Michinoku Coastal Trail: Kurosakiso - Tanohata Station
I started my day with a beautiful sunrise and breakfast in the dining room. The trail had plenty of ups and downs along the coast—more than I expected. The first 8 km was fairly easy, with stunning coastal views. Looking back, I could see where I had been just hours ago. A highlight of the route was Kitayamazaki Cape, which reminded me of Australia’s Twelve Apostles, with its dramatic rock formations and turquoise waters. It was breathtaking. Soon after I arrived, it started snowing, but I still had a long way to go.
I descended about 500 steps toward the ocean, only to climb back up—this pattern repeated for over 10 km. It was mentally exhausting, but the views at the top made it worth it. Along the way, I crossed two hand-dug caves and climbed sketchy ladders attached to the cliffside, one of which was only anchored on one side.
The final stretch before reaching the main road was a steep climb followed by a slippery descent on a pine-needle-covered trail. I was lucky to spot the Japanese serow twice, with the most memorable encounter happening as I hiked up to the lighthouse. I made it to the train station but missed my train, so I had to wait an extra hour and 40 minutes. My legs definitely felt the climb, but would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
Route Detail
Distance: 23.7km from Kurosakiso to Tanohata Station
Total elevation gain: 1175m
Time: 6h 19m (total time with breaks 7h 13m)
Difficulty: Challenging
Transportation & Miscellaneous
Train from Tanohata Station to Miyako Station ¥1010
Food ¥850
