<strong>An epic journey in Japan's northeast:</strong> The Michinoku Coastal Trail, stretching more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) along Japan's northeast coast in the country's Tohoku region on the main island of Honshu, passes through four prefectures.
An epic journey in Japan's northeast: The Michinoku Coastal Trail, stretching more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) along Japan's northeast coast in the country's Tohoku region on the main island of Honshu, passes through four prefectures.
Robin Takashi Lewis
<strong>Helping others: </strong>Robin Lewis, pictured, is the Japanese-British founder of the Michinoku Trail Walker Project, a website devoted to helping others experience the route. What makes this trail different from the country's many other epic hiking routes, he says, is that it's still relatively unknown -- even in Japan.
Helping others: Robin Lewis, pictured, is the Japanese-British founder of the Michinoku Trail Walker Project, a website devoted to helping others experience the route. What makes this trail different from the country's many other epic hiking routes, he says, is that it's still relatively unknown -- even in Japan.
Robin Takashi Lewis
<strong>Iwate Tsunami Memorial: </strong>Officially launched in 2019, the trail is one of several projects aimed at drawing more tourists to the country's Tohoku region, which was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Pictured is the Iwate Tsunami Memorial, which is located on the trail.
Iwate Tsunami Memorial: Officially launched in 2019, the trail is one of several projects aimed at drawing more tourists to the country's Tohoku region, which was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Pictured is the Iwate Tsunami Memorial, which is located on the trail.
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<strong>Tanesashi seaside: </strong>At the northern end of the trail, Tanesashi Kaigan in Aomori is a walker's paradise, with relatively flat stretches of trail covering large grassy meadows and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, says Lewis.
Tanesashi seaside: At the northern end of the trail, Tanesashi Kaigan in Aomori is a walker's paradise, with relatively flat stretches of trail covering large grassy meadows and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, says Lewis.
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<strong>Kabushima Shrine: </strong>The northern end of the trail begins in Hachinohe, famous for the Kabushima Shrine, pictured.
Kabushima Shrine: The northern end of the trail begins in Hachinohe, famous for the Kabushima Shrine, pictured.
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<strong>Coastal views</strong><strong>:</strong> "Without a doubt, the section along the cliffs of Kitayamazaki and Unosu in Iwate is among the highlights of the trail," says Lewis.
Coastal views: "Without a doubt, the section along the cliffs of Kitayamazaki and Unosu in Iwate is among the highlights of the trail," says Lewis.
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<strong>Morning views: </strong>The cliffs of Kitayamazaki take on a reddish hue in the morning sun.
Morning views: The cliffs of Kitayamazaki take on a reddish hue in the morning sun.
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<strong>Friendly locals:</strong> Lewis, who completed the full trail in 2022, says he experienced many random acts of kindness along the way.
Friendly locals: Lewis, who completed the full trail in 2022, says he experienced many random acts of kindness along the way.
Robin Takashi Lewis
<strong>Fresh seafood: </strong>The Tohoku region is famed for its fresh seafood, meaning hikers will eat incredibly well on their journey. <strong> </strong>
Fresh seafood: The Tohoku region is famed for its fresh seafood, meaning hikers will eat incredibly well on their journey.
Robin Takashi Lewis
<strong>Chance encounters:</strong> "For me, and from the many stories I've heard from fellow hikers, it is the spontaneous interactions (even overcoming language barriers!) and the small side trips and deviations that make the journey so special," says Lewis.
Chance encounters: "For me, and from the many stories I've heard from fellow hikers, it is the spontaneous interactions (even overcoming language barriers!) and the small side trips and deviations that make the journey so special," says Lewis.
Robin Takashi Lewis