Mr. Tetsutaro Shiga (sporting goods store "Shiga Sports")

    It's been 5years since the Michinoku Coastal Trail was established. How did you first learn about the trail, and how have you been involved with it?
    Some years ago, my kids were in a swimming club, and I accompanied them every time. I had free time until their class ended, so I wandered around outside. Then I came across a natural sidewalk. Following the path, I arrived at a beautiful scenery that took my breath away. I found an unfamiliar signboard that indicated "Michinoku Coastal Trail".
    After discovering the trail, I began to walk through it and posted some pictures and my thoughts. I got to know many people who were involved in the trail. Eventually, I met some staff from the Jodogahama Visitor Center and the Natori Trail Center, and they asked me to join the initial project of the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Although I had no experience in trail hiking or mountain climbing, I was able to participate in setting the routes of the trail with a beginner perspective.

    So, the routes should be enjoyable not only for experienced hikers but also for beginners! I guess that you're into the trail by joining the initial project, selling the goods, and hiking by yourself. What are your thoughts on doing it? And do you think it's worth doing?
    When I started walking through the trail by myself, the routes were not paved much, so I felt anxious and fearful going through dark paths overgrown with weeds. At that time, I realized that it must be even more stressful for people coming from other cities or foreign countries. So, I want to give them more information as a local resident by paving the routes and gaining knowledge about trail goods. This means that I want them to enjoy trail hiking safely. And I think that sharing the attractive points of Miyako with the world is worth doing.

    You mentioned that you have a long relationship with the trail. Have been there any changes recently compared to a few years ago when you first got involved with the trail?
    There have been many changes in the surrounding environment and myself.
    First, I've started to stock and display some items for beginners in outdoor activities at my store. These are highly selected and recommended goods that I've tried and tested.
    Second, the number of people coming from inland region of Iwate and Kanto region has been increasing these days.
    Lastly, for myself, I have recently became able to talk to strangers. Actually, I came across an international hiker walking in Tsugaruishi area before and decided to give her some food. I think I wouldn’t have been able to talk to her if I hadn’t started walking the trail. To be honest, I used to overthink things and feel anxious walking the trail alone. At that time, local residents asked me, "Where did you come from?" and said, "Enjoy your journey and good luck!" It made me feel relaxed and relieved. So, I want to become an approachable and friendly person like them.

    Are there any hikers from overseas who come to your store?
    Yes. Many international hikers come from the US, which is the origin of long-distance trails. Also, there are some hikers from Indonesia and Australia. They are well prepared for long walks, but sometimes something is insufficient or broken, so they come here.

    How do you communicate with them?
    I use a translation app.

    Do you have any memorable stories with international hikers?
    Yes, a hiker from Germany. When he first came to my store, I couldn’t talk to him because of the language barrier. However, I met him by chance at Funakoshi Peninsula a few days later! At that time, I had a translation app from my experience with him at the store, so I talked to him. He said he was from Germany, had started walking from Hachinohe, and was heading to Fukushima. He came to the store to look for shoes. After talking with him, he bought new shoes of a famous US brand from my store, which had just been back in stock that day. He said he would go to another trail after Michinoku, so he would wear them there. Later, I received an email from him saying he wore the shoes on the Colorado Trail! A hiker from Germany bought US shoes in Miyako, and wore them in the US…it was an interesting story.

    It sounds like a wonderful connection. From now on, many people will come to Miyako and try to walk through the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Do you have any recommended spots for them?
    For beginners who want to try walking trails as an extension of regular walking, the area around Jodogahama and Kyukamura Rikuchu-Miyako has no ups and downs, yet you can see the beautiful scenery of the sea. For people with some experience in mountain climbing, the route from Jodogahama to Kyukamura Rikuchu-Myako would be great if they go up to the north. If you can go further, you can set the goal to Taro with an overnight stay. For people who have enough experience in climbing mountains, I recommend going down to the south from Shirahama to Gassan Viewpoint. Even though you need to go up steep staircases, the view is incredibly beautiful. It is for advanced hikers, but still, I want you to go.
    Also, it’s not on the official route, but I recommend Cape Namidazaki, located about 10 minutes by walk from Sannoiwa Rocks. Though you need to take a little side trip, you can feel open to see the waves dash against the rocks.
    Mattshuki Beach, located between Kyukamura Rikuchu-Miyako and Taro, is quiet and attractive. It’s dangerous to enter the water because it’s not a swimming area, but it is the best spot to enjoy the picturesque view of the sea.
    I would like you to go to Mattsuki Beach and Kyukamura Rikuchu-Miyako in winter too. You can enjoy the color difference of the sea compared to summer.

    Many visitors may think that they would like to see those spots along the trail walk. What is the must-have item for beginners? Do you have any recommendations from your store?
    Rations, snacks, and water. Also, you need to wear shoes or boots that are suitable for walking the trail and a hat. I recommend beginners to bring bear bells in case. Once you walk a short distance, you can get to know what you need. You can also come to my store and ask me!
    Recently, I’ve made Michinoku Coastal Trail acrylic stands. I would like everyone to take these to the trail for taking pictures.

    What do you want to ask the trail hikers who visit Miyako?
    I want them to talk to their family or friends about their experiences, especially what they felt through the trips, including not only exciting moments but also tough incidents. There should be a lot of things that they don't know unless they walk through the trail themselves, for example: beautiful scenery, harsh spots, tasty foods, and the kindness of local people, etc. To hear those stories from them, someone might take an interest in Miyako or trail hiking. That's my hope.

    What do you expect for the future development of Michinoku Coastal Trail?
    Keeping it beginner-friendly and making it enjoyable for everyone. Most of the hikers walk in unfamiliar places, so I would like them to enjoy the trail without feeling anxious or terrified. It might be tough, but I want them to feel fulfilled when they see the perfect views.

    Can you give a word for the hikers around the world, please?
    This long-distance trail is globally rare in that you can see the ocean while walking. Please come and walk the Michinoku Coastal Trail!