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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail
Discover both the mountain and sea landscapes of Japan by walking a portion of this 1000+ km hiking trail along the Pacific coastline of northern Japan
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
The Michinoku Shiokaze Trail is a long trail stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coast from Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture to Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture.
The landscapes on the trail vary dramatically, from the steep cliffs of the northern part to the intricate ria coastline in the middle and the gently sloping plains to the south. Hikers can start their trek anywhere along the route, which allows for plenty of customization to your interests and schedule.
The route along the southern sections of the trail, which pass through Soma City and Shinchi Town in Fukushima Prefecture, offer visitors a compact mountainous landscape that also includes seaside views and welcoming villages.
Soma is the southern terminus of the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail and offers lots to see, including Matsukawaura Prefectural Natural Park, traditions like the Soma Nomaoi samurai horse racing festival, and the ruins of Soma Nakamura Shrine and Nakamura Castle.
In Shinchi Town, trek up Mt. Shikarozan to see the clear views and timeless landscapes, with the sea stretching out behind small houses and rice paddies, framed by mountain ridges in the distance.
How to get there
Soma City: From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai Station (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes). From Sendai Station, take the Joban Line to Soma Station (approx. 1 hour).
Shinchi Town: From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai Station (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes). Switch to the Joban Line to Shinchi Station (approx. 55 minutes).
192 Fudanosawa, Obama, Soma-shi, Fukushima-ken