Hike the Hachimantai Hills

Whatever the season, take to the trails and enjoy the beauty of Tohoku

The natural beauty of northern Tohoku is truly awe-inspiring in the Hachimantai region, part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park.  

This spectacular natural setting has its attractions in every season, from the new green shoots of spring inching up the mountains, to Alpine flowers and trekking in summer, blazing colors in autumn, and deep snows for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter.

Hachimantai actually forms the southern half of the national park and is crowned by the beautiful Mt. Akita-Komagatake, Mt. Iwate, and Mt. Hachimantai. It’s an area of volcanic activity, with many onsen, or hot springs, to enjoy in all seasons. Be sure to try the rotenburo, or outdoor baths, available at many resorts. You’ll even find Daideikazan Mud Volcano, the largest in Japan, right here, a truly unique sight with mud that is eight meters deep in some spots.

This area is also known for heavy snowfalls in winter, with many major ski areas to be found, as well as excellent backcountry skiing and boarding higher up in the mountains. 

When the snows have disappeared, wander through alpine meadows and leafy trails, either solo or with a hired guide from the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel for a high-altitude adventure.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station (about two hours 10 minutes), then take the Iwate-ken Kita Bus to the Hachimantai Onsnekyo stop (about one hour 35 minutes). The Hachimantai Mountain Hotel is two-minute walk from the stop.

Hachimantai Mountain Hotel