A relaxing day trip from Hanno to Nagatoro, blending cultural stops at Chichibu and Hodosan Shrines with a scenic hike up Mount Hodo and the Nagatoro Alps Trail.

Mount Mitake offers one of Tokyo’s most rewarding day hikes—blending history, mountain temples, and stunning nature. I took the cable car up to Mitakesan Station and hiked to Musashi Mitake Shrine before continuing toward Mount Odake. Along the way, I explored mossy trails, waterfalls, and sweeping mountain views, ending my journey with a well-deserved curry before heading back down.

A relaxed day hike through Hanno’s Mount Tenran and Mount Tonosu. From peaceful shrine paths to Atsuma Gorge’s cool riverside trail, this route blends local charm with quiet nature.

Just 35 minutes from Sendai, Rairaikyo Gorge is a peaceful spot lined with mossy rocks and a flowing river. The short 1 km trail winds right below onsen hotels and busy roads, yet feels completely quiet once you descend into the gorge. A quick, refreshing nature escape before heading back to the city.

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.

With pine-covered islands scattered across a calm bay, Matsushima continues to live up to its reputation as one of Japan’s most scenic places. From coastal walks and historic teahouses to a sunset boat tour through the islands, this unplanned afternoon from Sendai turned into a quietly memorable experience.

A morning in Kesennuma: hike Mount Anba, visit Osugi Shrine, stroll the fish market, and enjoy panoramic city and bay views before heading back to Sendai.

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.

Hiking the Magome to Minami-Nagiso section of the Nakasendo Trail offers a perfect mix of history, scenery, and authentic Edo-period charm. Stone-paved streets, old inns, and panoramic views make this intermediate trail a must-do for travellers exploring Japan’s Kiso Valley.

A quiet winter visit to Iwamura Castle Ruins, one of Japan’s Three Great Mountain Castles, where ancient stone walls crown a 717-metre summit. A peaceful, history-filled walk through one of Gifu’s most beautifully preserved castle towns.

A short walk from the train station leads to Kiyosu Castle—a photogenic fortress once tied to Oda Nobunaga. Between the lantern-lined bridge, quiet museum, and stunning top-floor views, this small but historic site makes a perfect half-day trip from Nagoya.

I hiked up Mount Kinka via the Meisou no Komichi Trail to reach Gifu Castle, a mountaintop fortress once home to Oda Nobunaga. The 2.3 km trail was steep but scenic, winding through forest and rewarding me with sweeping views of Gifu City and the Nagara River from the summit.

Perched high above the town of Asago, Takeda Castle lives up to its nickname—the “castle floating in the sky.” Though winter closures meant a tougher climb and snow-covered ruins, the sweeping views and quiet atmosphere made the visit unforgettable.