Navigating the Urato Islands along the Michinoku Coastal Trail

The Michinoku Coastal Trail offers a rare chance to visit six beautiful islands reachable only by ferry or boat.

These islands can be categorized into three groups.

  • The Urato Islands - specifically Katsurashima, Nonoshima, and Sabusawa Islands - located between Shiogama and Ishinomaki.

  • Tashirojima (Cat Island) & Ajishima Islands, situated between Ishinomaki and Ayukawa.

  • Kinka-san, the sacred island that lies off the Oshika Peninsula.

If you plan to walk northbound from Soma, you’ll likely be crossing these islands in the first eight to twelve days of the journey, depending on how quickly you walk. 

However, regardless of your walking speed, make sure to allocate at least three days total to pass through the islands due to ferry and boat schedules.

You have to book ahead for the Urato Island’s crossing between Sabusawajima and Miyato Islands. For the other crossings, I highly recommend planning ahead and double-checking ferry schedules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.


The Urato Islands (浦戸諸島)


Northbound route: Marine Gate Shiogama - Katsurashima (桂島) - Nonoshima (野々島) - Sabusawajima (寒風沢島) - Miyato Island (宮戸島)

*Note that you have to make a reservation 5 days in advance for the final leg between Sabusawajima to Miyato Island, via the Natori Trail Centre.

The Urato Islands are known for their peaceful lifestyle, walking trails, and picturesque views. During spring and summer, the islands come alive with blooming flowers. For example, Nonoshima is the site of a breathtaking camellia (tsubaki) tunnel and lavender fields. Katsurashima has a public beach that opens for swimming each July. The largest island, Sabusawa, is home to a few historical sites, including the distinctive Shibarare Jizo (Rope-Tied Jizo) statues.

Make sure to bring a bento box and some snacks - there are not many dining options or stores on these islands. For those interested to stay, there are a few mid-range pension-style inns available, but reservations are required. I personally would recommend trying to get through the islands in one day and staying on the mainland. Also, as the islands are small, close-knit communities, so make sure to politely greet locals.

Step 1: Marine Gate Shiogama - Katsurashima (桂島)
The city-run ferry departs from the Marine Gate Shiogama ferry terminal. Purchase a one-way ticket for Katsurashima at the vending machine located on the first floor of the terminal building (tickets from ¥520) before heading out to the dock. 


Step 2:  Katsurashima (桂島) - Nonoshima (野々島)

You can get a small boat across the two islands, provided free-of-charge by the local government. No reservation is required. Once you arrive at the pier in Katsurashima, you will have to call the mobile phone number that is displayed on the sign, and tell the boat driver that you are at the pier and ready to go. Give it a few minutes, and you will be picked up and taken to your boat.

*If you can’t speak Japanese, you can: a) give it a go anyway and see what happens, b) ask a Japanese-speaking friend to call, or c) use a service like Oyraa that provide interpreters in real-time for phone calls.


Step 3:  Nonoshima (野々島) - Sabusawajima (寒風沢島)

Same as above: reach the other side of Nonoshima island, and give the phone number displayed on the board a call, and someone will pick you up and usher you onto their small boat.


Step 4: Sabusawajima (寒風沢島) - Miyato Island (宮戸島)

The final leg is where you’ll need to make a reservation, at least 5 days in advance, via the Natori Trail Centre. This is a special boat service provided exclusively for MCT hikers. Once you get to Miyato Island, you can get back onto the mainland via a bridge, so no more ferries are needed until you get to Ishinomaki.

Operating hours
*Always check ahead for up-to-date schedule via the Michinoku Trail Club website

  • Departure from Miyato Islands -  9:00/11:00/12:00

  • Departure from Sabusawa Island - 11:00/13:00/15:00

Cost

  • 3,000 yen/adult

Important Points

  • The boat service between Sabusawajima and Miyato Island only runs between 1 April and 30 October. If you're traveling outside of that period, you may have to either skip the Urato Islands altogether, or do a loop of the islands, head back to Shiogama, and then head towards Ishinomaki via the mainland. If you do go via the mainland, don’t fret - you’re still in for a treat. Stop by the famous town of Matsushima, offering an iconic view of Matsushima bay that is considered one of Japan’s Three Great Views (日本三景, Nihon Sankei).

  • Also, when you make a reservation, keep in mind that you may be asked to call the boat driver a day before the crossing between Sabusawajima and Miyato Island, to make sure the weather conditions and currents are looking favourable for the boat journey.

  • If you’re walking Southbound (SOBO), just reverse these steps - BUT make sure to book the Miyato Island to Sabusawajima boat crossing 5 days in advance by contacting the Natori Trail Centre.

Robin Lewis