What began as a quick visit to the Michinoku Coastal Trail Center turned into a reflective winter walk through Natori’s quiet farmlands and coastline. This stretch of the trail, shaped by the 2011 tsunami, offers a humbling glimpse into nature’s recovery and the strength of the communities that rebuilt along its path.

This stretch of the Michinoku Coastal Trail follows the breathtaking Goishi Coast, where rugged cliffs and black “go” stones meet quiet fishing villages. Beyond its beauty, the trail tells a deeper story of resilience—walking here is both a scenic journey and a reminder of nature and community healing after the 2011 tsunami.

To kick off the new year, I hiked from Kesennuma to Oshima Island along the Michinoku Coastal Trail. The walk followed quiet coastal roads and crossed the impressive Kesennuma–Oshima Ohashi Bridge—a powerful symbol of the region’s recovery after the 2011 tsunami. Despite strong winds and a limited New Year’s schedule, it was a memorable start to the year surrounded by sea views and quiet resilience.

A peaceful coastal trek from Ichinowatari to Jodogahama Beach, blending ocean views, quiet forests, and glimpses of recovery along Iwate’s Sanriku coast. This section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail captures the region’s enduring beauty and spirit.

A challenging but memorable day along the Michinoku Coastal Trail, from Shintaro to Ichinowatari. I passed tsunami memorials, coastal cliffs, and a few unexpected detours—including a sketchy scramble up a leaf-covered slope. A true test of patience and persistence on Japan’s northern coast.

Starting from Kurosakiso, this section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail winds along dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, passing Kitayamazaki and Benten Cape. Between hand-dug caves, cliffside ladders, and encounters with local wildlife, it’s a challenging yet unforgettable part of the trail that captures the raw beauty of Japan’s Sanriku coast.

From Horinai to Kurosakiso, this section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail blends history, resilience, and rugged beauty. Passing tsunami-scarred fishing villages, the Fudai Watergate, and Kurosaki Lighthouse, it’s a hike that reveals both the power of nature and the strength of the Sanriku coast.

Battling –15°C temperatures and blowing snow, I hiked from Kuji toward Itsukushima Shrine before deciding to turn back. This short section of the Michinoku Trail offers a humbling reminder of nature’s power and the importance of knowing your limits.

Starting at Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe, this first section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail offers a peaceful winter walk along the Tanesashi Coast. Snowy beaches, fishing ports, and sweeping ocean views set the tone for the long journey south.

My last day in Jeju was spent walking Jeju Olle Trail 10—a quiet, nature-filled route of beaches, fishing villages, and ocean views. What began as one last hike before my flight became a heartwarming encounter that made me want to return and complete the entire Jeju Olle Trail.

A coastal walk with city views—Jeju Olle Trail 8 offers a mix of seaside paths, resort areas, and distant glimpses of Hallasan. A different side of Jeju, where nature meets the island’s modern rhythm.

Jeju Olle Trail 6 offers one of the most beautiful coastal walks on Jeju Island, combining waterfalls, cliffs, and black sand beaches in a short 11.6 km route. A perfect balance of culture and nature just outside Seogwipo.

Starting from Seogwipo, Jeju Olle Trail 7 follows a 15 km stretch of coastline past waterfalls, beaches, and fishing towns—offering the perfect mix of city access and coastal beauty for first-time Olle hikers.

Hike the Jogasaki Coast for dramatic cliffs, suspension bridges, and sweeping Pacific views. Trails are well-marked and accessible, with quieter stretches offering breathtaking scenery and centuries-old temples along the way.

A scenic and history-rich coastal walk linking Balmoral Beach, Middle Head, Chowder Bay, and Bradleys Head, offering pristine water views, restored military fortifications, and some of the best harbour lookouts in Sydney.

A scenic and history-rich day exploring North Head Sanctuary in Sydney Harbour National Park, featuring rugged cliffs, military heritage sites, sweeping harbour views, and a peaceful coastal walk starting from Manly Wharf.

The South Head Coastal Walk in Sydney Harbour National Park offers a mix of history, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping harbour views. From historic lighthouses and Victorian estates to quiet beaches and perfect sunset spots, this easy coastal walk is a peaceful way to explore the southern headlands of Sydney Harbour.

I spent the day walking the famous Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk, a scenic trail offering some of Sydney’s best ocean views. Starting in Coogee, the path winds past beaches, cliffs, rock pools, and viewpoints before ending at the iconic Bondi Beach. Even in winter, the coastline was warm, lively, and absolutely beautiful.

A scenic coastal hike along the San’in Kaigan Geopark Trail, from Uradome Coast to Otani Beach, showcasing dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, ancient rock formations, and quiet seaside towns along Tottori’s Sea of Japan coastline.

Towering volcanic cliffs, crashing winter waves, and a peaceful island shrine—exploring Tojinbo and Oshima reveals one of Japan’s most dramatic coastal landscapes.