Due to a forest fire that broke out in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture on the afternoon of April 22, 2026, sections of the Michinoku Coastal Trail are currently CLOSED. There is NO DETOUR available.
Updated April 27, 2026: Added closure information for the Sanriku Coastal Road, reopening information for Route 45, and updated images.
Updated April 28, 2026: Closure information for the Sanriku Coastal Expressway
Updated April 30, 2026: Shortened closure section; Sanriku Railway and local bus services have resumed operations.

■ Closed Sections
• Michinoku Coastal Trail: Sections between Sanriku Railway Namiita-Kaigan Station and Otsuchi Station.

■ Impact on Transportation
• Sanriku Railway: Service suspended between Iwate-Funakoshi Station and Kamaishi Station.
→ Operations resumed from the evening of April 29, 2026.
　https://www.sanrikutetsudou.com/ (Japanese language)
• Local Buses: All bus services within Otsuchi Town are suspended.
→ Service has resumed from the evening of April 29, 2026 as follows:
　Iwate Kenkotsu Bus Website https://www.iwatekenkotsu.co.jp/ (Japanese language)→ Full service has resumed.
Otsuchi Community Bus https://www.town.otsuchi.iwate.jp/fs/2/5/5/2/8/1//_R6.4.1_________.pdf（Japanese language）→ Full service will resume on May 1.

• Roads:The Sanriku Coastal Road is closed between Yamada-Minami IC and Otsuchi IC. ←Lifted as of 22:45 PM on April 27, 2026.
Parts of the Scenic Line are closed to all traffic.
→ Some sections, including the Scenic Line, remain closed pending on-site safety inspections.
National Route 45 (between Hana Hotel Hamagiku and Kirikiri Tunnel South Entrance)　←Lifted as of 7:30 PM on April 26, 2026.

■ Current Trail Condition
• Safety on the trail in this area has NOT been confirmed.
• Firefighting operations is currently the highest priority in the area.

■ Important Request to Hikers
• DO NOT enter the area out of curiosity or attempt to force your way through. It is extremely dangerous and interferes with emergency efforts.
• Cancel or change your hiking plans for this section immediately.
• Stay updated with the latest information via local government disaster alerts, news agencies, and transportation updates.

Firefighting efforts are continuing tirelessly as crews work to bring the wildfire under control.
The local community has begun the recovery process. If you plan to visit the area, please be considerate of residents and ongoing recovery efforts.
Please act responsibly based on the latest information.

Click the image to enlarge.