can see Nedari Beach spread out below and the deep blue waves of the Pacific Ocean gently lapping on the sand. In the distance, you can see the beauty of the coastline from Kuki Beach to Kuji City and even the coast of Noda Village, with a view of majestic cliffs standing over 150 meters high.

(Day Three)
Kitayamazaki - stunning views of the eight-kilometer coastline

Next, the path takes you through a forested area teeming with Japanese wildlife. You’ll also see the observatory, where you can see the Kitayamazaki Cliffs and the eight-kilometer coastline stretching beyond.

Kitayamazaki Nature Trail - a forest rich with wildlife

The trail will take you through a beautiful forest where you can encounter diverse wildlife, such as the Japanese serow, a type of goat-antelope. You’ll cross several streams flowing from the forest as you head towards Kitayamazaki.

Kitayamazaki Observatory - scenic spots of Japan’s most beautiful coast

To access the Kitayamazaki Observatory, you need to go through an area with stairs that repeatedly go up and down for over 100 meters. The trail may be challenging for first-time hikers, but the stunning views are worth the climb. Kitayamazaki Observatory stands above and over the sea, with three observation decks that offer picturesque views of Japan’s most beautiful coast.

(Day Four)
Tsukuehama - a fishing village rebuilt after the tsunami

The area between Kitayamazaki and Tsukuehama features stunning yet steep cliffs and is perhaps one of the most challenging terrains to hike. It is also an area where you can experience a great sense of adventure as you make your way to the neighboring shores.

Tsukuehama Ban’ya Group - preserved fisherman huts

Ban’ya originally meant a watch hut where fishermen stayed over during the winter when they could no longer fish. Eventually, they referred to the fishing facilities where the fishermen stayed.

During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, all of the ban’ya huts were swept away by the tsunami. Afterward, 22 of them were rebuilt on the site where the original ban’ya stood. Today, you can experience the traditional life of a fisherman through these huts, which were selected as one of the “100 Best Historical and Cultural Properties of Fishing Villages to Be Preserved for the Future.”

Highlights of the Michinoku Coastal Trail

When hiking down the Kitayamazaki Trail, be sure to check out these highlights.

Unotori Shrine

Unotori Shrine, located in Fudai Village, is designated as a Nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Situated on Ushitoriyama Mountain, it is where fishermen go to pray for good fortune and safety at sea. You’ll also find other sacred spots revered as the deity of matchmaking and safe childbirth.

Unotori Shrine is also home to Unotori Kagura, a traditional performance art that embodies the spirit of the shrine. This dance is performed during festivals and is an important aspect of the local cultural heritage.

Kitayamazaki Visitor Center and Observatory

The Kitayamazaki Visitor Center and Observatory contains information about Kitayamazzaki through the seasons. Standing on the observatory, you can see the Unosu Cliffs - some of the most impressive parts of the coast and well-known for their stunning views.

Tofu Dengaku

Tofu Dengaku is tofu served with miso sauce - a flavor loved by the locals and the perfect companion for your hiking trip.

Isokamameshi

Isokamameshi (also known as seafood kettle rice) is a rice dish cooked in an iron pot along with flavorful kep broth, vegetables, and seafood or meats. The aroma of the sea is tantalizing and sure to whet your appetite. Be sure to try it out when you visit the area.