HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Michinoku Coastal Trail Through Iwate
Hike highlights of the over 1,000 km-long trail, stopping at fishing villages along the Pacific coast
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
The Michinoku Coastal Trail in the northern Tohoku region is a long trail that stretches over 1,000 km along the Pacific Ocean coast, connecting Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture to Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture.
Each section offers different views, with the northern section featuring cliffside paths and the southern part rolling plains.
The central section follows a ria coast, with an intricate coastline of rock formations and coves, much of which is part of Iwate Prefecture.
Experienced hikers will enjoy the Senjojiki section of Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture. The massive rocky formations along the coastline at the tip of the Hakozaki Peninsula were created by cooled and hardened magma, and some parts require ropes to cross safely. Dotted with little pools among the rocks, small lighthouses, and torii gates along the route, the hike is challenging, but rewards hikers with great views.
Hikers taking on longer sections of the trail can also stop in the fishing port of Tanohata, about 90km to the north. This coastal community is nestled by some of the most dramatic coastline along the trail and offers boat tours, welcoming accommodation, and treats made from local milk. Try fresh seafood caught right off the coast that you can learn to prepare under the instruction of the fishermen themselves in their working banya huts. The fishermen's mothers can teach you how to enjoy the local delicacies.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Hanamaki Station (about 3 hours). Switch to the JR Kamaishi Line to Kamaishi Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes). Take the Sanriku Railway to Unosumai Station (about 10 minutes).
From Unosumai Station, take the bus to Shirahama Shrine, then walk 7km to Senjojiki.
Hakozaki-cho, Kamaishi-shi, Iwate-ken
