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On a recent trip to Japan, a local told me, “Tokyo is not Japan…to know Japan you have to go out and explore.” And if you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know that getting off the beaten track and exploring a hidden region puts me in my happy place. It’s my favorite way to travel. When I heard about Japan’s Tohoku region and the new Michinoku Coastal Trail– I was intrigued because I love discovering new long-distance hikes. Suddenly, this little-known region in Japan was on my radar.
My journey to Tohoku was initially about hiking a portion of the Michinoku Coastal Trail. However, I soon discovered that Tohoku’s rugged coast offered much more than a hiking adventure. It was a land of resilient people, incredible seafood, and unique cultural experiences that I had never encountered before. The region’s intimate feel and the warmth of its people made it a truly unique destination.
Japan’s Most Beautiful Coastline That You’ve Never Heard Of
Paradise found is also paradise lost in tourism. Overtourism can happen quickly, and it reaches a tipping point, and suddenly, you have too many people all going to the same places. Ensuring balance is key. That’s why Japanese tourism hopes to create more balance by building up tourism offerings in lesser-visited regions like Tohoku. This is one of the reasons they created the Michinoku Coastal Trail, which initially drew me there. I guess that means it’s working.
Tohoku, a region known among the Japanese but often overlooked by international travelers, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its stunning Rias Coast, the only rugged coastline in Japan, it offers the most beautiful coastline in the country, as recognized by Japan’s Tourism Board. This unique beauty is a testament to the region’s allure.
While Tokyo and Kyoto may be the go-to spots for many visitors, Tohoku is a treasure trove waiting to be explored by those who seek adventure and natural beauty.
Tohoku Map
Since this article focuses on travel to the Tohoku East Coast, I am focusing on the Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori Prefectures. The coastal towns in these prefectures were reachable by local trains and buses. This coastline…
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