Stunning views of land and sky on a two day-long tour

This two-day tour takes you to several special spots around Hachimantai-Towada National Park, including the landscapes known as the Yakehashiri Lava Flow and Hachimantai Dragon Eye. Designated a National Natural Monument of Japan, the Yakehashiri Lava Flow on the northeastern slope of Mount Iwate is from the volcano's eruption nearly 300 years ago. The hardened blocks of lava range in size from the palm of your hand to well over a meter in diameter. The Hachimantai Dragon Eye is the name of a visual phenomenon that occurs at Kagaminuma Pond when ice partially melts around the edges.

Along the way, visitors will enjoy a locally-sourced lunch at a cafe called Salad Farm, cheese fondue at Iwate Yakehashiri International Exchange Village, and a stargazing experience at Mt. Iwate Galaxy Station Observatory as part of this guided experience. With an overnight stay at a hot spring cottage, this tour will both satisfy creature comforts and fill you with awe for the natural world and the cosmos.