Michinoku Coastal Trail Southern Section- Self Guided 7 days
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day adventure along the Michinoku Coastal Trail, where stunning landscapes, rich local culture, and history await you at every turn. This southern section from Ishinomaki to Soma takes you through a variety of areas, with highlights such as Island hopping across 5 islands and walking through towns and cities that have deep samurai history. This journey through Japan's Tohoku region blends nature, history, and adventure into one incredible tour.
Join us on this unforgettable adventure along the Michinoku Coast and dive deep into the spirit of resilience in one of Japan’s most scenic and historically significant regions.
This tour is a Self-guided version, so we will organize the accommodation and course details for you, and then you can hike at your own pace over the course of 7 days.
ITINERARY
Please note this is a base itinerary, but can be catered to your requests.
North Bound pattern (can also be run South Bound)
Day 1: Transfer to Soma station.
Stay overnight in Soma area （Meals: BX LX D〇）
Day 2: Hiking Course:15.5km. About 5hrs Level of difficulty：★
After breakfast, hike from Matsukawaura Environment park Southern terminus to Shiratori Shrine. Transfer from here to accommodation for tonight.
Stay overnight in Soma area（Meals: B〇 LX D〇）
Day 3: Hiking Course: 12.5km. About 5hrs Level of difficulty：★★★
After breakfast, transfer to Mt Karosan Trailhead (south) and hike the trail over Mt Karosan and down to the Ryuso-ji temple. Transfer from Shinchi station to Watari station.
Stay overnight in Watari area （Meals: B〇 LX D〇）
Day 4: Hiking Course: 10km. About 5hrs Level of difficulty：★★☆
After breakfast, to the Mt Shihosan mid-way viewpoint via taxi and hike along the Abukuma range to Watari shrine. Return to accommodation.
Stay overnight in Watari area （Meals: B〇 LX D〇）
Day 5: Hiking Course: 12km. About 4hrs Level of difficulty：★
After breakfast, transfer from Watari station to Mitazono station and hike through Natori area, passing the Michinoku Trail Center on your way. Continue past here to the Former Arahama elementary school. Transfer via bus and train to accommodation.
Stay overnight in Shiogama area（Meals: B〇 LX DX）
Day 6: Hiking Course: 9.7km. About 4.5hrs Level of difficulty：★
After breakfast, walk to Marine Gate Shiogama, and take the ferry to the Urato Islands. Island hop over the three islands using the local fishermens boat rides between each island, and then on to Miyato port. Hike to Nobiru station and transfer to accommodation.
Stay overnight in Shiogama area （Meals: B〇 LX DX）
Day 7: Hiking Course:9.8km. About 4hrs Level of difficulty：★
After breakfast, transfer to Ishinomaki port, and take the ferry to Ajishima Island, and Tashirojima (Cat) island and hike each section before taking the ferry back to Ishinomaki port in the late afternoon. Transfer to Ishinomaki station and then on to your next destination. （Meals: B〇 LX DX ）
INCLUSIONS
All tours include the following
✔ Some meals during the tour (Breakfast x 6, Dinner x 4)
✔ 6 nights accommodation, twin share (Single occupancy can be requested for an additional fee where possible)
✔ Pre-booked taxi or shuttle bus where listed
✔Luggage transfer between Some to Watari and Watari and Shiogama accommodation (※must carry change of clothes for 1 night in between each transfer)
✔ Informative guide book
✔ Rental bear-spray, first aide kit and mobile battery pack
NOT INCLUDED
All tours do not include the following
✖ Transportation to and from the listed starting/finishing points
✖ Local Train/bus fares within the tour
✖ Drinks or extra dishes at meals, and any meals not listed
✖ Costs of a personal nature
TOUR COST
Tour cost is from 200,000JPY～ per person, twin share depending on hotel type and season.
Each tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to depart.
※Tours can also be adapted in length, so please request what you would like, and we will create an original version for your group.
TOUR DATES
Tours can be run all year depending on availability of accommodation.
While all year is possible, please note that August can be very hot and humid, and Late January to mid March can have incremental weather including snow on the path.
What to Bring
＋Hiking footwear with good grip (Trail running shoes or hiking boots)
＋Insect repellent
＋Items for sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc)
＋Hiking clothes (Preferably in layers so you can adjust according to the temperature)
＋Rain wear (rain coat, rain pants, poncho, bag rain cover etc)
＋Hiking back-pack (day pack is fine)
＋Any necessary medicine or painkillers
＋Head-light (Rental head lights available)
＋Hiking poles (if required. Rental poles are available)
Please note
The weather can change quite a lot depending on the day, and even within the same day, so please ensure you have good quality rain-wear, as we hike in the rain as well (provided it is deemed safe).
Please advise of any dietary restrictions beforehand. Please note, vegan diet is not able to be catered for at this time.
Please ensure you have a good physical ability so you are able to participate in all activities.
This tour is run in conjunction with the following travel agency;
Michinori Travel Tohoku Co., Ltd.
Registered Travel Business No. 2012
