The Sanriku Fukko National Park (literally the “Sanriku Reconstruction National Park”) formed in 2013 in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011. It stretches along 180km of coastline north to south across three prefectures in north Japan. In this tour we’ll visit a number of locations along the coast, doing varying amounts of walking at each location.

This tour may change slightly based on weather conditions but usually includes the following:

1. Visit the ruins of the Taro Kanko Hotel and nearby seawall, learning about the tsunami on March 11, 2011.
2. Explore hand-carved tunnels along the coast below towering cliffs to a hidden beach, perfect for lunch or a snack break.
3. View 200-meter cliffs towering above the ocean, from above (and below if you want more exercise)
4. Visit Jodogahama Beach, the pureland beach, a section of islands so beautiful that a Buddhist monk declared that it looked like paradise.
5. OPTION: A 1-hour ride on a small fishing boat along the coast, to view the towering 200-meter cliffs from the ocean. (Extra fees apply, subject to cancellation due to wave conditions that day. Mention you’re interested in the boat ride to Quinlan if you’d like more information.)

This tour involves driving from Morioka to areas of the coast to the northeast, so expect about 2.5 hours of transit by car each way. Pickup is at or near Morioka Station. We’ll stop at a convenience store on the way to the coast to pick up drinks and food for lunch, as going to a restaurant for lunch would mean not being able to spend as much time out in nature.

This tour is designed to be accessible to people of any fitness level, but if you’re interested in more tunnels and a bit of scrambling over rocks, there is an optional, somewhat more adventurous area I can swap in that provides a short hike and still yet more glorious caves and views.

What to bring:

1. Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
2. A wind-breaker, clothing you’d be comfortable walking in along the ocean (especially if you’re interested in the boat ride)
3. A backpack
4. Your camera!

Cost:

The cost of this tour varies based on the season and number of participants, but the total will be in the ballpark of 40,000 yen. Inquire directly via the contact form for more details!