^{Photo Credit: Oku Japan}

If you’re looking for a hike that’s beautiful, meaningful, and totally under the radar, you should check out the Michinoku Coastal Trail in northeastern Japan.

It runs for about 620 miles (1,000 km) along the Pacific coast and passes through small towns, beaches, forests, and cliffside paths.

The trail was created after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami to help reconnect the region, and hiking it feels like being part of something bigger than just a walk through nature.

The landscapes are stunning, but what really makes this trail special is the people. You’ll pass quiet fishing villages where locals might wave you down to chat or even offer you a snack or cup of tea.

You’ll walk past shrines, through pine forests, and along wild, rocky coastline with wide open views of the sea. There’s this great mix of peaceful nature and real, everyday life.

The best part?

You don’t have to hike the whole thing. It’s easy to pick a section and just do a few days, or more if you’re feeling adventurous.

The trail is well-marked, there are signs in English, and you’re usually not far from a town with food, a place to sleep, and maybe a hot bath.

It’s not a hardcore wilderness trek—it’s more of a slow, thoughtful journey that lets you experience a side of Japan most people never see.

Explore more: