Hiking in the Hakkōda Mountains (八甲田山) offers an unparalleled adventure through the volcanic heart of Aomori. From the easy, 30-minute Hakkoda Gourd Line boardwalk at the ropeway summit to the rugged, full-day trek across the Odake peak toward the steaming Sukayu Onsen, this range caters to every level of explorer. Whether you are traversing lush alpine marshlands in summer or witnessing the “sea of clouds” during the autumn peak, our guide covers the best Aomori hiking trails in Hakkoda Mountains and the scenic spots nearby.
Hiking in Hakkoda Mountains and the Scenic Spots
- So, What Are the Hakkoda Mountains?
- The Best Time to Visit Hakkōda Mountains
- Getting to the Attractions in Mt. Hakkōda by JR Bus
- The Attractions in Hakkōda Mountains Leading to Oirase Gorge
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 the collective name for 16 peaks, divided into the North Hakkoda area, comprising 10 mountains, and the South Hakkoda area, comprising 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 hiking destination.
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, making the area difficult to access. 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, commonly called “snow monsters” in Japan, is one of the main reasons people head to the Hakkoda Mountains in winter.
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 early 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 October
- Please note that near the summit, the trail may still be covered with snow, making it difficult to navigate.
Getting to the Attractions in Mt Hakkoda by JR Bus
Hakkoda Ropeway, the hiking trailheads, and Kayano Chaya can be reached by taking the JR Bus Mizuumi-go (みずうみ号) from Aomori Station (青森駅). For more information about the JR Bus, including bus timetable, refer to our article on How to Get to the Picturesque Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada.
If you want to trek in Tashirotai Marsh or visit Gudari-numa Pond, you will need a car.
Hakkōda Ropeway (八甲田ロープウェー)
Hakkōda Ropeway offers passengers breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, Aomori City, and even distant Hokkaidō on a clear day. It is also the starting point of most of the mountain trails in Hakkoda Mountains. In winter, experience world-class powder skiing and see the famous “snow monsters” at the Summit Station!
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 ropeway’s operating hours are extended by 2 hours for 9 days in mid-August, allowing customers to enjoy stunning sunset views 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 (田茂萢湿原) 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 when we talked about the rime on trees? If you are taking this course in 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 in snow, forming a protective layer against the cold.
Important: Don’t get too close to the snow-covered trees. If you fall into the “tree wells” or “spruce traps”, it will be extremely hard to get out by yourself, and those who are on the ground might not notice your SOS.
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 along the border 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 rain, wear boots if you have 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 on their Japanese website, which highlights the trail in yellow 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 includes stairs near the ryokan, is often muddy due to poorly drained forest roads.
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 crowded with tourists, head to Tashirotai for a potentially private and breathtaking view!
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 best time to trek in 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 with wooden boards, the trail is suitable for all ages.
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 left by previous visitors (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 boots to keep your feet dry.
The marsh is also known as one of the few places in Japan where you can find five different kinds of planarians. Planarians are found in other areas, but only in Hokkaidō and Aomori Prefectures.
Although they are only about 1 cm long, they are flatworms with strong regenerative powers. 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’re worried about your privacy, you can rent 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 about your vegetarian dietary requirements, and they will do 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 to 20-minute break 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.
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. Thus, the tea was named Tsurukame-cha (鶴亀茶), meaning Crane and Turtle tea.
Don’t be alarmed. The tea’s ingredients only contain barley, genmai, Job’s tears, Kuma bamboo grass, persimmon leaves, and fish mint. Cranes and turtles aren’t used to make the tea. They are symbols of longevity in the Japanese culture.
We found it hilarious when we first read what would happen after drinking three cups of Tsurukame-cha. But we assume some spirits will protect you from dying from accidents or illness.
Although it sounds like a catchphrase, since the tea is free, why not rehydrate with it?
Before the pandemic, the tea was served at the fountain in the photo. Nowadays, it is found inside the teahouse. If you don’t see a bottle left out for tourists to help themselves, ask the staff.
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 (^_-)-☆.
We found the Tsurukame-cha delicious and cheap, so we got ourselves three packs. One pack costs 180 yen and includes 4 tea bags.
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 south, Aomori Prefecture’s most beautiful destination, Oirase Gorge, is located.
Before you reach there, there are a couple more breathtaking attractions that you might want to stop by as well.
For more information, please refer to our Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line article!
