Frequently Asked Questions

About the MCT in general

• Q1. Is it possible to cycle the trail? Can trail running event be hold on the MCT?
• Q2. What should I do if get lost or injured, or there’s an accident?
• Q3. Do I need to submit a trekking itinerary (tozantodoke)?
• Q4. Does the MCT get cell phone reception?
• Q5. Who should I contact when I have questions about the MCT? What other ways can I get more information besides searching online?
• Q6. What is the Michinoku Coastal Trail?
• Q7. What is the Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park?
• Q8. What are Long-Distance Nature Trails?
• Q9. What is the Michinoku Coastal Trail charter?
• Q10. What kind of signage is there on the MCT?
• Q11. How should I plan my hike?
• Q12. How should I hike the MCT?
• Q13. What should I be mindful of during my hike?
• Q14. What is the toilet situation on the MCT, and where can hikers get water?
• Q15. Is there anything I should keep in mind about hiking in the winter (December through around March)?
• Q16. About how far can I go in a day’s hike, and how many days does the trail take to thru-hike?
• Q17. What sections are suited for beginners? Do you have any model courses that can be done in a day? Where do you recommend?

Access

• Q1. If I start walking somewhere and walk to that day’s endpoint, how do I get back to my starting point?
• Q2. How do I access the trail by car or public transportation?

Events/tours

• Q1. Are there any events or tours for hiking the MCT? How do I hire a guide?
• Q2. Is any kind of application or paperwork needed to hike the MCT as an individual, or to hold an MCT hiking event, or to hike the MCT as a school group?

Hiking community

• Q1. How can I support hikers?
• Q2. How do I help maintain the MCT?
• Q3. Is there anywhere I can register when I plan to hike the whole the MCT, or when I’ve finished hiking the MCT?
• Q4. What should I do I encounter damage along the trail (like a collapsed section, large fallen trees, etc)?

Dangerous wildlife

• Q1. Are there any dangerous animals on the MCT? What about dangerous plants?

Various permissions related

• Q1. I’d like to have some MCT pamphlets. Could you send some to me?
• Q2. Can I use a drone along the MCT course? Do I need to apply to take video footage or pictures?
• Q3. Can I use the MCT logo?
• Q4. Would it be possible to use the videos or pictures used on your website?

Maps/Equipment

• Q1. What kind of equipment do I need?
• Q2. How do I use the DATA BOOK?
• Q3. Do you have map data available? Does the MCT have an app?
• Q4. How do I use the maps?
• Q5. Where can I get the maps?

Lodging/camping

• Q1. Are there any campgrounds?
• Q2. What kind of accommodation is available near the MCT?