Michinoku Coastal Trail - Mitazono Station to Rikuzen-Takasago Station - Miyagi, Japan
I originally just wanted to visit the Michinoku Coastal Trail Center in Natori to get an official trail passport, since I’d been using my own for stamps. But since I was already in the area, I figured I might as well walk the stretch of the trail toward it, then continue back in the direction of Sendai.
The weather forecast called for moderate wind and snow, but I thought it wouldn’t be too bad—the trail here is mostly flat, so it shouldn’t be too physically challenging. I got off the train at Mitazono Station and started walking toward the trail. The first section passed through bare winter farmland that stretched endlessly in every direction. With nothing to block the wind, I could feel the full force of the chilly winter air.
I had checked the visitor centre’s hours beforehand, knowing many places would still be closed until January 4th. When I arrived, the friendly staff greeted me warmly, curious about where I was from—they said they don’t see many hikers this time of year. One of them had completed the entire trail himself, so we chatted about our favourite sections, my hiking direction, and local highlights. He mentioned that very few people hike the Michinoku in winter since the Tohoku coast can be brutally cold. Before I left, he asked if he could take a Polaroid photo of me for their “Hiker of the Month” wall. I agreed, got my official trail passport, and took a moment to browse the small gear corner inside.
Before setting off again, the staff warned me about a busy bridge about a kilometre ahead, suggesting that if crossing felt unsafe, I should take the underpass and loop around. Sure enough, the traffic was constant and I couldn’t find a safe gap to cross, so I followed his advice and took the detour to a quieter crossing instead. Once past the road, the trail led into a seaside park shared with cyclists. I made sure to stay on the pedestrian side. This long, unchanging stretch was more mentally challenging than physically—just an endless view of the same flat landscape for kilometres.
About four kilometres from my destination, Rikuzen-Takasago Station, the snow started falling and the wind picked up. With no elevation or trees to block the elements, the gusts cut straight across the trail. It was miserable and humbling at the same time. I had underestimated this section—not physically, but mentally. Words can’t quite describe the relief I felt when I finally saw my goal ahead.
History & Background
The Michinoku Coastal Trail (みちのく潮風トレイル) is a long-distance hiking route stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan, from Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture to Soma in Fukushima. The section between Mitazono and Rikuzen-Takasago passes through Natori City in Miyagi Prefecture—an area deeply affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
This portion of the trail is both scenic and symbolic. It follows gentle farmland and coastal plains that were once submerged or damaged during the disaster. The Michinoku Coastal Trail Center, located near Yuriage in Natori, serves not just as a trailhead but also as a hub for remembrance and education. Established by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as part of the Green Reconstruction Project, it was created to transform the devastated coastline into a place of connection, healing, and reflection.
Walking here isn’t about mountain views or physical challenge—it’s about understanding the resilience of local communities, the renewal of nature, and the quiet beauty that’s returned to these coastal landscapes.
Getting There
I took the Tohoku Line from Sendai Station to Mitazono Station, which was simple and convenient. Since the same line also serves Sendai Airport, trains run frequently, making it easy to plan your trip.
Route Overview
Distance: 22.4 km (Mitazono Station → Rikuzen-Takasago Station)
Total elevation gain: 30 m
Duration: 3 hr 32 min (with breaks 3 hr 59 min)
Difficulty: Hard
Cost Breakdown
Accommodation: APA Hotel TKP Sendai Ekikita (booked via Agoda) — C$54.16
Train: Sendai Station → Mitazono Station — ¥460
Train: Rikuzen-Takasago Station → Sendai Station — ¥200
Michinoku Trail Passport: ¥990
