Hike along a scenic path reconnecting communities after the 2011 tsunami.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail is one of the Japanese Ministry of Environment’s series of initiatives aimed at community-led, sustainable reconstruction following the tsunami of March 11, 2011. Stretching more than 1,000 km from Fukushima Prefecture to Aomori Prefecture, the wildly scenic Michinoku trail runs like a thread along the rias coast, stitching together communities and taking adventurers on an extraordinary trek they won't soon forget.

Hike along sections of the trail in Iwate and Aomori prefectures, passing through small villages and fishing harbors, where you’ll encounter long stretches of easy terrain, followed by challenging climbs and tricky descents. Traverse white sand beaches and stand on rocky outcrops overlooking the churning waters below.

From Tanohata to Kitayamazaki, use ladders to descend to the shore, walk across the rocks, and emerge from a dark tunnel connecting you to the next cove, where the path may be determined by the tide.

On the Tanesashi Coast, cross the sprawling Tanesashi Natural Lawn, progressing through pine groves and past rock formations, before walking the long expanse of Shirahama Beach and the Osuka Coast, a 2.3-km stretch of singing sand.

KEY ATTRACTIONS

• Sakiyama Blowhole: The highlight of the Miyako section is the Sakiyama Blowhole (Shiobuki-ana), where the force of the waves pushes seawater into a cave and through a small opening, propelling the water up to 30 meters into the air on days when the waves are particularly rough.
• L’aureole Tanohata: Chef Katsuyasu Ito organized food relief efforts in Tohoku following the quake and tsunami, and he moved his restaurant to its current location on Iwate’s Sanriku Coast in 2016. L’aureole Tanohata sits directly on the Michinoku Trail, with a menu reflecting the flavorful representation of Tohoku, including mountain grape juice, grilled fish with shiitake sauce, and smoked Maesawa beef shoulder roast.
• Local specialty bindon: This bounty of fresh seafood including roe, salmon or cod, and seaweed is packed into a milk bottle and then poured over rice along with hot dashi broth. It's a delicious, energy-filled lunch that is tailor-made for hikers and offered by the Jodogahama Resthouse.

MORE INFORMATION

Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en

Michinoku Coastal Trail

http://tohoku.env.go.jp/mct/english/

More detail

https://voyapon.com/michinoku-coastal-trail-hiking-in-japan/

CONTACTS

For inquiries regarding this release, please contact the Ministry of Environment Japan

E-mail: REO-TOHOKU@env.go.jp

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