Guided Michinoku Coastal Trail Hiking and Walking Tour

This eight day journey along Japan’s Michinoku Coastal Trail is all about slowing down and soaking in the wild beauty of the Sanriku Coast. Starting in Hachinohe, you ease into northern Japan with coastal walks, seaside shrines, and warm local hospitality. Over the week, you follow rugged clifftop paths, pine forests, and quiet fishing villages, with daily hikes that balance scenic challenge and unhurried exploration.

Highlights include the dramatic Kitayamazaki Cliffs, the remote Todogasaki Coast at the eastern edge of Honshu, and the striking black stone beaches of Goishi Cape. Along the way, you stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and traditional inns, enjoy regional seafood, and learn how coastal communities rebuilt and endured after the 2011 tsunami.

The trip wraps up in Kesennuma with a lively fish market visit, offering a fitting glimpse into daily life shaped by the sea.

Tour Type

Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Hachinohe

Finish

Kesennuma

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

10 km / 6 mi

Hiking Days

6

Group size

Min. 4, Max. 12

Fly-In

Misawa Airport (MSJ)

Fly-Out

Sendai Airport (SDJ)

Highlights

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Dramatic Coastal Walking

Walk some of the most striking sections of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, with clifftop paths, rugged shorelines, and wide Pacific views. From the Kitayamazaki Cliffs to the remote Todogasaki Coast, each hike showcases a different face of Japan’s wild northeast.

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Deep Local Culture and Resilience

This journey goes beyond scenery. Visits to tsunami memorials, small fishing towns, and community sites offer meaningful insight into how coastal communities rebuilt and continue to live in close relationship with the sea.

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Authentic Regional Experiences

Stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and traditional Japanese inns, enjoy local seafood specialties, and, when available, experience a traditional performance that reflects the region’s cultural heritage.

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Lively Finish in Kesennuma

End the tour with an early morning visit to Kesennuma Fish Market, where the energy of the working port brings daily coastal life into sharp focus and provides a memorable finale to the journey.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1HachinoheHachinohe Grand HotelD
DAY 2TaneichiAgripark OsawaB,D10 km / 6 mihiking
DAY 3KujiKuji Grand HotelB,D9 km / 6 mihiking
DAY 4FudaiKurosakisoB,D11 km / 7 mihiking
DAY 5NamiitakaiganSanriku Flower Hotel HamagikuB,D10 km / 6 mihiking
DAY 6OfunatoOfunato Plaza HotelB9 km / 6 mihiking
DAY 7KesennumaOnabeya RyokanB,D8 km / 5 mihiking
DAY 8KesennumaB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Hachinohe

Arrive in Hachinohe and make your way to the hotel. In the early evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers for an orientation covering the week ahead. This first evening is designed to be relaxed after travel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant, offering a taste of northern Japanese cuisine and local hospitality.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hachinohe Grand Hotel
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Day 2: Taneichi

After breakfast, travel by local train to Same Station and walk to Kabushima Shrine, home to thousands of black-tailed gulls. From here, begin your first walk along the Michinoku Coastal Trail, following a mix of clifftop paths, grassy headlands, and quiet coastal roads. The scenery opens out to wide Pacific Ocean views as you approach the Tanesashi Coast.

There is time to explore the shoreline and nearby cafés before transferring to your accommodation.

Elevation gain: 107m/ 351ft

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Accommodation: Agripark Osawa
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Day 3: Kuji

Today’s walk starts near the dramatic Samurai Rock, a well-known coastal landmark. The trail winds through forested sections and along exposed headlands, offering a constant mix of sea and mountain scenery. Elevation changes add variety without feeling rushed. The walk finishes near Itsukushima Shrine, beautifully set on a coastal promontory.

After the hike, transfer by vehicle to Kuji and settle into your hotel.

Elevation gain: 395m /1,295ft

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 9 km / 6 mi
Accommodation: Kuji Grand Hotel
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Day 4: Fudai

Travel by train to Fudai, a small coastal village protected by a towering tsunami floodgate. Begin walking near Kurosaki Fish Port, climbing gently toward scenic viewpoints overlooking the Pacific. Later, continue on to the famous Kitayamazaki Coast, known for its sheer cliffs and deep blue waters. This area is considered one of the most spectacular sections of the Michinoku Coastal Trail.

An optional additional walk is available for those wanting more challenge.

Elevation gain: 191m /627ft

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
Accommodation: Kurosakiso
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Day 5: Namiitakaigan

After breakfast, travel south to the Todogasaki Coast, one of the most remote and dramatic sections of the trail. Walk through pine forests and along rugged cliffs near the easternmost point of Honshu. The coastline here feels wild and untouched, with crashing waves below. After the hike, transfer to your seaside accommodation.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional local performance if available, followed by a relaxing bath overlooking the ocean.

Elevation gain: 486m /1594ft

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
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Day 6: Ofunato

Today’s route crosses the historic Rasei-tōge Pass, once part of an Edo-period coastal road. The trail connects small communities and passes memorials that reflect the impact of the 2011 tsunami. The walk is both scenic and reflective, blending forest paths with coastal views. Arrive in Ōfunato by afternoon, with free time to explore the town.

Dinner is not included, and your guide can suggest local restaurants.

Elevation gain: 340m /1110ft

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking Distance: 9 km / 6 mi
Accommodation: Ofunato Plaza Hotel
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Day 7: Kesennuma

Walk along the Goishi Coast, famous for its smooth black stones shaped by the sea. The trail passes layered rock formations, coastal vegetation, and striking pine forests. After completing the walk, visit the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum, offering deeper insight into the region’s recovery. Continue south to Kesennuma in the afternoon. Enjoy a final dinner together to reflect on the journey.

Elevation gain: 97m /318ft

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Accommodation: Onabeya Ryokan
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Day 8: Kesennuma

Begin the day with a guided visit to the bustling Kesennuma Fish Market, where fishing boats unload the morning’s catch. This lively visit offers a final look at daily life along Japan’s northeastern coast. After breakfast, the tour concludes. You can plan your onward travel rom Kesennuma Station.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hachinohe Grand Hotel

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Agripark Osawa

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Kuji Grand Hotel

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Kurosakiso

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Sanriku Flower Hotel Hamagiku

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Ofunato Plaza Hotel

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Onabeya Ryokan

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $200



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour starts in Hachinohe. The most convenient arrival airport is Misawa Airport (MSJ). From Misawa Airport, take a bus or taxi to Misawa Station, then continue by train to Hachinohe Station. Total travel time is usually around 60 to 90 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the airport, but public transport is reliable and easy to use. Plan to arrive in Hachinohe by late afternoon or early evening to join the welcome briefing and dinner.

Departure

Your tour ends in Kesennuma. For onward travel, the nearest major airport is Sendai Airport (SDJ). From Kesennuma, travel by local train and connecting services to Sendai Station, then continue to the airport by airport train or taxi. The full journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. We recommend allowing ample connection time, especially if departing on an international flight.

Weather

The best cycling weather for this tour is late spring and early autumn, when conditions along the Sanriku Coast are mild, clear, and comfortable. May offers cool mornings around 12–18°C (54–64°F) with low humidity and blooming coastal scenery. September brings slightly warmer days near 18–23°C (64–73°F) and calmer seas, ideal for long riding days.

Summer can feel humid and warmer, while winter is cold, windy, and less suitable for cycling. These shoulder seasons balance pleasant temperatures, good visibility, and safer trail conditions without peak tourist crowds.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Good

May

Best

June

Mixed

July

Offseason

August

Offseason

September

Best

October

Good

November

Mixed

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.

Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear

  • Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
  • Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
  • Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
  • Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
  • Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
  • Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Hiking poles (optional but recommended on uneven terrain).
  • Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
  • Headlamp or small flashlight.
  • Light gloves and beanie for early mornings or high altitudes.

Clothing

  • Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
  • Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
  • Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
  • Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
  • Extra socks (preferably synthetic or wool).

Other Necessities

  • Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
  • Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light — you’ll appreciate it on uphill climbs.
  • Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
  • Keep rain gear easily accessible in your daypack.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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