Hachimantai (八幡平) in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is a magnificent patch of nature on the prefectural border between Iwate (岩手) and Akita (秋田). While the fall foliage scenery is better on the Akita side of Hachimantai, the summit of Mt. Hachimantai and many of the natural wonders are located in Iwate prefecture.
With plenty of alpine plants, sightseeing spots with superb views of the mountains, and hot spring resorts, Hachimantai is one of the premier tourist destinations in the Iwate prefecture. Apart from the spectacular view from the summit at 1,600 meters above sea level, one of the most fascinating natural wonders at Hachimantai is the scenery called Dragon Eye (ドラゴンアイ) which can only be seen from late May to early June each year (*’▽’).
But let’s start with what to see from mid-April when the area becomes accessible to tourists. It is recommended to reach Hachimantai by driving as it affords the flexibility to stop when desired to take photos. But, for those who prefer not to drive, bus services are also available, which you can refer to at the end of this article.
A List of Attractions at Mt. Hachimantai
- Hachimantai Aspite Line (八幡平アスピーテライン)
- Hachimantai Mountaintop Promenade (八幡平山頂散策路)
- Goshogake Nature Observation Trail (後生掛自然研究路)
- Goshogake Hot Spring Hotel (後生掛温泉)
- Hachimantai Jukai Line (八幡平樹海ライン)
- Matsukawa Gorge (松川渓谷)
- Mori no Ohashi Bridge (森の大橋)
- Nanataki Fall (七滝)
Please click HERE to skip to Hachimantai’s transportation information.
Discover Hachimantai With a Local English-Speaking Guide
If exploring Japan’s rural area sounds daunting, how about getting in touch with Quinlan, an experienced local guide with a lot of guiding experience and knowledge about Hachimantai?
You can also check out his YouTube channel GoNorth Japan to get to know Quinlan a bit better before you get in touch with him through his email to [email protected]!
Tip: If you like cycling, join the Mountain Bike Tour in Hachimantai!
Hachimantai Aspite Line (八幡平アスピーテライン)
The Hachimantai Aspite Line is a toll-free 27 km winding driveway across Hachimantai. The toll-free 27 km winding driveway is the best route to drive through because of the attractions along the motorway. When it becomes accessible around mid-April, visitors can enjoy the magnificent snow corridor until around mid-May! From the fresh green in spring to the vivid color in autumn, the driver will have a hard time keeping their attention on the road with surroundings this beautiful.
For more information, refer to our Hachimantai Aspite Line article.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions at Hachimantai.
Hachimantai Mountaintop Rest House (八幡平山頂レストハウス)
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm between mid-April to early November
- Facilities: Hachimantai information corner, toilet, resting space, souvenir shops, and restaurant (please note their broth and most sauce contains fish meat extracts. To confirm with the restaurant staff, please utilize the phrases in our Essential Japanese Phrases for Vegetarian article
Tip: The car park at the Rest House isn’t free of charge. If you want to save some money, there is a free car park not too far from the Rest House.
Hachimantai Mountaintop Promenade (八幡平山頂散策路)
The Hachimantai Mountaintop Promenade is an easy hiking course that only takes around 1.5 hours to get back to Hachimantai Mountaintop Rest House. The trailhead is just across the road from the Rest House’s car park.
The promenade will lead to the Hachimantai Mountaintop Observation Deck (八幡平山頂展望台) and the summit of Mt. Hachimantai. Along the track, there are also a couple of gorgeous marshes, including the Kagami-Numa Marsh (鏡沼), also known as the “Dragon Eye”!
If you refer to the map in the photo, the course is marked in red (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Hachiman-Numa Marsh (八幡沼)
Hachiman Marsh is somewhat of a symbol of Hachimantai. As the Hachimantai Mountaintop Promenade pretty much goes around this marsh, you can enjoy its beauty from various angles.
In spring, the snow on top of the marsh will begin melting to unveil the scenery of a partially frozen marsh. This is a sight that attracts nature lovers from around the country to Hachimantai!
Hachimantai Dragon Eye (八幡平ドラゴンアイ)
Wondering what a “Dragon Eye” looks like? Come to Kagami-Numa Marsh (鏡沼) between mid-May and mid-June, and you may find out if you are lucky!
When the signs of spring begin to appear in Hachimantai, the snow on top of the marsh starts to melt. As the melting process starts from the side of the marsh, the Kagami Marsh will, at some point, take on the shape of an “eye” (*’▽’).
The timing to see this eye and its color differs each year. So you will definitely need some luck to see a beautiful and clear “Dragon Eye”!
Tip: If you take the Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus (八幡平自然散策バス), you can join the guided tour to Dragon Eye for free from the 13th of May. Note the tour is in Japanese only.
The marsh is only a 15-minute walk from Hachimantai Mountaintop Rest House and is quite close to Hachimantai Mountaintop Observation Deck.
Be sure to stay behind the rope when you get there, as it can be quite dangerous if you get too close (^_-)-☆.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions at Hachimantai.
Goshogake Nature Observation Trail (後生掛自然研究路)
In the west part of the Hachimantai Aspite Line, there is a trekking trail where rare volcanic phenomena can be seen throughout.
The Goshogake Onsen Ryokan is located at the trailhead of this trail. So if you are driving, you can park your car in the car park in front of the ryokan.
At the end of the trail is the Ōyu-Numa Marsh (大湯沼), which is filled with boiling springs. At the side of the marsh, there are also a lot of fumaroles and mud pods, which are a rare sight.
Also located in this trekking course is Japan’s biggest mud volcano – Daidorokazan (大泥火山). If you have time, definitely drop by this spot for this rare scene (^_-)-☆.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions at Hachimantai.
Goshogake Hot Spring Hotel (後生掛温泉)
Japan is quite well known for its onsen. But a relatively less known luxury is their mud baths.
At Ghoshogake Hot Spring Hotel, you can bathe with the natural mud you just saw on Goshogake Nature Observation Trail! And if you haven’t had enough mud, get a few mud soaps from their souvenir shops (^_-)-☆.
Apart from the mud bath, there are a total of seven other onsen pools/saunas.
Tip: If you are staying overnight at the hotel, check with the hotel when you book to see if any campaigns are going on – you may be able to rent out the smaller onsen pool – Buna-no-Yu (ぶなの湯), during specific hours.
- If you aren’t staying over at this hotel, you can utilize their bathing facilities from
- 10:30 am to 3 pm from Wednesday to Monday
- The last admission is at 2 pm
- 10:30 am to 3 pm from Wednesday to Monday
- The cost is
- 800 yen for adults
- 400 yen for elementary school students
- A face towel can be purchased for 260 yen.
- A towel set can be rented for 400 yen.
- Coin-operated locker costs 100 yen per use.
You can also enjoy lunch full of Akita’s local specials from 11 am to 2 pm at the hotel’s restaurant!
Tip: For those who have special dietary requirements like us and are staying overnight at the hotel, remember to let them know what you can’t eat at least 3 days in advance, and they will try their best to cater for it (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions at Hachimantai.
Hachimantai’s Snow Monsters
The abies sachalinensis forest from Gentamori (源太森) to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai will turn into a field filled with snow monsters from early January.
This special scenery is created when the trees in the forests are covered with hoarfrost and snow, making them look like monsters on the snowfield!
Unlike the snow monsters at Mt. Moriyoshi or around Hakkōda Ropeway, which can be easily accessed, it is the easiest and safest to join a tour to see Hachimantai’s snow monsters.
The tours can be booked from Hotel Appi Grand (ホテル安比グランド). They have different courses to suit the guests’ experience level. If you have kids, they can only participate if they are above 10 years of age. You can check if the tour is on by accessing Hotel Appi Grand’s website HERE.
As booking is essential, make sure to secure your spot before you visit Hachimantai!
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions at Hachimantai.
Hachimantai Jukai Line (八幡平樹海ライン)
If you like hot spring, the Hachimantai Jukai Line to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai. As the name of the highway suggests, this highway passes through Hachimantai’s virgin forest. Along the road, you are accompanied by the magnificent view of Mt. Iwate. The scenery along this drive is particularly stunning during the season of fresh green and autumn foliage.
For more information, refer to our Hachimantai Jukai Line article!
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions at Hachimantai.
Matsukawa Gorge (松川渓谷)
If you are coming from the Iwate prefecture, before driving into the Hachimantai Jukai Line, you will pass through the Matsukawa Gorge (from the entrance to the Hachmaintai Aspite Line, it is a 10-minute drive).
The gorge extends from Hachimantai Onsenkyo (八幡平温泉郷) to Matsukawa Onsen (松川温泉).
One of the most special things about the gorge is the Matsukawa Genbuiwa (松川玄武岩) and its columnar joint rock walls.
Mori no Ohashi Bridge (森の大橋)
Marking the start of Matsukawa Gorge is the Mori no Ohashi Bridge.
From the bridge, you can get a great view of Mt. Iwate and Hachimantai City.
If you are driving, there is a small car park close by. Close to this bridge is a promenade leading to the Matsukawa Genbuiwa mentioned above. You will get there in less than 10 minutes (^_-)-☆.
For those that enjoy the autumn foliage, these bright, vivid colors will start to cover the gorge from early October and are most vibrant from mid to late October.
How to Get to Matsukawa Gorge
To get to Matsukawa Gorge by public transport, you can catch either the regular bus services or the Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus (八幡平自然散策バス) from JR Morioka Station’s (盛岡駅) east exit’s bus stop no. 3.
If you are catching the Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus from JR Morioka Station, we recommend you drop by the gorge on the way back unless you are staying at the accommodation around Matsukawa Gorge.
For more information, please refer to the access information to Hachimantai at the end of the article.
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions at Hachimantai.
Nanataki Fall (七滝)
Not too far away from the Mori no Ohashi Bridge is the trailhead to Nanataki.
When the trail isn’t covered by thick snow, it will only take you around 30 to 45 minutes to get to this beautiful waterfall (*´ω｀).
The difficulty of this course is suitable for pretty much anyone. So when you drop by Hachimantai Onsen Town or Matsukawa Onsen, how about adding this spot to your itinerary?
In winter, usually from late January, the magnificent view of a frozen 30-meter-tall waterfall will appear in front of you after 1.5 hours of trekking in the snow!
One thing that we want to point out here is that the track splits in two, not too far from the 2 km mark from the waterfall. Both lead to the waterfall. Note the one labeled with “登山道” which means hiking trail. You will get to the waterfall quicker with this path, but it is also muddier and steeper when compared to the other path.
Hachimantai’s Autumn
From late September, the color of the foliage will start changing color. The fall foliage usually peaks from early to mid-October each year!
What to Wear and Bring to Hachimantai National Park
- The long-sleeved, quick-drying shirt is desirable. In spring and autumn, remember to bring a warm jacket that is wind and water-proof
- Trekking/hiking shoes
- Water bottle with a one-liter capacity
- Gloves (water-proof is better)
- Hat to protect you from direct sunlight and to keep your head warm and safe from obstacles such as tree branches.
- Spats to avoid rain, snow, and sand from coming into your shoes
- Hiking poles
- Towels and plastic bags can be handy
- First-aid kit
Click HERE to return to a list of attractions at Hachimantai.
How to Get to Hachimantai
- If you are traveling from Akita Prefecture, you will need to get off at JR Tazawako Station. You can refer to our article about Lake Tazawa for more ideas to put on your itinerary (^_-)-☆
- From JR Tazawako Station, take Ugoku Kōtsū’s (羽後交通) Hachimantai Line (八幡平線) from mid-April to mid-October and get off at Hachimantai Chōjō (八幡平頂上).
- Please note the Hachimantai Line is not in service in 2024. The bus will terminate at Tamagawa Onsen.
- If you are traveling from Iwate Prefecture, you can catch either the regular bus services or the Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus (八幡平自然散策バス) from JR Morioka Station’s (盛岡駅) east exit’s bus stop no. 3.
- The Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus is operating from the 28th of April to the 15th of October daily in 2023.
- Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus cannot be reserved.
- The 2024 timetable can be found HERE. There is currently no English version available, so please refer back to the stop’s Japanese name in this article when you look up the timetable.
- If you still have trouble reading the timetable, contact us HERE, and we will get back to you.
- A bus ticket needs to be purchased before boarding. There are a couple of locations that sell the ticket.
- At JR Morioka Station, please get it from the Iwate Prefectural Transportation Information Center (盛岡駅前バス案内所) close to Morioka Station east exit bus stop no. 7.
- From the summit of Mt. Hachimantain, please get it from Hachimantain Mountaintop Rest House (八幡平山頂レストハウス).
- From Matsukawa Onsen/Hachimantai Onsen Town (八幡平温泉郷), there are a few spots where you can get a ticket.
- Hachimantai Rising Sun Hotel (八幡平ライジングサンホテル)
- Hachimantai Heights (八幡平ハイツ)
- Hachimantai Mountain Hotel (八幡平マウンテンホテル) and the three onsen ryokan in Matsukawa Onsen
- Please note that the bus ticket is only valid on the day of purchase.
- A ticket to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai – Hachimantai Chōjō (八幡平頂上) from Morioka Station costs
- 1,700 yen for adults
- 850 yen for elementary school students
- If you want to travel in between the scenic spots in the Hachimantai area by bus, a one-day free pass also costs
- 1,600 yen for adults
- 800 yen for elementary school students
- This ticket does not include the bus fare to Mt. Hachimantai Summit.
- If you are staying at Hachimantai Onsen Town (八幡平温泉郷) or Matsukawa Onsen (松川温泉), you can get a set ticket that allows you to get off at either of the onsen resort before heading back to JR Morioka Station.
- 2,300 yen for adults
- 1,150 yen for elementary school students
- If the departing time of the Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus doesn’t suit your schedule, you can also catch the regular bus services to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai. Please note the regular bus services won’t be heading to the summit during winter when the highways are closed.
- The timetable for bus services departing for and from the summit (Hachimantai Chōjō (八幡平頂上)) can be found HERE.
- The Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus is operating from the 28th of April to the 15th of October daily in 2023.
Tip: With the Hachimantai Shizen Sansaku Bus ticket, you can join the Hachimantai guide tour (in Japanese) for free. The tour starts as soon as you get off the bus from Hachimantai Summit Resthouse at around 10:55 am daily. The time required for the tour differs depending on the season (approx. 90 minutes in spring (the 11th of May to the 7th of June in 2024) and 2.5 hours in summer (the 8th of June to the 20th of October in 2024).
Important If you plan to drive, confirm the motorway is open for traffic HERE beforehand.
Festivals at Hachimantai
- Hachimantai Furotosa Fireworks Festival (八幡平ふるさと花火まつり)
- Held on the Saturday from 7:30 – 8:30 pm in mid-August (parades and performances take place during the day)
- Held at Hachimantai City Matsuo Sports Park (八幡平市松尾総合運動公園)
- The park is approximately a 40-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from JR Kitamori Station (北森駅)
- Hirakasa Naked Festival (平笠裸参り)
- It is the only Naked Festival in Japan that allows females to participate (it was a male-only event until WWII. As most of the men were sent to war, the festival was opened up to the females to pray for the safety of the soldiers)
- Held on the 8th of January from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
- Held at Miyata Shrine (宮田神社)
- The shrine is around a 45-minute walk or a 10-minute drive from JR Ōbuke Station (大更駅).
- Hachimantai Bandit Festival (八幡平山賊まつり)
- An event to eat and shop for local ingredients while watching performances on stage
- Held on the long weekend in the second week of October
- Held at Sakura Park Event Plaza (さくら公園イベント広場)
- Please refer to the access information for Matsugawa Gorge. The park isn’t too far away from the gorge.
Combine Your Visit to Hachimantai with Appi Kogen Nearby
The Appi Kogen (安比高原) is an idyllic plateau located in the western part of the Iwate prefecture. It is great for a relaxing walk from spring to autumn. When the region is transformed into a winter wonderland, many come to Appi Kogen to ski or snowboard on its high-quality snow (Appi Ski Resort is said to be comparable to the resorts in Hokkaido!)!
If you enjoy spending time in nature and love outdoor activities, Appi Kogen is definitely the spot in the Iwate prefecture that you won’t want to miss out on (^_-)-☆.
To know more about where to go at Hachimantai, please refer to our Appi Kōgen article!
