THE MICHINOKU Lush Nature, COASTAL Unforgettable Food, and Lessons from Disaster TRAIL Anna Thomas (Shibata Town, Miyagi Prefecture)
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In 2015, I got word of a new 1000 km longdistance hiking course being made in Tohoku. Tohoku’s Pacific coast was seriously damaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused the death of almost 20,000 people, and this “Michinoku Coastal Trail” was created to attract people to the coastline to enjoy its nature, history, culture and cuisine, as well as to meet local people and learn about natural disasters. Previously, I’d spent most of my time at the coast as a post-tsunami volunteer, but this was my chance to enjoy these areas as a tourist! I’ve hiked bits and pieces over the years, and in this past year, I’ve section-hiked 700 km of the trail. I’ve done English translations for the MCT for years and now work part-time at the trail’s headquarters in Natori, Miyagi. In short, I love this trail, and I’m here to invite you to come when you can and enjoy it for yourself. top: Samuraiishi Rock in Kuji
