Michinoku Coastal Trail – 7 days

DISTANCE - AVERAGE

Distance training is somewhat a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan. Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Additionally, also include back-to-back walks to simulate walking on consecutive days. This helps your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs. If you do not have access to hills, it it essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible via a treadmill or stair climber. Prioritizing resistance training assumes heightened significance in this context, emphasizing the incorporation of stair climbing whenever feasible. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles. If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels ( this may not be possible). Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

HIGH SEASON CHARGES

In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense to avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.

GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY

OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)

AVAILABILITY

This walk is available from 1 MARCH TO 30 NOVEMBER. Spring, March, April, May and Autumn, particularly October and November, are ideal months to walk weather-wise. Summer brings much warmer weather there are swimming opportunities along the track. This walk is not available during winter as it is very cold and can snow.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

On most days of this walk, you will have to catch a train to get to the start and/or from the end of the walk. The train rides vary from 15 minutes up to 2.5 hours. All of the details will be provided in your information pack. Unfortunately, we cannot pre-book the trains for you. You will need to pay the fare on the da,y which will range from $3 to $6. The included taxi transfers and hotel shuttles are prebooked and part of your package.

THE WALKING

This is a moderate walk. The tracks are modern and well-maintained. Some days have steady elevation; however, it is worth it for the views. The daily walk averages 13.4km. Please see the fitness guide for more information.

Just letting you know that there is one ladder that you need to negotiate, but only if it is at high tide  – see picture.

Ladder MCT

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

Travelling to the Start of the walk

This walk starts in Hachinohe on Day 1 and ends in Morioka. You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. The journey from Tokyo to Hachinohe takes around 3.5 hours.  To make it easier, we have collated some helpful information to assist you in planning your travel.

By rail: Arrive in Hachinohe either by Shinkansen (train) or plane. If you are travelling by train, you will arrive at the Shinkansen Station, approximately 20 minutes by taxi from central Hachinohe. You can take the local train to central Hachinohe instead, but it only leaves every hour, so it may not be convenient.

Japan has one of the best train systems in the world, so it’s very easy to catch a train to any destination in the country. An express train is the fastest way to travel to the area. Travelling in Japan by train is a seamless experience, and it is not necessary to pre-purchase tickets for every trip. There are plenty of Rail staff who speak English well enough to direct you the right way and to converse with you about how to buy your ticket. We can provide more information if you wish, so please ask one of our destination consultants.

You will find the following website Japan Transit Planner useful for catching trains in Japan. You can search train and bus timetables, departure and arrival stations, times, and prices. Otherwise, the app Japan Travel by Navi Time is fantastic. It lets you search train and bus timetables all over Japan. You can choose the departure station, arrival station, and time. The results include the train name, platform number, total cost, journey duration, total distance, and transfers.

By air: By taking a 1-hour flight from Tokyo or 1 hour and 35 minutes from Osaka, you will arrive at Misawa Airport, about a 40-minute taxi ride to the CBD and your accommodation. There’s a nice walk out to a few shrines if you have time, or sit back and relax in one of the cafes or restaurants.

Travelling from the end of the walk

By train: The train from Morioka to Tokyo takes around 2.5 – 3.5 hours

By air: Take the train to a major city and catch a flight from there

WEATHER

From the end of  March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer, it’s quite warm and humid but still suitable for walking, particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream.

As walkers, we believe any time is good for walking, but spring and autumn are the most popular as the weather is ‘perfect’ for walking.

See the weather information about www.holiday-weather.com/morioka/ at different times of the year.

INFORMATION PACK

For over 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamless walking holidays, but we know you’ll have many more questions, even with that in mind. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks from departure outlining all the fine details and much more.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips requiring international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance including medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

Bear Warning

Bears are an issue on the walk. Japan has protected the black bears, and it’s best to carry a small bell with you and attach it to your rucksack. There have been attacks, mainly because people are reacting wrongly.

Always keep your distance, do not run and back away slowly. They are also scared of us.

IMPORTANT - SOLO WALKERS

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo travellers on our self-guided Michinoku Coastal Trail trips. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone poses a higher risk in the event of an emergency.