Michinoku Shiokaze Trail, a path where the beauty of nature and smiles meet
The Michinoku Shiokaze Trail is a long trail that connects the Pacific coast from Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture to Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture.
The greatest attraction of the "Michinoku Shiokaze Trail" is the abundance of spots where you can experience the dynamic scenery of the sea. During the hike, you will see the most beautiful cliffs in Japan, the unique scenery of the Rias Coast, and the world's three major fishing grounds, which are rich in bounty. As you walk, you can feel the people's lifestyle, culture, history, natural threats, and inherited food culture, and enjoy interacting with local people along the way. Michinoku Shiokaze Trail
Trail Town Miyako
This time, we hiked a route in the Miyako/Yamada area and would like to share our experience with you!
The Miyako-Yamada area has many sights to see, including scenic spots such as Jodogahama, Ushiofuki-ana, and San'oiwa, and the Earthquake Remnants Park, where facilities damaged by the tsunami are preserved as remains, allowing visitors to experience both the beauty and harshness of nature. Miyako City is also working together to create a "Trail Town Miyako" to attract hikers to the city. You can see original tapestries displayed at stores and facilities that support hikers on the "Michinoku Shiokaze Trail". Original tapestry of "Trail Town Miyako
This is the first experience report from "Masaki Observation Point" to "Michi no Eki Tarou"!
Masaki Viewing Point ▶Michi-no-Eki Tarou(Travel time: about 2 hours)
Michinoku Shiokaze Trail" map at "Michi-no-eki Tarou
Starting point: Masaki Observatory
The starting point, Masaki Observation Station, offers a wide view of the coastline of Miyako City, including Steller's sea lion (Todogasaki) on the Shigemo Peninsula, the easternmost point of Honshu (Honshu's main island). It is a superb viewpoint where you can feel the length and breadth of the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail! Trail course from the Masaki Observatory At the entrance of the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail and along the way, there are signposts and trail tapes to mark the route. If you are not sure which way to go, please look for the sign posts and trail tapes! Michinoku Shiokaze Trail sign Michinoku Shiokaze Trail trail tape
Sawajiri Beach
The collaboration of the mountains and the ocean that can be seen while hiking is spectacular. Just before descending the mountain, the view from the observation point overlooking Sawajiri Beach was beautiful. Trail course to Sawajiri Coast Sawajiri Coast observation point
San'oiwa Rock
San'oiwa is a natural monument designated by Iwate Prefecture that was created from the Cretaceous Period stratum 110 million years ago. It is also designated as a geosite of the Sanriku Geopark and consists of three rocks: the male rock towering in the center, the female rock standing close to the male rock, and the taiko rock shaped like a drum. It is said that the upper sandstone layer near the male rock collapsed and rolled to its present location. San'oiwa Rock San-O-Iwa" bulletin board The "Unyielding Three King Pine Trees" near San'oiwa is also a must-see. The Taro area of Miyako City was damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, but this "single pine tree of Taro" survived the massive tsunami. The pine tree is a reminder of the disaster and the strength of life, while watching over the reconstruction of the area. Unyielding San-O pine tree
Fishing port
The route to the goal, "Roadside Station Tarou," is relatively flat and well maintained, making it an easy walk. Visitors will hike while enjoying the scenery of the fishing port, which is unique to a seaside town. Trail course to the fishing port Fishing port
Tarou Kanko Hotel
After passing through the fishing port and entering the city center, you will see the Taro Kanko Hotel. This facility is a relic of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Currently, a "Learn Disaster Prevention" program is being implemented in the Tarō area to convey the situation at the time of the earthquake and the state of reconstruction, with a guide showing a tour of the seawall and showing a DVD that is not available to the mass media (reservations required at the Miyako Tourism and Culture Exchange Association).
How was it? This course is not only a visit to the beautiful scenery of Miyako, but also to the remains of the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. We were able to experience both the beauty and harshness of nature.
