Michinoku Coastal Trail
Southern Section Self Guided 7 days
Duration7days
DifficultyMedium
Summary
This southern section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, from Soma to Ishinomaki, showcases the remarkable diversity of Fukushima and Miyagi’s coastline. Hike through coastal lagoons, mountain ridgelines, and peaceful fishing villages while exploring islands scattered across Matsukawaura Bay, the Urato Archipelago, and the offshore islands of Ajishima and Tashirojima. Along the way, visit communities rebuilding and preserving their stories after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011. Combining coastal scenery, island adventures, local culture, and resilience, this journey offers a unique perspective on the southern gateway to the Michinoku Coastal Trail.
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.
※It can be arranged as a guided tour for an additional cost.
Highlight
- Experience the southernmost sections of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, connecting Fukushima and Miyagi through coastal wetlands, mountains, and island communities.
- Hike through the beautiful lagoons, pine forests, and coastal scenery of Matsukawaura.
- Traverse the northern edge of the Abukuma Highlands, including the scenic trails of Mount Karosan and Mount Shihosan.
- Visit important sites connected to the 2011 disaster and recovery, including Former Arahama Elementary School and the Michinoku Trail Club Visitor Center.
- Island-hop through the tranquil Urato Islands, experiencing local fishing communities and hidden island landscapes.
- Explore both Aji Island and Tashiro Island, famous for their remote coastal scenery, fishing culture, and free-roaming cats.
DAY1
schedule
Transfer to Soma station.
Stay overnight in Soma area
（Meals: B:X / L:X / D:〇）
DAY2
schedule
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 / L:X / D:〇）
DAY3
schedule
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 / L:X / D:〇）
DAY4
schedule
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 / L:X / D:〇）
DAY5
schedule
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 / L:X / D:X）
DAY6
schedule
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 Ishinomaki area
（Meals: B:〇 / L:X / D:X）
DAY7
schedule
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 / L:X / D:X）
Information
Price
From 260,000JPY~ per person twin share
Tour type
Self-Guided
Inclusions
✔ 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 each day between accommodation
✔ Informative guide book
✔ Rental bear-spray, first aide kit and mobile battery pack
Exclusions
✖ 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
Notes
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.
※ It can be changed to a guided tour for an additional cost.
This tour is run in conjunction with the following travel agency;
Michinori Travel Tohoku Co., Ltd.
Registered Travel Business No. 2012
