If you are heading to Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada, instead of taking a bus to the starting point of the gorge, we recommend you stop by a couple of the attractions in the Hakkōda Mountains (八甲田山). You will find some of the most breathtaking scenery as you trek through the mountain trails that connect you to ponds and lookouts.
Table of Contents
- So, What Are the Hakkoda Mountains?
- The Attractions in Hakkōda Mountains Leading to Oirase Gorge
- The Best Time to Visit Hakkōda Mountains
- Getting to the Attractions in Mt. Hakkōda by JR Bus
Click HERE for the access information on Hakkoda Mountains.
So, What Are the Hakkoda Mountains?
Hakkoda is not one single mountain. Considered one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, Hakkoda is a collective name for a total of 16 peaks, divided into the North Hakkoda area, comprising 10 mountains, and the South Hakkoda area, which contains the remaining 6.
The highest peak of the Hakkoda Mountains is Mt. Ōtake (大岳). It has an altitude of 1,585 meters and is a popular destination for hiking.
While the Northern Hakkoda Mountains have several tourist attractions, such as onsen ryokans and scenic ponds, most of the Southern Hakkoda Mountains haven’t been developed for tourism purposes, making the area difficult to enter. This is why whenever you hear people talk about Hakkoda Mountains, they are generally referring to the Northern Hakkoda Mountains.
Similar to Aomori Prefecture’s highest peak, Mt. Iwaki (岩木山), the current volcanic activity in the Hakkoda Mountains is mild. During the winter months, the area receives heavy snowfall, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.
Additionally, in January and February, the trees surrounding the Hakkoda Ropeway will be covered in rime (樹氷). The phenomenon is commonly referred to as “snow monsters” in Japan and is one of the main reasons people head to the Hakkoda Mountains in winter.
The Attractions in Hakkōda Mountains Leading to Oirase Gorge
- Hakkōda Ropeway (八甲田ロープウェー)
- Hiking in Hakkōda Mountains
- Tashirotai Marsh (田代平湿原)
- Gudari-numa Pond (グダリ沼)
- Hakkōda Onsen (八甲田温泉)
- Kayano Chaya (萱野茶屋)
The Best Time to Visit Hakkoda Mountains
Depending on your interests, consider visiting the Hakkoda Mountains during the following time of year.
- Fresh green season at Mount Hakkoda: mid-May to June
- Flowering season at Mount Hakkoda: mid-June to early August
- Autumn foliage at Mount Hakkoda: early October to early November
- Early to mid-October:
- The summit of the Hakkoda Mountains
- Jogakura Onsen (城ヶ倉温泉)
- Motoyu Sarukura Onsen (元湯 猿倉温泉)
- Mid to late October
- The middle of the Hakkoda Mountains
- Sukayu Onsen (酸ケ湯温泉)
- Yachi Onsen (谷地温泉)
- Tashirotai Marsh (田代平湿原)
- Late October to early November
- The foot of the Hakkoda Mountains
- Tsuta Onsen (蔦温泉)
- Early to mid-October:
- Ski season at Mount Hakkoda: early December to mid-May
- Usually, Hakkoda Mountains receive the first snow in mid-October (at the summit, that is). The snow season can last all the way to mid-May.
- Trekking and Hiking at Mount Hakkoda: June to early November
- Please note that close to the summit, the mountain trail might still be covered with snow, making it difficult to find your directions.
Getting to the Attractions in Mt Hakkoda by JR Bus
The JR Bus Mizuumi-Gō (みずうみ号) is departing from the JR Aomori Station (青森駅) and JR Shin-Aomori Station (新青森駅) from spring to autumn. From JR Hachinohe Station(八戸駅), take JR Bus Oirase-Gō (おいらせ号).
Between spring and autumn, a couple of services are available each day. Please find the timetable HERE.
From JR Aomori Station (青森駅)
The JR bus bound for Oirase Gorge is the bus stop no. 11 at Aomori Station’s east exit.
Please refer to the map on the right-hand side when you get there (‘ω’)ノ.
From JR Shin-Aomori Station (新青森駅)
The JR bus bound for Oirase Gorge is the bus stop no. 1 at Shin-Aomori Station’s east exit.
Please refer to the map on the right-hand side when you get there (‘ω’)ノ.
From JR Hachinohe Station (八戸駅)
The JR bus bound for Oirase Gorge is the bus stop no. 11 at Hachinohe Station’s east exit.
Please refer to the map on the right-hand side when you get there (‘ω’)ノ.
JR Bus Fare to Mt. Hakkoda
Please refer to the official website HERE for the JR Bus Fare to Mt. Hakkoda. You can translate it to English using Google Chrome’s translation function, located to the right of the address bar. The bus fare is listed on the third tab.
Tips:
☛ Get the 5-Day JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) to save on transportation! It is free for you to board any JR bus in the region with the pass!☛ If you are planning a day trip from Aomori City to Hakkōda Ropeway, Jokagura Onsen (城ヶ倉温泉) or Sukayu Onsen, you can utilize the Hakkōda 1-Day Free Ticket (八甲田1Dayフリーきっぷ). The 2,000 yen ticket can be purchased from Aomori’s main JR stations’s Midori no Madoguchi (みどりの窓口), reserved ticket vending machines, or travel agents such as Eki Tabi Concierge (駅たびコンシェルジュ). The tickets will also get you discounts at the ropeway as well as Sukayu Onsen and Jokagura Onsen!
Discounted 2-Days Ticket (Not Available in 2025)
From spring to autumn, the Aomori, Hachinohe, Lake Towada Free ticket (青森･八戸･十和田湖フリーきっぷ) is on sale. The ticket is valid for two days, which gives you unlimited rides on Mizuumi-Gō (みずうみ号) and Oirase-Gō (おいらせ号).
You can purchase the ticket for 5,800 yen from JR Aomori Station’s Bus Tickets Office, the shop – NewDays outside of JR Hachinohe Station’s ticket gate, and Lake Towada Station at Yasumiya.
Hakkōda Ropeway (八甲田ロープウェー)
Ropeways are not cheap to build. So if a ropeway is built at a location, the scenery from the ropeway is bound to be amazing. Not only is the Hakkoda Ropeway renowned for its breathtaking views, but it is also recognised for its skiing and snowboarding courses departing from the Summit Station. There are a few trekking courses that you can always stroll around to explore the area more closely after you get to the summit (*’▽’).
For more information, refer to our article on Hakkoda Ropeway!
Hiking in Hakkōda Mountains
Once you reach the Summit Park Station of Hakkoda Ropeway, there are a couple of trekking/hiking courses you can choose from.
- Hakkoda Gourd Line (八甲田ゴードライン)
- Kenashi Paradise Line (毛無パラダイスライン)
- Ōtake Hiking Course (大岳登山コース)
Tip: Head back to Hakkoda Ropeway just before sunset for the Sunset Ropeway Event (夕焼けロープウェイ). The operating hours of the ropeway are extended by two hours for nine days in mid-August, allowing customers to enjoy the stunning sunset view from the Hakkoda Mountains.
Hakkōda Gourd Line (八甲田ゴードライン)
This is the easiest and shortest trekking course around the ropeway. Because the shape of the entire course looks like a gourd, the course is named Hakkoda Gourd Line. The course is basically going around the Tamoyachi Marsh at the top of Mt. Tamoyachi (田茂萢岳).
From June to early September, you will be accompanied by various precious alpine plants blooming along the trail. As the temperature starts to drop from late September, the plants will turn golden and then brown, making another amazing scene.
Don’t have time? You can choose to trek only through the upper part of the gourd, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
For the course map, please refer HERE.
If it is confusing, please refer to the first map HERE on the Japanese website.
Remember we talked about the rime on trees before? If you are taking this course in the mid-winter, this is where you find Hakkoda’s rime on trees. The Abies mariesii trees (a type of fir) that grow beside the trekking course will be covered by snow, forming a protective layer from the cold weather.
Kenashi Paradise Line (毛無パラダイスライン)
For those who love hiking, you can take the Kenashi Paradise Line, travelling beyond the Hakkoda Gourd Line. The course will take you through Kenashitai (毛無岱), which is divided into the Kami-kenashi Marsh (上毛無) and Shimo-kenashi Marsh (下毛無). The course can end at either Jogakura Onsen (城ヶ倉温泉) or Sukayu Onsen (酸ケ湯温泉). These are two of the most popular destinations in Hakkoda. Either way, the course will take around 2.5 hours.
The course is particularly popular during the autumn foliage season from late September to early October because the color around the borderline between Kami-kenashi Marsh and Shimo-kenashi Marsh is scintillating!
As this is a typical mountain trail, please come with at least sneakers (hiking shoes will be even better).
For the course map, please click HERE.
Tip: As there are quite a few muddy areas, especially after the rain, if you have boots, wear them.
Ōtake Hiking Course (大岳登山コース)
If you have a bit more experience in hiking and want to hike your way up to the highest peak of the Hakkoda Mountains, then take the Ōtake Hiking Course from the ropeway station.
The trail is the hiking trail that best represents the Hakkoda Mountain Range. It will take 4 hours, ending at Sukayu Onsen (酸ケ湯温泉).
At the top of Mt. Ōtake, you get to enjoy the panoramic view of the Hakkoda Mountain Range, which can’t be seen elsewhere!
Important: Due to temperature differences, if you plan to head up from mid-October, the summit may already be covered in snow. Please come prepared for your safety.
For the course’s map, please refer HERE.
If it is confusing, please refer to the third map with the trail highlighted in yellow on their Japanese website HERE.
Instead of starting from Hakkoda Ropeway, you can hike from Sukayu Onsen (酸ケ湯温泉). The loop course will take around 4.5 to 5 hours. The hiking trail passes through Sennintai Cabin, Mt. Odake, and then proceeds to the Kenashitai area before returning to Sukayu Onsen.
Important: If you are starting from Sukayu Onsen, note that the trail, which consists of stairs near the ryokan, is often muddy due to poorly drained roads in the forest.
Tashirotai Marsh (田代平湿原)
Reading this article, you might have already noticed that the Hakkoda Mountains are a trove of plants grown in marshes. Although it is harder to access by public transport, Tashirotai Marsh, located east of the mountain range, is one of the most highly recommended marshes to visit.
The marsh is the biggest in the Hakkoda Mountains, where many alpine plants bloom during the warmer seasons. The area boasts a superb outlook, allowing you to take in the dynamic scenery with a single glance.
Tashirotai is really the hidden gem of the Hakkoda Mountains. When other attractions, such as Jōgakura Bridge and Tsuta-numa Pond, are filled with tourists, head to Tashirotai for a potentially private and breathtaking scenery session!
The marsh was originally a caldera lake on the Tashirotai plateau, created by volcanic activity around 2 million years ago. As the water of the lake flew/dried up, the lake became the marsh we see today.
The period of the year suitable for trekking at Tashirotai Marsh is from late May to late October. However, please be aware that parts of the promenade may be covered in snow at the beginning and end of the hiking season.
Taking the loop course to stroll around the marsh will only take around 60 minutes. As most of the promenade is covered by wooden boards, the trail is suitable for all age groups.
Just note that parts of the promenade can be muddy (for the parts that are just earthen roads). So it is better to head there with a pair of shoes you won’t mind getting wet and dirty.
Tip: If you hate bugs, come between spring and early summer (late May to June). The number of insects you will encounter is relatively low.
The Flower Calendar at Tashirotai Marsh
In June and July, what catches people’s hearts is the white, fluffy cotton grass. During the same season, other flowers, such as the Japanese azalea and bog-rosemary, will also add to the overall colourfulness of the scenery.
In summer, when the flowers of Narthecium asiaticum are blossoming, the marsh will look like a golden sea!
From July to August, you will also find the lotus flowers popping up in the pond here and there. The gorgeous white flowers of the Marsh grass of Parnassus can be spotted somewhere in August.
The signs of autumn arrive early in Tashirotai Marsh. The area will be dyed in the vibrant autumn color from late September.
Ryūjin-numa Pond (龍神沼)
From the car park or Hakkoda Onsen, before you reach the trailhead of the promenade, you will walk past the mysterious Ryūjin-numa Pond, located just beyond a red torii gate half-buried in the soil covered by light green grass.
The pond is probably one of the most beautiful ponds in the mountain range. The emerald green-colored pond will be extra stunning when set against the bright autumn colours of the surrounding nature.
If you go to the other side of the pond, you will see a small shrine in the distance. However, please stay on the wooden trail for your safety, rather than following your adventurous spirit and wandering into the wild.
How to Get to Tashirotai Marsh
Unfortunately, the closest bus stop – Kayano Chaya (萱野茶屋), is around 9 km away from the marsh. So to get to Tashirotai Marsh, you will need a car.
Alternatively, you can choose to stay overnight at Hakkoda Onsen, which provides free pick-up and drop-off services from Kayano Chaya (萱野茶屋) or Hakkoda Ropeway Station (ロープウェイ駅前).
Gudari-numa Pond (グダリ沼)
If you are driving, another spot you can visit in Tashirotai is the Gudari-numa Pond.
Following the Prefectural Route 40 towards Towada, you can park at the first parking space on your left after you drive past the restaurant Matabee no Chaya (又兵衛の茶屋). From the gate next to the parking space, you will get to the gorgeous marsh after walking for around 200 meters.
Note that towards the marsh, there isn’t exactly a promenade built for it. So, what you can do is follow the tracks where previous visitors have stepped (or even driven on). As an indication, you should be trekking slightly to the left.
Eventually, the road goes down to the left and at the end of it is the super-hidden gem of Tashirotai, where the fresh stream of “Gudari-numa” is flowing.
Gudari-numa Pond is Actually not a Pond?
That is right. Although it is called a marsh, it is actually a clear stream that flows gently and continuously. The amount of water flowing out is about 200,000 tons per day, and the water temperature is about 7 degrees.
Trekking along the marsh, you can get to the far bank of the marsh. However, be aware of where you step, as the ground can be unstable due to the water flow. Wear a pair of boots to prevent your feet from getting wet.
The marsh is also known as one of the few places in Japan where you can find five different kinds of planarians living in the marsh. Other areas where planarians are found are limited to Hokkaidō and Aomori Prefectures.
Although their length is only around 1 cm, they are flatworms with strong regenerative power. Please don’t try to do it, but they can still live even if their bodies are cut in half Σ(ﾟДﾟ).
Also, you can adore the white flowers of Ranunculus nipponicus var. Submersus (バイカモと) that will bloom from early summer to early autumn.
Finding the Spring Source of Gudari-numa Pond
Before you head back to the car park, there is a small road somewhere along the slope on the right. Follow the road, and you should get to the pond again. You should be able to see streams coming out from two spots in front of you. Seeing the two gentle swirls formed by the water source, the scene is somewhat calming to stare at.
Trekking Through the Beautiful Beech Forest
Near the Gudari-numa Pond, there are two gentle short trekking trails you can take an easy stroll on. Both Beech Forest Promenade (Buna-rin Sansakumichi, ブナ林散策道) and the Small Trail of Azalea (Tsutsuji no Komichi, つつじの小径) are around 1.5 km.
How to Get to Gudari-numa Pond
It is less than a 10-minute drive or around a 100-minute walk from Hakkoda Onsen.
Hakkōda Onsen (八甲田温泉)
Important: Hakkoda Onsen is currently closed for major renovation work.
Hakkoda Onsen is an old ryokan that opened in 1964 after the hot spring source was discovered. Located just a few minutes’ walk away from Tashirotai Marsh, it is the perfect accommodation for you to stay in if you plan to explore the marsh.
The ryokan takes pride in its four different onsen pools, each with a hot spring of varying characteristics for your enjoyment. And the good news for the ladies is that the indoor onsen pool is bigger than the one for gentlemen (probably because they receive a lot more female guests)!
As Tashirotai Marsh isn’t a major attraction in Hakkoda Mountains, you might be able to have the entire public hot spring pool to yourself when you arrive. But, if you worry about your privacy, you can rent out their private bath (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Sukayu Onsen currently operates Hakkoda Onsen.
Important:
☛ There is no air conditioner installed in the guestrooms.
☛ The ryokan is closed from mid-November to April.
Tip: Let the ryokan know your vegetarian dietary requirement, and they will try their best to accommodate!
How to Get to Hakkōda Onsen
From JR Aomori Station or JR Shin-Aomori Station, take the JR bus Mizuumi-gō (みずうみ号) and get off at either Kayano Chaya (萱野茶屋) or Hakkoda Ropeway Station (ロープウェイ駅前). The ryokan can pick you up from either of the bus stops.
Important: Please notify the ryokan in advance of your pick-up time.
Kayano Chaya (萱野茶屋)
Taking the JR bus Mizuumi-gō (みずうみ号) towards Oirase Gorge/Lake Towada, the bus will make a 10 – 20 minutes stop at this teahouse called Kayano Chaya.
Apart from using it as a toilet break, you at least want to drink 3 cups of tea from the tea stall in front of the tea house (refer to the photo).
What makes the tea so special is its legendary benefits. Drinking 1 cup can add 3 years to your life, 2 cups can add 6 years, and if you drink 3 cups, you can live until you are very old (which we assume some spirits will protect you from dying from accidents or illness).
Although it may just sound like a catchphrase, since the tea is free to drink, why not rehydrate with it? (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ
No one really knows what will happen if you drink more than 3 cups, but we are sure you won’t be transformed into immortal creatures…(´▽｀*)
Tip: If hot tea is provided on a hot summer day, you can purchase some tea leaves and make this magical tea at home. This way, you can share the benefit of the tea with your families and friends (^_-)-☆.
One of the teahouse’s popular menus is bamboo shoots with Ginger-flavor miso paste. As it is likely to come with other non-vegetarian oden ingredients as a set, please utilize the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article to ensure you are served with what you can eat.
The chaya is only operating from mid-April to mid-November. The road to the teahouse is closed during other times of the year.
Kayano Plateau/Kōgen (萱野高原)
Near the teahouse is Kayano Plateau, where you can take a relaxing stroll or even have a picnic if the weather isn’t too hot.
Important: It’s probably not a good idea to stay here for long during the peak season, as the next JR bus may be full.
Traveling South to Oirase Gorge
Your visit to Hakkoda shouldn’t just end in the northern part of the Hakkoda Mountains. Further down south is where Aomori Prefecture’s most beautiful destination, Oirase Gorge, is located.
And before you reach there, there are a couple more breathtaking attractions that you might want to stop by.
For more information, please refer to our Hakkoda Ropeway to Yakeyama, the Prelude to Oirase Gorge article!
