A trip around the coastline with the ocean breeze on your face.

Michinoku Shiokaze Trail - Shinchi and Soma Area1 night, 2 days

A relaxing walk through country hills. Experience Matsukawaura's nature and Soma's history in this adventure through the Japanese countryside.

  • FUKUSHIMA
9:20

Depart from Sendai

about 50 minutes
(JR Joban Line)
10:15

Shinchi Station

10:20

Start the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail(Approx. 20 km, 6 hours)

Explore the country hills and encounter Japan's original landscape
The Michinoku Shiokaze Trail is a trail course approximately 700km long that connects the Pacific coastline from Soma City in Fukushima to Hachinohe City located in Aomori. On the route which travels through the town of Shinichi crammed-packed with the beautiful features of the sea, countryside and mountains, weave your way through the rural landscape of the countryside said to feature the original landscape of Japan, and make your way towards Mt. Karousan standing at a height of 429.3m. The view from the summit where the sea stretches out in front of the tranquil plains is out of this world.
Phone
022-722-2874 ( National Parks Section, Tohoku Regional Environment Office)
URL
http://tohoku.env.go.jp/mct/

Exploring around country hills

Trail overlooking Mt. Karousan. The climbing routes from the mountain entrances to the summit are 1.5 to 2km each.

Ryushoji Temple

The graves were washed away by the tsunami but the chief priest of the temple has gathered gravestones together to create a collective gravesite.

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Ukonshimizu

This is one of the three springs in Shinchi, named one of the 100 best springs of the Heisei Period. It is named after Ukon, grandchild of Masamune Date. It’s also a secluded spot for viewing cherry blossoms.

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Karousan

The origin of its name is thought to come from the Tenaga Myojin (god with long arms) that lived in Mt. Karousan and would bring a deer (ka) and wolf (rou) along with it.

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Karou Hot Spring

A quaint little inn with a total of six rooms complete with a perfect view of Mt. Karousan and the Pacific Ocean. A restaurant is also available.

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by foot
18:45

Shinchi Station

about 10 minutes
(JR Joban Line)
19:00

Stay in Soma City

8:05

Depart from Soma City

by foot
8:15

Start the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail(Approx. 7 km, 3 hours)

Take a walk through the history of this castle town with the sea breeze on your face
The Michinoku Shiokaze Trail is a trail course approximately 700km long that connects the Pacific coastline from Soma City in Fukushima to Hachinohe City located in Aomori. On this route which starts from the picturesque scenery of Matsukawaura which is considered to be one of Japan's top 100 scenic views and works its way towards the city of Soma, in addition to the Nakamura Shrine where the departure ceremony for the Soma Nomaoi contest is held, you can experience the history and culture of Soma City which originally was a prospering castle town.
Phone
022-722-2874 ( National Parks Section, Tohoku Regional Environment Office)
URL
http://tohoku.env.go.jp/mct/

Sagari Matsu Matsukawa Ura Kankyo Park

The park is made for fostering the care of nature through natural environmental education.

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Walk around the town of Soma

Take a stroll through the streets of this castle town brimming with history.

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Soma Nakamura Castle Ruins / Nakamura Shrine

It was a castle of the Soma clan with 6 mangoku (sixty thousand koku of rice produced annually) since Edo period. It became the center of the clan for 260 years until the Meiji Period. The Nakamura Shrine is now located on the site of the castle.

Soma Senkyaku Banrai-kan (Soma Tourism Information Center)

All the Soma sightseeing information you'll ever need!
A tourist center where visitors can get sightseeing information about the City of Soma, lodging facilities and other information, making it a one-stop service location. There are also 4 restoration tour courses which consist of “Disaster Prevention Facilities", “Restoration, Repose of the Soul","Japanese Style Architecture", and “Sports.” A guide service is available where one of the staff members at the tourist information center will volunteer as a guide if you come in with a group of 10 or more members.
Phone
0244-26-4848
FAX
0244-26-4343
Hours open to visitors
8:30AM-5PM
Closed
No holidays
Fee
Free
URL
http://www.city.soma.fukushima.jp/kanko/

Soma City Museum of Historical Materials and Soma City Folklore Museum

Come to an understanding of Soma history through its important historic materials.
Two buildings that stand on the eastern side of Soma City's community center. The Soma City Museum of Historical Materials is home to about 150 items from the folklore, history, and archaeology of primitive times to recent historic eras. We give you a wide view of local history. In the Soma City Folklore Museum, you'll find historical agriculture and sericulture equipment on display.
Phone
0244-37-2191（Soma City Museum of Historical Materials）
FAX
0244-32-1234（Soma City Folklore Museum）
Hours open to visitors
9AM-4PM
Closed
Closed on Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, closed on Tuesday)
Fee
100 Yen for adults, Soma City Folklore Museum is free of charge
URL
http://soma-kanko.jp/trip/rekisisyuzyoukan/

Matsukawaura Reconstruction Challenge Gourmet

The seasonal flavors of Matsukawaura. Stamp rallies too!

by foot
15:40

Depart from Soma Station

about 60 minutes
(JR Joban Line)
16:50

Arrive at Sendai Station

A super satisfying itinerary that takes you on a drive around the coastline areas.
  • AOMORI
  • IWATE
  • MIYAGI
  • FUKUSHIMA

This want-it-all plan takes you around to all of the coasts along the Pacific Ocean in Tohoku. Grab the steering wheel and see the beautiful landscapes on the coastline in no time. Interact with the locals, enjoy delicious gourmet seafood, watch the morning sun rise over the ocean horizon. An unforgettable trip both with loved ones and friends.

Michinoku Shiokaze Trail - Hachinohe Area
  • AOMORI

Trek along the Tanesashi Coast which is said to be a treasure trove of beautiful scenic views. Feed the black-tailed gulls, view the alpine plant life, eat Japanese food. Take a relaxing walk along the beautiful coastline!

Michinoku Shiokaze Trail - Iwate Area
  • IWATE

This ever-changing coastline is almost like something you would see in a painting. A newly famous trekking area where you can enjoy the beautiful rias coastline right in front of you!

Southern Tohoku Highlight Course using the JR pass
  • IWATE
  • MIYAGI
  • FUKUSHIMA

A trip in Tohoku is a trip where you get to know the people and its culture. The Highlight Course is recommended for those coming to Tohoku for the first time where you can make good time visiting all the recommended locations. This plan will take you around the must-go places for sightseeing in Hiraizumi and Matsushima.In addition, you can visit aquariums, enjoy shopping and try various hands-on activities.

Northern Tohoku Highlight Course using the JR pass
  • AOMORI
  • IWATE

The Tohoku Journey is a trip which brings you in contact with the people of Tohoku and its culture. We recommend the Highlight Course which efficiently includes all the recommended spots for those coming to Tohoku for the first time. This is a packed plan that will take you around the shopping alleys and morning markets of Hachinohe and the local train lines as well as touring around places such as the Tanesashi Coast, Kitayamazaki Cliffs, and Jodogahama.

Reconstruction Tour - Iwate Area
  • IWATE

We will not be beaten by this tsunami. A reconstruction tour where you get the chance to see the reconstruction and the cities that continue pushing forward to the future following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and how those in the area live currently. The fact that this is an area which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world is what makes this trip so special.

Reconstruction Tour - Sendai & Miyagi
  • MIYAGI

We will not be beaten by this tsunami. A reconstruction tour where you get the chance to see the reconstruction and the cities that continue pushing forward to the future following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and how those in the area live currently. The fact that this is an area which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world is what makes this trip so special.