2026年10月1日

Michinoku Coastal Trail by Bus from Morioka

This is a day-trip course that allows you to easily enjoy the highlights of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, centered around Jodogahama, one of the most scenic destinations in the Sanriku region.

From Morioka to Miyako, take the 106 Express/Rapid Bus, and from Miyako to Jodogahama, take a local bus. After walking the trail within Jodogahama Park, enjoy Jodogahama from the sea aboard the sightseeing boat “Miyako Umineko-maru.”

The trail is approximately 3.8 km long and takes about 2 hours to walk.
This course is also recommended for those who are trying the Michinoku Coastal Trail for the first time.

We also offer an affordable digital ticket that includes bus tickets, a “Jodogahama Line 1-Day Area Free Pass,” a discount ticket for the sightseeing boat “Miyako Umineko-maru,” and a “Hiker’s Certificate.”


【Package Contents】

◎ One-way ticket: Morioka Station → Miyako Station (106 Express/Rapid Bus)

Jodogahama Line 1-Day Area Free Pass

◆ Discount ticket for sightseeing boat “Miyako Umineko-maru”

◎ One-way ticket: Seatopia Naado → Morioka Station (106 Express Bus)

◆ Hiker’s Certificate

※Tickets marked with ◎ can only be used in the direction indicated by the arrow (→).
※Tickets marked with ★ can be used in either direction.


【Package Price】

 Adults: 4,970 yen

 Children: 2,550 yen


【How to Purchase】

The package ticket is available through “RYDE PASS (digital ticket).”

↑Click here to purchase the package ticket↑

※The app must be downloaded and an account registered in order to make a purchase.

※There are dates when the ticket cannot be used (unavailable dates). Please check the details in the app.


【Model Course】

Enjoy the sightseeing boat “Miyako Umineko-maru” and

Jodogahama, the highlight of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, on a day trip

From Morioka to Jodogahama: Discover the spectacular scenery of Sanriku

Morning: Depart from Morioka Station

Depart Morioka Station (East Exit, Bus Stop No. 7) at 9:40
↓
〔106 Express/Rapid Bus〕
↓
Arrive at Miyako Station at 11:20

This is a slightly later departure, making it a good option for those staying overnight in Morioka.

If you take the 6:32 Shinkansen from Tokyo, the schedule allows enough time to have breakfast in Morioka and still make it to the bus.

While waiting for departure, we also recommend “Tohoku Drippers Coffee Stand,” where you can enjoy original coffee inspired by the six prefectures of Tohoku, along with a morning meal.


Lunch around Miyako Station

Around Miyako Station, the gateway to Miyako, known as the “Seafood Kingdom,” there are restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes.

◆ Janome Honten (Closed: Wednesdays)

Janome Honten “Bottle Don: Janome Chef’s Special (Large) – 2,970 yen” (reference price)
You can enjoy Miyako’s famous “Bottle Don,” as well as a variety of seafood dishes.

Janome Honten・Bottle Don(Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture)
(Image provided by Miyako Tourism and Cultural Exchange Association)

◆ Gyosai-tei Sumiyoshi (Irregular holidays)

“Bottle Don RED HOT” – 1,650 yen (reference price)
This restaurant also serves Miyako’s famous “Bottle Don.”

Gyosai-tei Sumiyoshi・Bottle Don(Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture)
(Image provided by Miyako Tourism and Cultural Exchange Association)

There are also other restaurants where you can enjoy their signature seafood dishes.
We also recommend tara fry, made with Pacific cod, one of the most abundantly landed fish species in Honshu.

※During busy periods, please check with the restaurant regarding business hours, serving times, etc.
※There are several lunch restaurants within about a 10-minute walk from Miyako Station, so please consider using those restaurants during busy periods.


Afternoon: Depart from Miyako Station

Depart Miyako Station (Bus Stop No. 3) at 12:40
↓
〔Local Bus〕
↓
Arrive at Jodogahama Visitor Center at 12:57

Miyako Station bus stop guide

Walk the Michinoku Coastal Trail “Jodogahama Park Full Course”

Jodogahama Trail Map
(Image provided by Jodogahama Visitor Center)

Walking distance: Approx. 3.8 km / Walking time: Approx. 2 hours

This course follows the “Jodogahama Park Full Course” introduced by the Jodogahama Visitor Center.

For details, please contact the Jodogahama Visitor Center.

Jodogahama Visitor Center
Address: 32-69 Hitachihamacho, Miyako City, Iwate 027-0001
Telephone: 0193-65-1690

※The goal of the course is the “Miyako Umineko-maru Jodogahama Pier”, located just before the Jodogahama Visitor Center.
※There is a more detailed map board at the site.


Tategasaki Observatory

Guide sign to Tategasaki Observatory

From here, you will begin trekking along the Michinoku Coastal Trail.
Wildlife such as Japanese serows and bears can be found in Jodogahama, so please remember to bring a bear bell, as well as insect repellent and sunscreen.

Walk straight along the long corridor with the sea directly ahead, where the taxi stand and bus waiting area of the Jodogahama Visitor Center are located.
Continue slightly toward the back on the right, and you will see a guide sign for the Jodogahama Walking Course.

It may be a little difficult to spot, but this is the entrance to today’s trekking route.

Climb the wooden stairs beside the sign, and you will find a guide sign at a T-junction.
Turn left here, and after about five minutes you will see an observatory. This is Tategasaki Observatory.

Tategasaki Observatory
(Image provided by Jodogahama Visitor Center)

To the north, you can enjoy views of Hideshima Island, a natural monument where Swinhoe’s storm petrels breed, and to the east, views of the Omoe Peninsula and other coastal scenery of Miyako. The view may be somewhat restricted due to the growth of trees, but visibility is good during seasons when the leaves have fallen.


Ryujinzaki Observatory

Path to Ryujinzaki Observatory

Turn back from the observatory and return to the T-junction you passed earlier.
Continue straight toward Ryujinzaki Observatory and you will walk through a pleasant pine forest.
On sunny days, you can occasionally see the sparkling surface of the beautiful sea through the pine trees.

After about 25 minutes, you will reach Ryujinzaki Observatory.
From this observatory, you can enjoy views of Miyako’s townscape, including Dezaki Pier and Kuwagasaki.

Ryujinzaki Observatory
(Image provided by Jodogahama Visitor Center)

Usukiyama

Entrance to the Usukiyama trail

After going around Ryujinzaki Observatory and continuing downhill, you will come out near a road.
Just before reaching the road, the mountain path branches off, so follow the mountain path.
The path may be somewhat overgrown, but if you continue along it, you will eventually return to the Jodogahama Visitor Center.

On the opposite side from where you entered the mountain path earlier, that is, across the road on the side opposite the Visitor Center and the sea, you will find the entrance to the Usukiyama trail.

If you are unsure, please feel free to ask the staff at the Visitor Center.

Usukiyama is a low mountain that is easy to climb.
In early spring, you can see flowers such as Adonis amurensis, witch hazel, and Japanese magnolia; in April, dogtooth violets; and in May, a variety of cherry trees, with approximately 800 trees of 100 different varieties. Restrooms (closed during winter) and gazebos are also available, and there is a walking course around the summit area.

Usukiyama
(Image provided by Jodogahama Visitor Center)

In addition, the monument explaining the Battle of Miyako Bay during the final years of the Edo period describes how Toshizo Hijikata of the former shogunate army and Heihachiro Togo of the new government forces fought using modern weapons, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area.


Hamayuri Observatory

Forest Bathing Trail
At the fork in the trail, first head toward Hamayuri Observatory. From this observatory, you can see the emerald-green waters of Tako-no-hama through the pine trees, making it a hidden scenic spot.

After walking around Usukiyama and returning, you will see the building of the Prefectural Fisheries Science Museum on the opposite side from where you came up.

Once you descend to the building, you will reach a road. Cross the road, and the “Forest Bathing Trail” begins.

At the fork in the trail, first continue toward Hamayuri Observatory.

Hamayuri Observatory
(Image provided by Jodogahama Visitor Center)

Hamayuri Observatory is a hidden scenic spot where you can see the emerald-green waters of Tako-no-hama through the pine trees.


Jodogahama

(Image provided by Jodogahama Visitor Center)

After visiting Hamayuri Observatory, retrace your steps a little and take the path at the fork you passed earlier toward the Rest House.
Continue further and you will come to another Y-junction; continue toward the Rest House.

After descending a somewhat steep slope, you will arrive at Jodogahama, a scenic spot said to be “just like the Pure Land of Paradise.”

The Rest House at the back has restrooms and a shop, so if you have enough time, please stop by.
※Please keep an eye on the time.

If it is already past 15:30 at this point, take the bus departing from the “Oku-Jodogahama” bus stop at 16:10 for Miyako Station, and get off at “Seatopia Naado.”
“Seatopia Naado” is the starting point for the return “106 Express Bus” to Morioka Station.

Oku-Jodogahama 16:10 departure
↓
〔Local Bus〕
↓
Seatopia Naado 16:22 arrival


Midaiba Observatory

(Image provided by Jodogahama Visitor Center)

Walk along the well-maintained coastal path from Jodogahama toward the Visitor Center.
The water is exceptionally clear, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful contrast between the sea and the pine forest.

After passing through the first tunnel, you will arrive at Marine House, the boarding point for the “Sappafune” boats famous for the Blue Cave.
Just before the second tunnel beyond Marine House, there are stairs leading toward the mountain path.
※Please keep an eye on the time.

If it is already past 14:50 at this point, continue through the tunnel and head to the Jodogahama boarding point for Miyako Umineko-maru.

Follow the stairs to reach Midaiba Observatory.
It is a spectacular viewpoint where you can look down diagonally over Jodogahama from above.


Goal: Miyako Umineko-maru Jodogahama Boarding Point

Return toward Marine House and pass through the tunnel to reach the “Miyako Umineko-maru Jodogahama Boarding Point.”

This is the goal of today’s trail.

Wait for the 15:30 departure.

If, for any reason, you miss the departure of Miyako Umineko-maru, you can continue along the path and return to the starting point, the “Jodogahama Visitor Center.”
From the Visitor Center, take a bus bound for Miyako Station and get off at “Seatopia Naado.”

Jodogahama Visitor Center 16:15 departure
↓
〔Local Bus〕
↓
Seatopia Naado 16:22 arrival

※“Seatopia Naado” is the starting point for the return “106 Express Bus” to Morioka Station.


Jodogahama Cruise aboard Miyako Umineko-maru

Miyako Umineko-maru

Depart Jodogahama Boarding Point at 15:30
↓
〔Sightseeing Boat Miyako Umineko-maru〕
↓
Arrive at Dezaki Pier (Seatopia Naado) at 16:00

Well done on completing the trek.
Unlike hiking in the mountains, you may have enjoyed walking while taking in the beautiful contrast between the sea and pine forests.

From here, enjoy a relaxing boat journey.

Although it is a short 30-minute cruise, enjoy Miyako’s representative sightseeing experience as you view Jodogahama from both the front and back, see unusual rock formations such as Candle Rock, and interact with black-tailed gulls while feeding them “Umineko Bread.”


Seatopia Naado (Michi-no-Eki Miyako)

(Image provided by Seatopia Naado)

Seatopia Naado (Michi-no-Eki Miyako) is located directly in front of Dezaki Pier.

From fresh seafood delivered from the Miyako City Fish Market right in front of the facility, to locally grown vegetables and handmade dumplings from the mountainous areas, as well as souvenirs unique to Miyako and Sanriku, it is a great place to shop for Sanriku products.

If you are feeling a little hungry, we recommend the popular sweet treat “Sea’s Blessing Soft-Serve Ice Cream.”
It is an original soft-serve ice cream made using Miyako’s deep-sea water.


Return to Morioka

Depart Seatopia Naado at 16:35
↓
〔106 Express/Rapid Bus〕
↓
Arrive at Morioka Station at 18:35

From Seatopia Naado, take the direct bus back to Morioka Station.


【Important Notes】

■The trail paths are located in a natural environment, and trail conditions can be significantly affected by the weather. Before using this course, please be sure to contact the Jodogahama Visitor Center in advance to confirm whether the above model course is accessible.

■Wildlife such as Japanese serows and bears inhabit Jodogahama. Please prepare necessary items such as a bear bell, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

■Some sections of the model course have time restrictions. Please check the time as you proceed and allow plenty of time for your journey.

■The bus schedules listed in the model course may change without notice. Please check the latest operating schedule before using the service.

■Any accidents or delays in arrival that occur while using the model course are the responsibility of the customer, and our company assumes no responsibility whatsoever.Please use the course at your own judgment and responsibility.


【Reference Links】

◆Ministry of the Environment – Michinoku Coastal Trail “Jodogahama・Taro Route, Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture”

We referred to this page when creating the model course.

If you plan to walk the above model course, we also recommend visiting this page.


◆Jodogahama Visitor Center

For inquiries or consultations regarding the Michinoku Coastal Trail, please contact us here.


◆Miyako Tourism and Cultural Exchange Association

For details about the “Hiker’s Certificate,” please visit here.


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