Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
18

Have you hiked all or part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail in Tohoku? I'm looking for suggestions, your experiences, best source for a good map or maps of the entire trail, lodging and camping advice. Are there still parts of the trail that dead-end, and how did you find/avoid them? Thanks!

Report
1

Helloooo! I've hiked part, and I help make the English maps for this trail.
The official English website is here:
http://tohoku.env.go.jp/mct/english/

If you scroll down, you can see that there are downloadable official English maps for the three northernmost parts. You can download those and get them printed out full-size, or you can print them out in a smaller size and get the Japanese maps by post if you live in Japan. Definitely do not hike the trail with just a PDF printed in a smaller size.

At the bottom of that page, there's an inquiries email address. That's where you should consult for details on how to get maps, recommended routes, how not to get lost. The staff will be better able to help you if you tell them how long you plan to hike, when(the season), whether or not you can speak/read Japanese, and whether or not you live in Japan. English is fine.

These two model courses look good, and both propose staying in places where you should be able to make lodging reservations in English. If you choose the Hachinohe course, you can just use a downloadable English map. If you choose the Iwate course, you could consult with the inquiries email address on whether you can get ahold of unofficial English maps.
http://tohoku-pacific-coast.com/en/modelcourse/detail01.html
http://tohoku-pacific-coast.com/en/modelcourse/detail02.html

I wouldn't say the trail dead-ends so much as it doesn't have signage in certain areas, especially newer sections, because the trail route is not completely finished. If (like me) you're not using to reading hiking maps, you can get lost. Allow for more time than you think you need.

The gentleman who runs this page https://www.facebook.com/exploretohoku/ has hiked the whole thing and may be able to advise you as well.

Lodging and camping: you can only camp at campgrounds, unfortunately no free camping wherever.

Report
2

I'm planning spending 2-3 weeks walking down the Trail from north to south this coming June or July. Is it possible to do this without camping? If yes where can I find a source for accommodations, especially homestays and B&Bs. Many thanks in advance for any info.

Report
3

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.

Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner