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Kobe-zaki (Kobe Cape) Lighthouse

experienceofunato

Updated: Apr 4, 2023



A famous hiking route which stretches from the tip of Fukushima prefecture, outlines the coast of both Miyagi and Iwate prefecture, and even further North to northern Aomori prefecture is known by the name of "Michinoku Coastal Trail" ("MCT".) This 1000+km trail had been picked up by the national geographics team and other hiking trail sites, but none have yet to mention this Koube-zaki hiking trail which for me is by far one of the most facinating trail with a beautiful vantage point at the end in Ofunato.


Okay, so the reason why they haven't listed this trail is simply because this hiking trail is technically not on the MCT. Well even if it was, they may still not have mentioned it because there are many many wonderful trails on this route, but the reason why I say "technically" is because this trail is currently under discussion to be included within the main trail route! Aaannd, also because this route is hidden and even a lot of the locals don't know about it!!


Nonetheless, this hiking trail is one of if not the most favorite trails I've hiked here in Ofunato. Particularly due to 5 reasons.

  1. One way trip to the lighthouse from the bottom of the hike is less than an hour with several stops with gorgious scenery that builds up to the facinating vantage point at the end of the hike.

  2. For those with a sturdy car, you can climb up most of the path by car. As such, depending on the people you are with and how experienced they are with hiking, you can adjust the length of the hike.

  3. "Zaki" in the name, means cape. What this means is that you will be hiking along the coastline during the second-half of the trail. The cool breeze you get while hiking in addition to the scenery filled with various blues shining from the sky and ocean mixed in with the greenery and the rocky coast create a breathtaking sight without a doubt.

  4. The hiking itself is also very fun. Although there are up and downs, many elements of hiking which are intertwined on this trail. I highly reccomend this trail to those who are willing to take another step from just walking up hills.

  5. Last and definitely not least, the view from the lighthouse in nothing but spectacular. You are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean that infinitely stretches out as far as your eyes can see. In all honestly, I would be able to stay at this spot for hours just gazing.


So with that said, how do you get there?

You'll unfortunately need a car... well, it isn't impossible to get there by foot but your closest train station would be the "Sanriku Station" on the Sanriku Railway Company’s Rias Line which has a limited amount of trains each day. (More or less 2hrs to the start of the trail.)

As an alternative, there may be a chance to get a hold of a ranger in the area that may be kind enough to give you a ride there, aid you during the hike, and back. A possible place to reach out for this is the Goishi Coast Information Center, but note that there are not many people that can speak English.

For those of you with a car, or if you are already planning on renting a car you can use the coordinates below!

Note, it would be wise to rent a car since Iwate, like other suburban places in Japan, is very car oriented.


But the car route there can be confusing since it doesn't particularly strech directly from the main road, and the fact that there are no "parking lots" to access this trail is another reason why its not too well known by the locals.


Below is a slightly detailed trail path with pictures for those interested in going!

If you contact me directly there may be a chance that I can help you get there and also show the way! Feel free to reach out this way as well!


1. First, the starting point will be near the Kurosaki Shrine. (Use the coordinates stated above)


2. After you go down the road, near the coordinate point you'll find a slight blockage before you go into the path for the actual hike. Kindly shift it over and close it before you climb up.

[*Picture soon to be added*]


3. You can park your car on the side path in the area and start climbing from here. This is the safest way since the road here is narrow dirt path that can at times have fallen trees on the road.

[*Picture soon to be added*]


3B. For those that are confident in their car and are skilled enough to at the worst case scenario reverse the same path down you can climb up this path for a little less than 15 minutes.

[*Picture soon to be added*]




4B. Go up the hill along the dirt path wide enough for a single car to drive up.


There are several openning spots along the road which is just wide enough to park a car which is a good, but there after driving 15 min up you will find a patch of grass on the left with a slightly unnoticable sign which has a fairly large spot for you to park the car.

If and when parking mid-way up the path, make sure you are able to keep the road fully cleared.


5. The opening will look as such and the foot only trail will officially start here.












6. The path from here is generally straight forward since the trail is padded down by several hikers, but just in case pictures below are iconic sites you will see that can keep you in check in case you feel lost.



Please be warned in advance that wild animals may be spotted, hence bear bells are advised.

Kindly turn back if you feel lost or the trail is severely damaged in any way.

Some parts can be slippery or rocky depending on the weather the day before.

Lastly, do not stray off trail routes as it may be dangerous, be it to chase animals, to take pictures, etc.

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