Staying true to its mantra of “the paths less travelled”, World Expeditions has unveiled a new self-guided walking adventure along the remote and rugged Michinoku Coastal Trail, Japan.
Far removed from the selfie-stick spectacle of Kyoto and the congestion of Tokyo, this seven-day journey offers experienced travellers a rare opportunity to explore Japan’s wild northeast — a part of the country still largely untouched by mass tourism, where the pace is slower, the landscapes raw, and the cultural encounters refreshingly unfiltered.
The Michinoku Coastal Trail, stretching over 1,000 kilometres through the scenic Tohoku region, was developed as part of Japan’s reconstruction efforts following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The trail now stands as a powerful symbol of renewal and resilience. World Expeditions’ new itinerary cherry-picks the trail’s most spectacular sections, guiding travellers through coastal shrines, remote fishing villages, forested headlands and hidden bays between Hachinohe and the celebrated cliffs of Kitayamazaki.
Unlike Japan’s better-known walking routes, the Michinoku Trail remains blissfully untouched by over tourism. The self-guided trip is crafted for experienced walkers who value both independence and support. Travellers receive clear daily route notes, reliable local assistance and luggage transfers, ensuring a seamless journey while maintaining the freedom to walk at their own pace. Accommodations are in locally run inns and small hotels, where regional hospitality and fresh seafood meals bring each day to a perfect close.
World Expeditions CEO, Sue Badyari, comments; “We’re thrilled to launch this new self-guided walk along the Michinoku Coastal Trail, a spectacular journey through one of Japan’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. This trail offers travellers the chance to connect deeply with nature and local traditions while enjoying the freedom of independent exploration.
“Importantly, this initiative supports sustainable tourism by directing vital income to communities along the trail—many of which are still recovering from the 2011 tsunami. By choosing this walk, our travellers contribute directly to the revitalisation of these quiet coastal towns, helping preserve their heritage and support a resilient future for the people who call this remarkable region home.”
The itinerary also offers reassurance on safety. Despite the trail’s origins in a disaster-affected region, it does not pass through radiation-impacted zones. The Japanese government has conducted extensive monitoring, and the sections visited — primarily in the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures — have been declared safe and are open to both domestic and international travellers. The Australian Government’s travel advisory excludes these areas, recommending only to avoid restricted zones near the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant, which is not on the route.
With Japan’s 2025 Cherry Blossom season approaching, demand is already high. World Expeditions is encouraging early bookings to avoid disappointment, especially for those seeking a quieter, culturally immersive alternative to the country’s busier springtime destinations.
This new self-guided walk redefines how Japan can be explored — slow, scenic and deeply personal — blending adventure with cultural connection on one of the nation’s most meaningful and beautiful trails.
We are trailblazers.
Since 1975, World Expeditions has operated authentic and unique adventure travel holidays with a genuine focus on taking our travellers along the paths less travelled.
We are pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries. Many say our trips start where others end. As the leaders in thoughtful travel, our ‘BIG adventures, small footprint’ philosophy was recognised in 2019 when we were crowned the best in adventure travel by our industry peers, winning the Adventure Travel Wholesaler of the Year at The Travel Awards in Sydney.
While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to reach that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded travellers.
Leaders in Thoughtful Travel
Thoughtful travel practice is at the heart of every program we offer and drives the majority of our decision-making. When you book one of our adventures, you’re supporting true sustainability in the protection of local communities, natural environments and wildlife. We have a responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence, protect what is delicate and, where we can, leave a positive influence. Creating genuine and sustainable itineraries often translates to real costs, with a host of responsible travel practices that underpin our prices. By integrating these practices into our in-country operations, we’re aiming for a style of travel that makes the world a better place.
