Tohoku Coastal Trail: 3-Day Hike, Culture & Rebirth
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Overview
Michinoku Coastal 3 Days Trail Tour: Natori, Matsushima, Kesennuma. This tour takes travelers on a special 3-day trip through the Tohoku region of Japan. It's a chance to see amazing views and learn about the local culture. This adventure combines walking, biking, and even some time on the water. It's a way to connect with the people who live here and see how they're building a strong future after the 2011 earthquake.
Get ready to explore over 1,000 km of Japan's newest trail. This isn't just a hike; it's a chance to think about what's important in life. You'll start at Sendai Station and visit the Natori Trail Centre. See the Arahama Elementary School, a place that reminds us of the past. Then, it's off to the beautiful Urato Islands in Matsushima Bay and Kesennuma Oshima Island. Along the way, a guide will help you understand everything in English. You'll also get to enjoy local food with lunch and dinner included, plus a comfy bed in a twin-share room each night, and breakfast to start your day. Transportation from Sendai Station is also included.
This tour is perfect for anyone 13 years or older who wants to see the trails without rushing. It's a way to see the real Tohoku and meet the people who make it so special. Please note that personal expenses are not included.




Highlights
Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail: Walk along the southern part of the trail near Natori, Matsushima and Kesennuma.
See How Tohoku Recovered: Learn about the 2011 earthquake and how the area has become strong again.
Meet the Local People: Connect with the people who live in Tohoku and learn about their lives.
Enjoy Nature and Culture: Experience the beauty of the area and its unique traditions.
English-Speaking Guide: A guide will help you understand everything in English.
Meals and Accommodation Included: Enjoy lunch, dinner, breakfast, and a comfy place to sleep each night.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the tour, especially the scenery, guide, and cultural experience. Some found the physical activity challenging or wanted more time at certain locations.

Travelers loved seeing the beautiful scenery.
The guide made the trip fun and easy to understand.
Visitors felt good about supporting the local people.
Many enjoyed the chance to walk and be outside.
Some found the walking to be a bit tiring.
A few people wished for more time at certain spots.
The Journey
Sendai Station
Sendai Station is the gateway to your Tohoku adventure, a bustling transportation hub that connects you to the region's hidden gems. More than just a train station, it's a vibrant introduction to Sendai, known as the 'City of Trees.' Before you venture further, take a moment to savor local delicacies and explore the station's shops, setting the stage for an enriching exploration of the Michinoku coast.
Natori Trail Centre
The Natori Trail Centre serves as the perfect launchpad for your exploration of the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders that await with exhibits detailing the trails history and ecology. Discover maps and exhibits about the region’s unique ecosystem and learn how the trail connects communities along the coast. The center is a must-visit to truly appreciate the nature and local initiatives before embarking on your hike.
Arahama Elementary School
Arahama Elementary School stands as a powerful memorial to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011. Preserved in its post-disaster state, the school offers a stark reminder of the tsunami's devastating impact. Ascend to the rooftop where 320 lives were saved, and witness the area's remarkable reconstruction. The exhibition rooms provide poignant insights into the disaster, making this a profoundly moving and unforgettable experience.
Urato Islands (Matsushima Bay)
Escape to the serene beauty of the Urato Islands, a hidden archipelago within the famed Matsushima Bay. Hike through lush landscapes, cross picturesque bridges connecting the islands and embrace breathtaking coastal scenery. Each island (Michinoku Shiogama, Katsurajima, Nonoshima, and Miyato) offers a unique charm, allowing you to discover tranquil fishing villages, encounter local culture and relish the untouched natural wonders that define this idyllic escape.
Kesennuma Oshima Island
Discover the natural beauty and panoramic views of Kesennuma Oshima Island. Hike the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail from Tatsumaizaki to Kameyama Mountain, where you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the bay. This tranquil island is a haven for nature lovers, offering a perfect blend of invigorating trails, breathtaking scenery, and a serene escape from the everyday. The lookout point at Kameyama is a highlight, showcasing the island's unspoiled charm.
Sendai Station
Returning to Sendai Station marks the culmination of your journey along the Michinoku coast. As you reflect on your experiences, take one last opportunity to savor Sendai's culinary delights and perhaps purchase souvenirs to remember your adventure. More than just a transit point, Sendai Station represents the connections made and the memories created during your exploration of Tohoku's resilience and beauty.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a guide who speaks English, lunch, dinner, a twin-share room each night, breakfast, a local guide for hiking, and transportation from Sendai Station at the start and end of the tour. Things that are not included are personal expenses that are not specifically mentioned.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking. Also, bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery along the Michinoku Coastal Trail.