A massive project has been in the works since after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake in Tohoku. Once finished, the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail (Michinoku Sea Breeze Trail) will stretch an uninterrupted 700km from Hachinohe, Aomori to Soma, Fukushima. As large sections of the trail are being completed in rapid succession, a push towards attracting international attention has started with an abundance of English information recently uploaded onto the official website. Not only that, but users can download English maps to help plan their hiking trips between campgrounds, small towns, and larger cities.
Tohoku has been slow, along with other parts of Japan, to welcome non-Japanese with native level English support. The project organizers are taking a bold stance to say this trail is for all regardless of Japanese language ability.
The trail offers amazing scenery, access to local food options, and a unique challenge to conquer. No hard deadline has been proposed to its completion, but updates are to be announced online.
