About MichinokuTrail.com
Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I’m a British-Japanese hiker, trail nerd, and the person behind MichinokuTrail.com. I’ve walked more than 2,000 km of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, including 1 thruhike and lots of section hikes, and this site is basically the guide I wish I’d had when I first started exploring it.
Why this trail means so much to me
My grandfather was from this part of Japan (Tohoku region), and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake was a turning point in my life. I spent several months volunteering in communities affected by the disaster, and later worked for a nonprofit supporting the region’s long-term recovery. Then, in 2017, I heard about a new long-distance trail being created along the coast.
I started walking it before the Michinoku Coastal Trail had officially opened, eventually covering more than 600 km of the developing route. In 2022, I came back to walk the entire 1,000+ km trail from end to end. And I’ve kept coming back ever since, with many of my nearest and dearest, including my wife and best friends (and hopefully soon my daughter too!).
How this site started
As I shared photos and stories from the trail, people from around the world started getting in touch with questions.
Where should I stay? How difficult is this section? Can I camp? Where can I find food? How do I actually plan a trip here?
Those questions eventually became MichinokuTrail.com. It’s an independent, volunteer-run guide aimed especially at international hikers, with practical information based on my own experience, lots of research, and tips shared by people along the trail. The goal is pretty simple: to make the MCT easier to explore, and to help more people spend time in and support the communities along the coast.
I also serve as a board member of NPO Michinoku Coastal Trail Association the nonprofit organisation managing and promoting the trail, as well as operating the Natori Trail Center (make sure you stop by!). MichinokuTrail.com itself is my own independent project.
Help keep the project going
Everything on this site, including the maps and planning guides, is free to use.
I maintain and update it myself, and cover the costs of running it too. So if the site has saved you some time, money or hassle while planning your hike, and you'd like to help keep it going, you can buy me a coffee.
Your support helps with things like site costs and the many hours that go into keeping the information accurate and up to date.
☕ Buy me a coffeeThe Path Less Travelled
A few years ago, I gave a TEDx talk about walking the Michinoku Coastal Trail, the unexpected encounters and moments of “trail magic” that happen along the way, and how the trail has shaped the way I see the world.
Thank you for your support. It means a lot!
And whether you support the site or not, I hope it helps you get out there and experience this incredible part of Japan for yourself.
Happy trails! 🥾
Robin Takashi Lewis
www.robin-lewis.com
Keep exploring
Planning your own Michinoku Coastal Trail adventure? Start here.