Here are a few tips if you’re considering walking parts of the trail.
Read the FAQs page on this website, which covers some of the most commonly asked questions by hikers.
Join the MCT Hikers Facebook Group for crowdsourced advice, stories, and the latest updates from the ground (even if you don’t like Facebook)!
Feel free to use the crowdsourced Google Map on this website, as it will give you an idea of the lay of the land. However, I also strongly suggest getting the official route maps from the Michinoku Trail Club; they are not cheap, but they are up-to-date, detailed maps and can be shipped internationally too.
If you can, I highly recommend visiting the Natori Trail Center in Miyagi Prefecture - the home of the trail. This is the trail’s main information hub, and the friendly staff there can provide all kinds of valuable information to help you enjoy your trip, from making reservations on boats to campsite information.
If you’re planning to venture through the Urato Islands section in Miyagi Prefecture, you will need to book a boat a few days in advance at the Natori Trail Center. Post coming soon!
If you’re planning to go to Kinka-san island, as well as Taro Island (Cat Island), you will also have to hop on a ferry. Post coming soon!
SIGN POSTING
These markers are your best friends while you’re on your Michinoku Coastal Trail odyssey. The well-marked areas of the trail should be marked by these kinds of markers below. Some sections are virtually unmarked, so be prepared to test out those orienteering skills (and make sure you can access physical/offline maps)!
CERTIFICATE of COMPLETION
For those aiming to walk the whole trail (i.e. Thruhike), remember you can register as a "Challenger" via the Michinoku Trail Club website.
Once you've completed your epic journey, you become eligible to collect your completion certificate which will confirm your status as a certified trail fanatic (your name will also be etched into the MCT history books via the website) 🎉
Find out more via the Michinoku Trail Club English page here!
Michinoku Coastal Trail Hiking Passport
If you’re into stamps and collectibles or want a unique souvenir from your MCT odyssey, you might want to order the Michinoku Coastal Trail hiking passport. As you’re making your way along the coast, you’ll see that each of the 28 municipalities the trail passes through has its very own stamp.
You can use the notebook-sized passport to collect these stamps, take notes, and document your journey. It’s also a good conversation starter (if you wander about looking helpless with the passport in hand, chances are someone will come to the rescue or strike up a conversation).
It costs less than 1,000 yen, weighs 92 grams, and 5 percent of sales is donated to trail maintenance.
Find out more via the Michinoku Trail Club website.
