Hiking the Michinoku Coastal Trail in North Japan

I hiked a very small portion of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, specifically a bit in the South Fudai to Tanohata to North Iwaizumi section. I started at the Kitayamazaki Viewpoint and hiked down about 4km to just before Tsukue Beach. There are so many different stunning areas of the Michinoku Coastal Trail- I really recommend exploring it!
The government website has lots of great information and maps: tohoku.env.go.jp/mct/english/
The section I hiked this time is here: tohoku.env.go.jp/mct/english/t...
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Gear used in this video (links are affiliate links, if you purchase anything through them I get a tiny percentage which nevertheless helps me continue to make these videos):
GoPro HERO9 Black (amzn.to/3pCCEA8)
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom (amzn.to/3aDiqSW)
Sony ZV-1 (amzn.to/3duiq9v)

[@rSethu98]

Simply speechless, so far your best video this year. No words to explain how enjoyable this was...

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks! It was perfect weather!

[@pperoni7047]

I don't get how you were able to resist just jumping right in

[@GoNorthJapan]

@@pperoni7047 Hahaha, willpower and lack of towel or change of clothes...

[@Dan-56]

“Wow ! Look at the tunnel !” And I’m thinking…..great place for a bear den 😳!!!

[@kostadinb]

Quinlan gets into a dark, probably full with bears tunnel - "This is exciting !" This is why I watch You buddy, big vibes only !

[@Kriseaf]

That water at 7:55 is phenomenal. I would love to go snorkeling there.

[@irenelarina5831]

This looks like a very cool trail to take. The beaches - so picturesque!

[@Nynke_K]

this one made my mouth fall open with wonder! I *really* want to go there. Also: wow, that tiny Quinlan for scale at 10:19 !

[@Kriseaf]

I didn't even see him there until you mentioned it! :D

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks and good eye!

[@virginiahildreth373]

The parts in the tunnels made me feel SO claustrophobic, but I loved the rest of the video! What a beautiful place.

[@Chrisb8s]

The Bear Stairs trail.. what a beautiful Hike... thanks for taking us along . You had it all to yourself!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Yeah- it was a weekday so I only saw one other person the entire day!

[@anthonynelson6671]

I was struck by how blue and clean the waters were. It's not like that at all in the Gulf of Mexico or a Florida beach I visited.

[@jayq1862]

I've done wlsome hiking but the fact they had tunnels down in the coast was probably one of the coolest things I've seen.

[@genkimachina]

Hey Quinlan. I've been on a GoNorth binge lately and have been really enjoying it. Many channels feature the idiosyncratic side of Japan or the city life, but your effort to capture its natural beauty is unique in the Jvlogging space and I sincerely appreciate it. Ganbatte!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks for watching!! I'm flattered by any degree of binging of my channel. Thank you!!

[@RobbC.]

Absolutely beautiful. Next time I'm out that way this is now #1 on the Wishlist. Cheers Quinlan

[@grenm9]

It's always the best feeling to see the green come back after months without it

[@Ruby-Etsussie]

Absolutely stunning!

[@hisakobillings3668]

I’m from Iwate, and I have been to the coast area…..such a beautiful and gorgeous place. Thank you very much for your videos. I love your eyes, mind and love for the natural beauty.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

[@MCnutty999]

Thank you for uploading such a well crafted and beautifully shot video on my birthday. These videos are always knock outs.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Happy belated birthday!

[@MCnutty999]

@@GoNorthJapan Thank you so much, that's just helped make my day.

[@HeatherHalavais]

This is a beautiful trail and those beaches are stunning! Pinned this on my map for next time!

[@GoNorthJapan]

It really is stunning!

[@c2thecrow]

Good heavens, that water....SO Gorgeous!! Thank you for taking us on this hike with you!!

[@margarita8343]

What a beautiful trail adventure and it looks like a great route but I have to say as a trail runner from the UK I would be petrified of the bears haha

[@GoNorthJapan]

Yeah- fair point! I know of one trail runner in Gunma Prefecture that no longer will run near the mountains after being attacked by a bear and briefly hospitalized.

[@fqras]

This is one of the most beautiful videos you’ve shown so far!

[@riverraven4014]

Wow that was beautiful.

[@abdulm2609]

There's definitely a different vibe in the summer. I can almost feel the heat through the screen and the background sound on wildlife makes me think of summer. The highlight for me was the serow encounter which to me did also look like a bear initially

[@GoNorthJapan]

Yeah, totally!

[@freddb1975]

Wow. The colors in this video were astonishing. The coastal line drone scenes seemed so vivid. Great work there. It's an awesome trail.

[@repHAWAIIxJPN]

Even though I haven't swam in years (live in Hawaii and you can get over going to the beach😅) , to me the place I lived HAD to have nice swimmable beaches and Japan being next to the Pacific Ocean is a big plus !

[@frankbaird8645]

Everyone of your videos makes me envious of your opportunities, but none have made me as envious as this one. This is almost surreal as to how beautiful and wonderful this place is. Please more videos from here. Love your work and attitude. Keep at it!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks! Yeah- people seem to be liking the coast more than the mountains I usually go to, lol. I'll definitely explore more of the coast up here and make more videos there!

[@Danielevanssmith]

Stunning landscape and beautiful photography! You are blessed to be able to explore all of the wonder of this place. Thank you for sharing!

[@Jug_or_not]

what a beautiful trail. whoever was responsible for setting it up is a genius

[@MarchinoinGiappone]

I really enjoy my trip there i want to go back!

[@pperoni7047]

Quinlan, please let us all take part in the full 30km hike. I could watch this literally all day and even if you uploaded an 8 hour video of just raw footage of you walking the whole trail I think everyone would be grateful. I'm so sick of sitting around at home, your videos are a godsend. Thinking of it, how is the reception there? Could you even live stream a hike? purely hypothetically :)

[@GoNorthJapan]

I do definitely want to do a 2-day (or one day run) of that full 30km. There are huge chunks of it with no reception though, so a livestream would be impossible. If I were going to make a video, definitely would be a 2-day adventure!

[@TheKhalzone]

It's so pretty. It always amazes me at how many different places there are to hike.

[@Joriaku]

Absolutely stunning 😭 I really do hope I get to one day experience the lovely trails you keep showing us ♥️ thank you for all your hard work and dedication!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks for watching!

[@natalienakayama3479]

Perfect video to start my workweek. Thank you 😊 That area is definitely on my radar now! Such breathtaking scenery, bear patties included. I would love to try a good chunk of that trail 😍

[@GoNorthJapan]

There are so many hidden spots that are just breathtaking!

[@kammymarie13]

That water is gorgeous!!! Tohoku coast was already on my bucket list but now I know to explore the michinoku trail while I’m there! 😀

[@polyboroides2615]

Awesome scenery Quinlan, thanks for producing . I hill walk in Scotland, but those steps, and so many of them would put me right off that coastal section of the walk.

[@ak7k]

Sees bear sign and the next shot is running.. you had me. Loved the drone footage of the coast

[@Photochicky85]

Wow that was such a gorgeous view of the water. Looks like an enjoyable adventure!

[@derrabe1133]

Thanks for taking us to this adventure.

[@onemore5952]

The beauty of the area really moved me. Thanks for sharing this incredible part of the world. 👍

[@InakaAdventure]

Those Tunnels look amazing

[@GoNorthJapan]

Yeah- I really love these hand-carved tunnels in Tanohata!

[@originelltnamn]

Simply amazing!

[@jennevieve_]

This was gorgeous! I've been watching J-vloggers for years, but this is the video that finally got me to make a Japan playlist for travel ideas. Thanks so much for sharing this experience with us!

[@flitfield77]

Fantastic drone footage and music choice! Also, kudos for bear scat synonyms! Excellent video!

[@andresmc2996]

Is so refreshing watching a coast video in your chanel. Plus, the quality is as good as always :) i would love to see more ocean related vids

[@coffeeismygod]

I backpacked the section between Rikuzentakata and Ishinomaki. Absolutely beautiful, I can’t recommend it enough!

[@GoNorthJapan]

I'll have to check out that section down on the Iwate/Miyagi border! Sounds great!

[@sparrow5407]

thank you for taking us with you to an exciting adventure. the water and the cliff are so beautiful!

[@Astran0th]

What an AMAZING scenery! Looking quite adventerous.

[@Itami95]

What an amazing video to wake up to. The views, the water and a kamoshika! Great video and a great walk.

[@roseheartfire]

So very beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing something so breathtaking. And that crips clean video. Perfect.

[@thecloofer1255]

This is one amazing video. As always, painting the most perfect picture of the free natural beauty that Japan has to offer. Trip was cancelled for the second year in a row due to covid. Fingers crossed for next year! Stay well Quinlan!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Hopefully by this winter or next summer travel will be back to normal!

[@thecloofer1255]

@@GoNorthJapan I'm sure so many people are struggling without any tourist to bank on. Here's to hoping for everyone!

[@Shepherdservices317]

Those tunnels are sick

[@gsmominjapanakasaka9852]

We took some exchange students to kita Yamazaki in March. It was cold! Such a gorgeous area. Can’t wait to go again. Love your vids Q!

[@WindCat64]

I love your spirit ♡ With your calm voice, the landscapes and the smile you always have, your videos always warm my heart 😊. Plus, the perfect weather in this video made me really want to be there, I really miss going out, hehe. Thank you for sharing ♡.

[@mirandamunoz1356]

It’s so beautiful!!!!

[@mickanderson3593]

Your Drone shots are getting epic Q Great work

[@pentifire]

That is all so beautiful! Absolutely loved seeing this today! ♡

[@lorns123]

I have been waiting to finish work to see this...so worth it..❤️

[@japanairtoground5070]

Another awesome video! Thanks

[@hannah-isabelabarluado5965]

wow, absolutely wonderful

[@Pichuscute]

This is insanely cool, wow.

[@Lenalena87329]

Love your channel!

[@sarahwren1598]

Very cool! Thanks for the vid

[@sparrow5407]

thank you for sharing. this video made me arent afraid of tunnels now.

[@alexp9428]

What a beautiful scene !!!

[@SusanJERitta]

This was absolutely gorgeous and so well produced. Thank you so much & congratulations on a superb video. 👏

[@ReadyWoeWolfgirl]

Wow what an awesome hike this is, definitely an impressive adventure 🤩

[@taroquirkz4691]

Quinlan what a breathtaking sight along this trail. Keep up the good work!

[@jayq1862]

Absolutely beautiful

[@centrifugedestroyer2579]

Another amazing place to add to my bucket list. Thank you for the truly stunning shots of the landscape and nature. This combines so many features from many of my favourite places and I'm really excited to go there someday : )

[@cypriennezed5640]

A beautiful journey AND I learned what a serow is -- fantastic!

[@XSemperIdem5]

Quinlan: bear patties. Bear patties everywhere. Quinlan a few minutes later: oh a dark cave, let's go inside. Couldn't help but laugh. But wow those views and so much variety and plenty of spaces to explore. I imagine it would be best to go during low tide though and make sure you get back before high tide.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Yes, definitely! Checking the tide and adjusting your schedule is a great idea!

[@sianallama]

What an absolutely gorgeous area! The caves look like they were a lot of fun! Just stunning scenery!!

[@jn69uk]

Looking forward to more of this coastal trail, it looks so amazing. Thank You Quinlan.

[@jn69uk]

Watching this again, because it helps me chill, your narration helps me chill.

[@NickandRachel]

So beautiful!

[@walterbuhl8565]

Stunning. Great job capturing it on video.

[@Curly3373]

Great shooting and editing, what a show! 👏🏼👍

[@h.o.j2375]

Thank you for showing us the lesser route travelled in Japan, what an adventure!

[@markpickardlife]

Your drone shots were awesome.

[@traceyrose4991]

Fantastic video!!! Amazing trail. Thanks for the beautiful footage. It’s so nice to learn about Japan’s beautiful nature. I would’ve never have know this existed!!! Thank you!

[@hugs_xo]

Quinlan this was such a fun video! The trail was stunning. thank you for sharing :)

[@lukes3462]

Wow, what an insanly beautiful trail. This is now the top of my "must visit" places for my next trip to japan =)

[@angela2389]

What an incredible trail. All the work they had to do to shape those tunnels and build the stairs. Absolutely incredible.

[@courtneysmith7975]

Great video Quinlan! We are going to try to start at the trailhead in Hach this weekend!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Fantastic!! Have fun!!

[@courtneysmith7975]

@@GoNorthJapan someday we'll have to hire you as a hiking guide to show us some other great spots!

[@KScavs]

So cool! Breathtaking views. Great job on the video.

[@josakura]

This vid is so amazing, Quinlan! Please take care always!! ❤️ from Gunma

[@Zarathustria]

Video was just excellent 👍👍. Thanks again Quinlan.

[@scheimaa172]

That's a really beautiful and adventurous Video. If I saw signs of bears I would probably just go back straight away.

[@simplymonca]

Uh! This was such a wonderful video! ♥️

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thank you so much!!

[@carrerlluna66]

Just amazing, more of this trail please!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Will do! It's such a long trail there are tons of spots I want to explore so I'll do more at different locations!

[@wemcream3519]

Awesome video as always! I've always visited the one in Hachinohe in the past, but was completely unaware of how far the trail goes.

[@avatarLT]

Thanks for the amazing video. Poop trail surely tough but rewarding with amazing views :D

[@georgemunz]

Another great video. I appreciate how adult you are.

[@BonsaiBear27]

Amazing video! one of your best, thankyou for sharing such a beautiful place.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks!!

[@prancingppony]

Stunning! I wish I had months to walk the entire trail

[@GoNorthJapan]

So do I...

[@fariqhraito]

You're sooooooo lucky having a chance to pay a visit here!😭 I've been searching and look up Kitayamazaki Cliffs since 2013 by ACCIDENTALLY Googled Fudai area back then! While scrolling down south, I found this place and it was sooooo stunning and local people called this place as Alps of The Sea! Since I found this place back in 2013, I directly placed it in No.1 from my Top 3 list to be visited in the world! Wish pandemic is over because I was planning to spend 10 days journey to Northeast Coast of Japan last year but pandemic was hit and everything is mess up😭😖

[@GoNorthJapan]

Wow, you've been doing great research!!

[@MissJocelynne]

Wonderful trail, really beautiful. I'm glad that were weren't attack by a bear.

[@Moore4Nate]

0:41 I visited that viewpoint in the spring of 2019 and am still awestruck by that landscape. I only wish I had known about the tunnels and trails back then, not sure if they were open but that looked awesome!

[@mattcy6591]

@1:37 reminds me when I was a kid, playing Shenmue walking to Shenhua's house

[@mayaung674]

THANKS FOR THE AWESOME POST . LOVE FROM WISCONSIN .

[@GoNorthJapan]

Wisconsin! Thanks and back at you!

[@bibliocharylodis]

I walked the Hachinohe section a couple of years ago. It's such a beautfiul coast and the Hachinohe section is easily accessible by train, but I didn't meet a single person on the trail. :( I hope ppl are using it enough to make upkeep worth it. Would be a real pity to lose that trail again...

[@GoNorthJapan]

I think it's more popular now. I only saw one other person, but it was a weekday. I think on weekends there are a fair number of hikers.

[@laurenbouchie2394]

Very beautiful, I'm not use to seeing you in summer clothes, usually your all bundle up in winter clothes! lol