Holidays
Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail

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Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail

Available Departures: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

10 days from

US$4,035

without flights

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Pioneer

Self-Guided

MODERATE

Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail between Hachinohe and Kesennuma and discover the Tohoku region of Japan on this pioneering self-guided walking holiday

Trip Code: SGJT

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

For anyone who enjoys exploring on foot rather than always in a vehicle. A mixture of sightseeing and easier walking of around 2-5hrs a day. Walking paths could be around sites, through cities or on well marked trails and at lower altitudes (under 2500m). Regions are rarely flat so some ascent or descents could be expected but rarely above around 300 – 400m per day.

View leisurely holidays

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as regular walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

Suitable for fit weekend walkers. Consecutive walking days, of around 4-8 hours on generally good paths. Ascents and descents will increase and could be 1000m+ but often less. Some walking may be at higher altitude (3000m – 4500m) with the occasional higher pass and you may have some walking on snow. There may be occasions where you have to carry overnight kit on one or two days.

View moderate holidays

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

Previous trekking experience and a good level of fitness is required for these trips as there will be consecutive days of longer trekking in more remote areas with rougher paths. Days will be around 5-9 hours often with some steep ascents and descents. Some ice/snow trekking is possible with the use of crampons and/ice axe. You may be required to carry a heavier backpack with overnight essentials or equipment for some days and sleeping at higher altitudes (generally up to 5000m).

View challenging holidays

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

All Grade Information

Section:

Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail

Highlights

Off-the-beaten-track hiking in a truly special part of Japan, where a warm welcome awaits
Admire the contrasts between stunning coastlines and forested mountains on seldom-trekked trails
Witness the resilience of the region and its people at poignant tsunami memorials
Enjoy a free day in beautiful Jodogahama on the Sanriku Coast
Dine daily on the freshest, most sumptuous seafood and experience the specialties of Tohoku on your tastebuds

At a Glance

8 days walking
Daily departures available
Suitable for 2+ travellers
Join In Hachinohe / End in Kesennuma

Accommodation & Meals

9 Breakfasts
6 Dinners
4 nights Hotel
3 nights Minshuku
2 nights Ryokan

Overview

Positioned at the northern frontier of Japan’s main island, the region of Tohoku boasts of untamed natural environments, incredible local food and rural customs unique to the Japanese countryside. Visitors to this remote part of Japan will feel like they have stepped back in time, to an authentic and slower way of life where traditions abound, far removed from the buzz of big cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Stretching for more than 1,000km along the north-eastern coast of Honshu, the Michinoku Coastal Trail was created to aid in the recovery of the Tohoku region after the devastation caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011. Linking remote fishing villages and pristine natural parks, many of which are inaccessible by car, this long-distance trail enables hikers to enjoy the ever-changing scenery of dramatic coastlines, densely forested mountains and sleepy villages, and peel back the layers to witness the spirit of the community and their deep connection with the sea.

Your hike begins in Hachinohe, the gateway to the Michinoku Coastal Trail, where the majority of travellers visit to walk the most scenic northern sections of the route. On this unique self-guided itinerary, you will delve deeper than most as you will also walk the lesser-trodden central rias to Kesennuma, where relics of the tsunami remain as silent testament to the natural disaster that so affected the region. The first half of the trip gives you the opportunity to learn more of the history and the stories of the area; with this poignant insight grounding you, you can approach the latter half of your time in Tohoku with a better understanding of how the people of the region coexist with nature. By walking on this pioneering route, your visit directly supports local communities and small businesses, contributing to ongoing recovery while experiencing one of Japan’s most meaningful and inspiring long-distance trails.

Is this holiday for you?

If you are an experienced hiker and a seafood lover who is looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Japan, this self-guided holiday might be right up your street.

The Michinoku Trail is suitable for travellers who are accustomed to adventure and who need less support. Being in a remote part of Japan that does not see many visitors, you should be confident in route finding and independent navigation. There are route markings in the form of ribbons and post markers, but not all areas are well-signposted, and in heavily forested areas (particularly along the southern half of the route) the trail markers can be more difficult to spot when the foliage is thick. As the landscape changes with the seasons, you will need to pay attention to your route finding, on paths that are not always clear.

Underfoot terrain on this trip is varied; you can expect to walk on paved roads, across soft sand or cobblestone beaches, on undulating paths with many steps, through wild forest trails with rough or loose ground, and clamber over rocks and driftwood along the rugged coast. There are narrow paths with sheer drops that can be difficult for those who struggle with heights. There is little option for shortening or skipping the walks.

For safety considerations on the more remote trails, this trip is suitable for groups of 2 or more travellers. There are no real opportunities for sea swimming on this tour as the waters are often treacherous.

Why KE?

On this exclusive to KE itinerary, not only will you experience the beauty of Tohoku’s Pacific Coast, you will also have the opportunity to gain a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the community and the way of life here, as the people live with an intrinsic respect for nature and her power.

Working with our partner in Japan, we have included special moments and connections on this trip, where you can enjoy interactions with the local community and perhaps sample a little treat unique to the area.

Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Day 1

Arrive in Hachinohe and explore this seaside city.

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Arrive in Hachinohe, the gateway to the Michinoku Coastal Trail, and make your way to your hotel.

You have time today to stretch your legs and explore this port city - here you can get your first taste of the freshest seafood for which the region is famed. With a vibrant food culture here, you will find many food stalls, small bars and cosy cafes tucked in narrow alleys known as 'yokocho'. Stall-hopping in these buzzing yokocho makes for a great opportunity to sample lots of different dishes, especially if you can't make up your mind!

Accommodation

Hotel

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Day 2

Visit the Kabushima Shrine and commence your walk along the Tanesashi Coast.

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If you are up for an early start today, you might like to visit the bustling morning markets near the port before embarking on the first stage of your hike. The largest and most famous, the Tatehana Wharf Morning Market, usually opens on Sundays from dawn to around 9am; the smaller Mutsu Minato Morning Market usually opens on the other days of the week.

A short train ride takes you to Same Station where your day's walk commences. Your first port of call is the Kabushima Shrine, a picturesque Shinto shrine perched atop a hill overlooking the harbour and the wider sea, and a popular breeding ground for black-tailed gulls! Setting off on the Michinoku Trail proper, your walk will take you along the rugged coast with ever-changing vistas of the Tanesashi coastline. It won't be long before you arrive at the breathtaking sight of the Osuka 'singing sand' beach, a two-kilometre stretch of fine sand that is the longest walkable beach in Tohoku. Your route takes you across the length of the beach and it can be tough going underfoot, but a road alternative is available if you prefer not to walk on the loose squeaky sand.

Arriving at your accommodation this afternoon, your hosts will be waiting to welcome you. You will have time to freshen up before tucking in to a delicious home-cooked meal of local produce.

Accommodation

Minshuku

Meals

B D

Ascent

107 M

Descent

90 M

Time

4 hours walking

Distance

10 KM

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Day 3

Walk from Samurai-ishi to Kuji.

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After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will take a train and taxi transfer to the trailhead near Samurai-ishi (Samurai Rock). Here you can take a short detour to the large flat-topped rock that takes its name from a samurai legend, and enjoy the coastal views before retracing your steps to the trailhead to commence your walk. This day's undulating path alternates pleasantly between mixed forest and quiet roads through languid little homesteads, with beautiful coastal scenes emerging in breaks between the trees.

As you near the coastal city of Kuji, you will have the option to visit the peaceful Itsukushima Shrine positioned near the tip of the headland (adding around 800m walking distance to your day), before making your way on to your hotel in Kuji where you can settle in for the night.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

Ascent

395 M

Descent

315 M

Time

4-5 hours walking

Distance

9 KM

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Day 4

Travel to Fudai. Option of two lengths of walks to reach the Kurosaki Viewpoint.

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Your day begins by taking the train to Fudai, nestled between verdant mountains and the sparkling sea. Here you have the chance to explore the village, meet the local community and hear their stories, and sample some regional specialties from small business owners.

When you are ready to start your hike to Kurosaki, you have the choice of either a short walk or a long walk.

The longer walk starts from Fudai and takes you on paved roads along the coast. On your way, you will bear witness to the 15m-high Fudai 'Miracle' Floodgate that was a huge factor in reducing the impact of the 2011 tsunami on the village and its residents. When you reach the trailhead (this is the starting point for the short option), you will hike up to the Kurosaki Viewpoint where you can drink in the sumptuous views before making your way to your accommodation for the night.

If you prefer to opt for the short walk, you can take a taxi from Fudai (one of the local shopkeepers can help call you a taxi) to the trailhead for the short but steep climb to the Kurosaki Viewpoint where your route ends. From here you will head on to your accommodation.

Long option: 7km / 240m ascent / 96m descent / 3 hours walking

Short option: 2km / 191m ascent / 56m descent / 1 hour walking

Accommodation

Minshuku

Meals

B D

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Day 5

Walk from Sakiyama to Jodogahama on the Sanriku Coast.

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This morning you will have a taxi and train transfer to reach Ichinowatari station in Sakiyama. From the train station, your walk takes you along quiet country lanes, soon arriving at the Tsunami Memorial Park Nakanohama where some of the ruined structures and detritus left after the tsunami of 11 March 2011 remain. Here you can have a moment of reflection as you observe the devastation caused by the powerful forces of nature.

Continuing on your way, your route again weaves between tranquil woods and the magnificent coastline, offering gorgeous views of jagged cliffs, turquoise bays and quaint hamlets as you make your way along the coast to reach Jodogahama.

There is the option to end your walk early on this day if you wish, by taking the bus to Jodogahama. This would shorten your walk to around 5km (158m ascent / 161m descent / 2 hours walking).

An incredibly scenic rocky inlet on the Sanriku Coast, with white pebbled beaches and enchanting bays of the brightest shades of azure, the name Jodogahama means 'Pure Land' or 'Paradise Beach'. You can settle in to your hotel here for the next two nights and enjoy a rest day at the mid-point of your trip.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Ascent

581 M

Descent

630 M

Time

6 hours walking

Distance

13 KM

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Day 6

Free day to explore Jodogahama and Miyako City.

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This day is free for you to enjoy as you wish. You can discover the stunning Jodogahama coastline and Miyako City at your leisure, or you may simply choose to take it easy and perhaps enjoy the opportunity for some R&R in the hotel onsen. You might even like to take a day trip to Morioka City, the capital of the Iwate Prefecture. Here you can find the juxtaposition of old and new, with the ruins of the 17th-century castle (today, the castle grounds serve as a public park), traditional Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and more modern structures of brick and brutalist concrete. Here you can also experience the somewhat bonkers 'wanko soba' eating tradition, a truly unique and unforgettable all-you-can-eat challenge that has its origins in this region.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

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Day 7

Climb Mount Kujira for sumptuous panoramic views.

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After filling up on breakfast, a taxi takes you to the train station in Miyako where you will hop on board for your rail journey to Namiitakaigan. From here, you will begin your out-and-back hike to the top of Mount Kujira (Whale Mountain). This is a steep climb that begins on paved track before entering forest terrain that feels wild and untamed. In the dense foliage, you will need to keep one keen eye out for the ribbons that mark the route, while the other watches your step on the rugged terrain that also has some sections of loose scree that will need careful navigation. Your reward on reaching the top is an awesome panorama in good conditions, when you can have far-reaching views of the dramatic coastline below. When you are ready, retrace your steps and descend back to Namiita where you will find your cosy minshuku this evening.

Accommodation

Minshuku

Meals

B D

Ascent

595 M

Descent

595 M

Time

3 hours walking

Distance

7 KM

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Day 8

Hike on forested trails from Yoshihama to Sanriku; overnight in Ofunato.

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Wake to the sounds of the sea and drink in the sight of the beautiful morning light over the east-facing bay. Saying goodbye to your friendly hosts after breakfast, you will make your way to the train station for the scenic rail journey to Yoshihama. Despite the damage sustained by this village during the 2011 tsunami, there was only one human casualty, hence Yoshihama became known as a 'miracle village'. The innocuous-looking Tsunami Rock monument here gives just an inkling into the almost incomprehensible power of nature: this 30-ton rock was carried up the estuary by the tsunami of the 1933 earthquake, and unearthed again by the earthquake and tsunami of 2011.

Your challenge today is to cross the Rasei-toge Pass, on an inland trail through lush mixed forest, taking you over the saddle between Mount Dairoku and Mount Okubo. Dropping down into Sanriku, you will see many monuments and memorials to the earthquake and tsunami, as well as a 7,000-year-old cedar tree that withstood the wave.

From Sanriku, you will board the train to take you to Sakari Station, followed by a short BRT bus ride to Ofunato where you will stay tonight. The BRT bus service is an ingenious solution to replace the rail service after the tsunami: the damaged lines were paved over so the bus route follows sections of the former railway! This evening, you can take your own pick of where to dine in the city. Ofunato catches the most Pacific saury in all of Honshu, so it is no surprise that this oily fish (a little like mackerel) is a staple at restaurants here. You can try it grilled, fried, or simply raw as the freshest sashimi. Yum!

Accommodation

Ryokan

Meals

Ascent

340 M

Descent

350 M

Time

4 hours walking

Distance

9 KM

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Day 9

Discover the beautiful Goishi Coast and visit the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum, before transferring to Kesennuma.

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After breakfast, you will have a transfer by BRT bus and taxi to the Goishi Coast for the final hike of your trip.

Set off on the path that undulates around the headland to the Goishi Cape, among fragrant forests of pine and cypress. At each turn, you can discover incredibly picturesque views of striated cliffs and striking rock formations that contrast vividly against crystal-clear waters of the brightest blues, framed by attractive green foliage. A feast for the eyes and a keen photographer's dream. You will have the chance to visit the Goishi Kaigan Information Centre where you might like to break for some refreshments, before heading to the viewpoint to observe the crashing waves on Kaminari-iwa (Thunder Rock), so named for the sound created by the waves hitting and flowing through the rock.

Continuing on your way, you have yet another photo opportunity at the end of Goishi Cape, before meandering languidly past pretty pebble beaches, sleepy fishing villages and modest harbours, before concluding your walk. You can take the BRT to visit the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum before travelling on to Kesennuma for the final night of your trip.

At the end of your time on the Michinoku Trail, you can reflect on your experience over a commemorative final dinner, perhaps with a glass of locally-brewed sake.

Accommodation

Ryokan

Meals

B D

Ascent

205 M

Descent

255 M

Time

4 hours walking

Distance

8 KM

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Day 10

Departure day.

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Enjoy breakfast at your leisure this morning. If you fancy an early start, you might like to visit the bustling fish markets of Kesennuma before making your onward journey.

Meals

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Download Trip Notes

The Route

Point

Airport

Direction

Walk/Trek

Train

Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Holiday

General

Equipment

What's Included

All accommodation as described
Luggage transfers
Meals as described in the Meal Plan
Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes
Train and organised taxi transfers required as described in the itinerary
A Suica/ICOCA card pre-paid to cover the bus journeys required in the itinerary
GPX tracks available

What's not Included

Travel to Hachinohe
Travel from Kesennuma
Travel insurance
Visas (if applicable)
Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
Entrance fees to museums, temples etc
Personal equipment
Any additional travel/activities/excursions indicated as optional

Your Self-Guided Pack & Route Notes

This self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and hiking maps. The route notes and travel guides supplied will contain all the details for your trip, including the daily walk descriptions and insights, along with useful tips and advice.

You will receive digital documents to peruse prior to departure, along with the GPX tracks of your routes. There is no need to print the documents before you travel. On arrival at your first hotel in Hachinohe, you will receive your self-guided travel pack containing a hard copy of your travel documents, together with your rail tickets and travel passes. This ensures that you have documents that contain the most up-to-date details about your tour, in case of any late-notice revisions.

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

The trip starts in Hachinohe and ends in Kesennuma. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. The nearest airport for this trip is Aomori Airport, with domestic connections to many airports in Japan. If you are making this trip part of a bigger adventure in Japan, you can also fly to any major city and make use of the famously efficient Japanese rail transport system.

If you are flying in to Aomori Airport, you can take a taxi to Shin-Aomori station, from where you can take the Shinkansen bullet train to Hachinohe Station (approx. 25 minutes journey time) and make one change for Hon-Hachinohe (approx. 10 minutes journey time).

If you are travelling from Tokyo, you can take the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train to Hachinohe Station (journey time approximately 2 hours 45 minutes), where you can change for Hon-Hachinohe.

At the end of your trip in Kesennuma, you can take the train to Ichinoseki Station (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes), from where you can pick up the Shinkansen train back to Tokyo (journey time around 1 hour 40 minutes) and beyond, or northward back to Shin-Aomori (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes) for Aomori Airport.

Meal Plan

This holiday is arranged on a bed & breakfast basis. You also have your evening meals included for 6 nights of your itinerary.

You can stock up on some lunch supplies from shops before you set off for the day, occasionally there are also shops or restaurants along the way. Sometimes your accommodation hosts can supply a small bento box as a light lunch. Your personal day-to-day itinerary will contain more information about the options available each day.

Food & Water

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

Along the Michinoku Trail, seafood features heavily in all meals due to the traditions and culture of this coastal region. Here, the rugged terrain does not lend itself to agriculture, so the ocean provides the main food source and local cuisine is heavily reliant on the industry of fishing. You might like to sample the regional specialties such as scallops, sea urchin (uni), and sea squirts (hoya) which have an unusual look and taste – caught from the Sanriku coast, these are considered blessings from the sea.

A popular local dish in Hachinohe is senbei-jiru, a warming hotpot of fish or chicken and pieces of locally-made wheat crackers known as Nanbu senbei, which softens to a moreish chewy texture in the flavoursome broth.

Each region of Japan has its own specialty noodles; in Morioka in the Iwate Prefecture, the most famous are reimen, a cold dish of potato starch noodles topped with kimchi; jajamen, a dish of flat udon noodles with an array of toppings; and wanko soba, a fun all-you-can-eat dining experience featuring small lacquer dishes of soba noodles that are rapidly replenished by servers, with lots of encouragement to continue until you admit defeat! The name of this quirky custom comes from the wooden bowls in which the bite-sized portions of soba noodles are served.

Included meals at ryokan and minshuku are traditional multi-course Japanese home cooking, with an emphasis on utilising fresh and local ingredients. These meals typically include the freshest sashimi, seafood dishes, local vegetables, hot pot, soup, rice and pickles. Food is always locally sourced, in keeping with the unwritten “9km rule” in Japan.

If you are vegetarian, please be advised that, outside the cities, vegetarianism is not a concept that is widely understood. Whilst vegetarian options are available they are limited, and it is difficult to guarantee that ‘vegetarian’ dishes are 100% vegetarian as most Japanese dishes contain dashi, which typically contains fish. Strict vegetarian diets, vegan diets, and or gluten free diets will be difficult to accommodate in Japan. It will not be possible to avoid fish and seafood on this trip so you should be prepared for this.

If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, please discuss these with our Sales & Support Team and ensure that these are relayed at the time of booking, in order that we can endeavour to book locations that may be more set up to cater for special requests.

Accommodation

On this trip, you will stay in a mixture of hotels and traditional Japanese inns (known as ryokan or minshuku), all giving a true reflection of the customs in this region of lesser-trodden Japan. The day-by-day itinerary gives an indication of the type of accommodation typically used each night, however please note that accommodations can be subject to change depending on availability.

All accommodations are on a twin or double sharing basis. Single rooms are available at a supplementary cost. All locations offer WiFi connectivity.

While in larger towns and cities, you will usually stay in modern Japanese hotels with all the expected amenities including en-suite facilities, air conditioning, TV and fridge. Breakfasts are buffet-style with Japanese and international cuisines, and there is usually a bar and restaurant available at the hotel. Space is often at a premium so rooms are generally compact and cosy. As double rooms tend to be smaller than twin rooms, we usually book twin rooms by default. Double rooms are subject to availability.

At the smaller towns and villages along the trail, you will experience the traditional hospitality of family-run ryokan and minshuku.

When you stay at ryokan, you will have private rooms with traditional tatami (straw) mat floors, on which a futon mattress will be laid out in the evening for sleeping. Many ryokan have en-suite facilities, as well as access to gender-segregated communal baths. Some older buildings may only have shared facilities. In the evenings, you and your fellow guests can enjoy your kaiseki-style meal in the dining room; these are multi-course set menus, prepared with pride by your hosts and typically using fresh local ingredients and featuring the specialties of the region. Japanese breakfasts also follow a similar theme.

Minshuku are usually older wooden buildings; these inns have private tatami rooms with futons, and shared facilities. These are more akin to being a guest in a Japanese home, and are a slightly less formal experience than ryokan. You might expect to take your meals (also multi-course kaiseki-style) with your hosts who will be delighted to share their lovingly prepared home cooking with you, as well as exchange of stories and experiences.

We can assist with arranging extra nights pre-tour in Hachinohe and/or post-tour in Kesennuma if you would like to extend your stay in the region. Rates are dependent on availability and will be on request – please contact our sales team to request a quote.

Japan is a cash society, particularly outside of cities and large towns, so having a supply of cash in Japanese Yen would be a good idea.

When it comes to tattoos, it is important to note that attitudes can vary significantly among different accommodations. If you have any tattoos, you should be respectful and cover these when using onsen or communal baths.

Additional Information

Black bears can be found in the more remote areas of Honshu, including in the northern Tohoku region. While hiking in this area, seeing signs of bears (spoor) is a possibility, although seeing a bear itself is uncommon. As a precaution, a bear bell is supplied on this trip, along with more details and guidance that can be found in your walking guide.

Baggage Allowance

Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your accommodations while you are out on your hike. We ask that your luggage is limited to one piece per person, and that the weight is kept under 20kg. For ease of getting around, we recommend that you keep your luggage manageable and of a size that can easily fit into the luggage racks or overhead storage areas on trains.

Please ensure that your luggage is ready for collection each morning. You will also need a daypack to carry your daily essentials such as waterproofs, etc with you.

For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

Passport & Visas

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates (see Health & Vaccinations below), and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check the FCDO for the latest advice for each country visited before travel.

Visa Japan

UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays.

Health & Vaccinations

Vaccinations:

You should be up to date with the routine vaccinations recommended in the UK for overseas travel.

You must also contact your doctor or travel clinic to check if there are specific vaccinations or other preventive measures that you need for the area you are visiting, in good time before you are due to depart.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dental check-up.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates.

Please check the FCDO and Travel Health Pro. For all of your intended destinations for up-to-date advice.

Severe Allergies:

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips.

Currency

The unit of currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen.

Preparing for your Holiday

The advantage of a self-guided walking holiday is that you decide the pace however, getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable your walks will be. You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking up to 5 hours a day for consecutive days in hilly and mountainous terrain.

Climate

Japan has a temperate climate, in that it has four distinct seasons. However, a variety of influences, including the Siberian air stream and various Pacific Ocean currents, give the country a complex climatic pattern.

This walking trip is available from mid-April to October. The rainy season that begins in June on the mainland does not arrive to the northern region of Tohoku until August, making June a great time to travel to this area.

As the region enters the spring season, April can still feel cool (average highs around 12 degrees centigrade) and there could be a small risk of late snow at this time of year. As we enter May and June, the temperature warms up to a pleasant daytime average of around 17 degrees centigrade; while in the summer months, temperatures can feel hot – as high as the low 30s – but it will be cooler at higher elevations. It starts to cool off again from September to October with average temperatures around 18-20 degrees centigrade.

Precipitation can occur at any time of the year and you should always be prepared for all eventualities.

Travel Aware

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

Single Use Plastic

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Books

Ghosts of the Tsunami – Richard Lloyd Parry

One Month in Tohoku – Caroline Pover

Etiquette Guide to Japan - Boye Lafayette De Mente / Geoff Botting

Abroad in Japan – Chris Broad

Travel Insurance

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Equipment List

Hiking boots with good-grip soles
Hiking socks
Long / short hiking trousers
Functional base layer top and leggings
T-shirts
Fleece / extra warm layer
Windproof jacket
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Small first aid kit inside your rucksack
Water bottle or hydration pack
Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)
Power bank
Waterproof phone cover
Camera (and batteries / memory card)
Reusable sealable picnic boxes for picnics
Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags
Walking poles
Headtorch with spare batteries
Personal wash kit
Your self-guided route notes
Rucksack (approx. 20L)

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Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail
With Flights

Without Flights
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Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail
With Flights

Without Flights
Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on twin or double occupancy, however we can quote for groups of 2 or more travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.

When considering your travel dates, you might like to investigate any seasonal opening times of attractions and points of interest.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this holiday part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, just speak with our sales team to find out more.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

Our Sales Team will also be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights from your nearest regional airport (where possible). Flight prices are subject to change depending on availability and seasonality. Flight prices will only be confirmed to you when all services have been arranged and confirmed for your requested dates.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail

Highlights

At a Glance

Accommodation & Meals

Overview

Is this holiday for you?

Why KE?

Itinerary

The Route

Essential Information

DATES & PRICES

2026

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2027

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Land Only Information

Flight Inclusive Information

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

Download Trip Notes

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KE 2617 Online Reviews

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Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Walking Japan's Michinoku Coastal Trail

Highlights

At a Glance

Accommodation & Meals

Overview

Is this holiday for you?

Why KE?

Itinerary

The Route

Essential Information

Other Trips You Might like

Cycling Okinawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom

Rising Sun Japan Walking Explorer

Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

DATES & PRICES

2026

More Information

More Information

More Information

More Information

More Information

2027

More Information

More Information

More Information

More Information

More Information

Land Only Information

Flight Inclusive Information

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

Download Trip Notes

Get our latest articles and promotions straight to your inbox

KE 2617 Online Reviews

97%

Your Wishlist

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Holiday Search