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Filled with stunning scenery, Japan is a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from quick urban countryside escapes to multi-week treks winding through dramatic seaside cliffs and alpine forests.
This latest addition to the country’s “epic hikes” club is no exception.
The Michinoku Shiokaze Trail stretches more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) along Honshu’s northeastern Pacific coast, passing through four prefectures and 29 municipalities, offering the perfect combination of scenery, culture, and gastronomy.
The project, which officially launched in 2019, is one of several aimed at attracting more tourists to the Tohoku region, which was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It is. The name of this route dates back to ancient times, when the northeastern part of Japan’s Tohoku region was called Michinoku, meaning “end of the road.”
Few people know this path better than Japanese-British founder Robin Lewis. Michinoku Trail Walker Projecta website dedicated to helping others get the most out of their travels.
“Whether you’re a seasoned long-distance hiker or looking for a day trip with the family, this trail has something for everyone,” Lewis told CNN Travel.
“The combination of dramatic natural scenery, delicious northern cuisine, the unique culture of the Tohoku region, and the ability to learn from and contribute to the recovery of disaster-stricken areas makes this a unique destination.”
The Michinoku Coastal Trail has been around for a few years, but the pandemic has kept most international travelers away until late 2022.
What sets this trail apart from many of the country’s other grand hiking routes is that it’s still relatively unknown, even in Japan, Lewis said.
“Reportedly, only 2% of foreign tourists visit the Northeast.”
“I’ve walked several other trails in Japan, including the famous Kumano Kodo and the Shinetsu Trail, but I think the Michinoku Kaigan Trail offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure.”
Lewis has a personal connection to the Northeast. His mother’s family has roots in Miyagi Prefecture, one of the four prefectures the trail passes through, and he witnessed the devastation caused by the 2011 earthquake, calling it a “big turning point” in his life. ” he called.
After volunteering in disaster areas, Lewis spent the next six years working full-time on issues related to natural disasters in Japan and around the world, leading her to pursue a career in social impact.
“When I first learned about the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail in 2015, I immediately knew I wanted to walk the entire trail. It combined my passion for supporting the recovery of the Tohoku region with my love of the outdoors and adventure. ” he says.
“So in the summer of 2017, feeling a bit burnt out and looking for a change of pace, I decided to walk over 400 miles along sections of the trail that were open at the time. After the trail was completed in 2019, I wanted to go again. I was itching to hike all of the 1,000+ kilometers of trails in 2022.”
In both cases, Lewis took photos while walking, shared the experience online, and even Talks about his journey at TEDx and the many random acts of kindness he experienced along the way.
“I was really surprised by the response I received and the level of interest from people all over the world,” he recalls.
“As time went on, I received more and more inquiries about how other people could travel on their own. That’s why I started the website, and I wanted to help travelers, especially those from overseas, We’re here to help you learn about the trails, plan your trip, and explore all the wonders of the Northeast.”
robin takashi lewis
Lewis said the Tanesashi coastline to the north of the trail is a walker’s paradise, with relatively flat trails covering vast grasslands.
Guided treks and short hikes
There are two starting points for the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail, with the northern starting point being in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. The other is Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture in the south.
It takes the average hiker 40 to 50 days to walk the entire trail, which is too long for many people.
Thankfully, this trail has many access points, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a short hike, and guided tours are also an option.
walk japanhas been organizing hikes for more than 30 years, offering nine-day fully guided treks in spring and fall, the best times of year to visit, when travelers can enjoy a multi-day trail experience.
Walk Japan CEO Paul Christie said all of his tours had been in demand since Japan emerged from the pandemic, but the interest in the Michinoku Coast Trail tour was exceptional.
“When you add new departures, they fill up quickly,” he told CNN Travel.
“Countless trails criss-cross Japan, but the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail is special for its spectacular coastal views and rich seafood cuisine, but especially for its people. It has been extraordinary to see the resilience and determination of local people who have welcomed us with such warmth and generosity.”
Walk Japan’s journeys begin in the north in Hachinohe, following coastal trails, sometimes “surrounded by towering cliffs,” and at times offering hikers a close-up view of “the intricate carvings of coves and bays,” he said. says. This is a tour explanation of Walk Japan.
“En route, we’ll visit some of Japan’s most picturesque natural sites, including the classic pine tree coastline and Jodogahama Beach, a beautifully formed cliff of white sandstone surrounded by emerald waters. .”
Meals include a wide selection of local seafood, including abalone, oysters, clams, salmon, and squid caught off Tohoku’s famous Sanriku coast. When it comes to hotels, Walk Japan travelers primarily stay in seaside accommodations with baths overlooking the ocean, “allowing for a fun and relaxing night before a feast of food.”
In terms of difficulty, Christie says the trail is suitable for confident trekkers. “It’s a very difficult path, with steep ascents and descents.” But the wonderful and varied scenery more than compensates for the effort. ”
In addition to guided tours at Walk Japan, Self-guided Michinoku 10-day option.
I love photography and Apple. /Moment RF/Getty Images
The cliffs of Kitayamazaki are dyed red by the morning sun.
Like Walk Japan’s Christie, Lewis has noticed an increase in interest in the new Michinoku Coastal Trail since Japan’s economic reopening in 2022, with twice as many visitors to his website as last year. That’s all.
“During the pandemic, I was surprised by how many people shared that they were looking forward to the border opening so they could hit the trails. Now, many of those people are finally at the border. “We made it happen,” he says.
“Also, the Japanese yen is cheap right now, so it’s a great time to visit from overseas.”
For those who don’t have time to just get a quick taste of the trail, Lewis said, The northern section, especially between the Hachinohe trailhead and Miyako City.
“The landscape is wild and varied, from idyllic beaches to islands to ancient tunnels,” he says.
“Without a doubt, the section of the trail along the cliffs of Kitayamazaki and Unosu in Iwate Prefecture is one of the highlights of the trail. There are some strenuous ups and downs, but you can enjoy the views of the 200 meter high cliffs and the close proximity. Passing through some hand-dug tunnels (where most tourists never venture) is a must.”
Aomori Prefecture’s Tanesashi Coast at the northern tip is a walking paradise, he says, with relatively flat trails covering vast meadows and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
“The nearby Osuka coast is famous for its ‘squeaky sand’, said to be so pure and unspoiled that you can hear it squeak under your feet as you walk on it,” he added.
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For those looking to complete 1,000 kilometers, Lewis recommends running as slowly as possible.
“There’s so much to see, so much to eat and drink, so much to learn, so much to socialize with,” he says. “While it may be tempting to rush, it’s a good idea to leave enough time and space in your schedule to account for the unexpected.
“For me, and from many stories I’ve heard from fellow hikers, it’s the spontaneous interactions (even overcoming the language barrier!) and the small detours and deviations that make this trip so special.”
In fact, when asked to recall a particularly memorable moment from his trip, Lewis cited a chance encounter along the way.
“After spending the better part of four hours walking along mountain trails in heavy rain, I stood in the doorway of a dimly lit small shop in the middle of a quiet village, completely soaked and questioning my life decisions. “I held him,” he recalls.
“I shook off as much water as I could before entering, and my shoes creaked every time I walked, so I gingerly began looking for my bento box. Ten minutes later, I was sitting with my feet tucked under the kotatsu while my clothes dried on the stove.” We were drinking hot tea and eating warm ramen. The owner, Mr. Chiba, took us to his parents’ house attached to the property, but he (strongly) insisted that we warm up and wait out the storm. Did.”
Lewis said, “The time flew by as I chatted with my family, including my indomitable spirit.” old man (Grandfather) 83-year-old former professional boxer and avid table tennis player. ”
A few hours later, he emerged on a spring afternoon “smiling, reinvigorated and ready for the long journey ahead.”
“The Michinoku Coast Trail offers spectacular views and fresh seafood, but it’s these unexpected encounters that make it truly unforgettable,” says Lewis.
Access and plans
This trail passes through four prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima. Most of the trail is easily accessible by Japan’s famous bullet train network, including his two trailheads in Hachinohe and Soma.
The Lewis Michinoku Trail website provides a variety of information. route suggestionas well as a list of hotelbudgeting tips, and other valuable information for hikers.
Another valuable site for those considering a trip to Tohoku is Michinoku Trail Clubprovides detailed advice in Japanese and English, as well as regular updates on detours and weather warnings.
