Escape the summer heat and enjoy the pleasant autumn breeze and stunning scenery.
Hachimantai City is located in the center of the northern Tohoku region of Japan.
Nationwide, autumn foliage usually begins in October or November, but in Hachimantai it starts around mid-September, making it the earliest in Honshu.
Knowing this, many people visit Hachimantai to witness the first autumn foliage in Honshu. The most popular and scenic spot for viewing the autumn leaves is Mt. Mitsuishi, where the colors begin to change in early September, signaling the beginning of autumn in Japan.
Hachimantai is the first place where the autumn leaves begin to change color.
Here are some beautiful autumn views starting with the mountain ridges.
Mt. Mitsuishi Summit
Autumn leaves cover the mountains like a carpet.
Mt. Mitsuishi is an intermediate level climb and takes 5 hours for the round trip. It may be difficult for beginners, but it is well worth the climb to the top.
The path to the top is decorated with colored plants such as Japanese knapweed and mountain ash, and the cool morning and evening temperatures provide a delightful display of vivid autumn leaves.
The climax of a wonderful fall foliage season awaits at the summit. The 360-degree panoramic view from this lava outcrop is filled with fiery reds, oranges, and scarlets. It is truly a beautiful carpet created by Mother Nature.
View from Mt. Mitsuishi (elevation 1,466m)
The 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains of Towada-Hachimantai National Park is spectacular. During the fall foliage season, all the mountains are colored with red, orange, and golden leaves.
A traverse hike from Mt. Mitsuishi to Mt. Obukadake and Mt. Mokkodake is also highly recommended. This traverse hike is popular among hikers every year, as they can enjoy different views at each summit while hiking through the mountains in autumn.
Now is the best time to see the autumn leaves on Mt. Mitsuishi!
The earliest place in Honshu to be tinted with autumn leaves is now showing off its splendor!
You can reach the summit area pictured from the trailhead near Matsukawa Onsen. The trail is a bit steep at first, but after about 20 minutes of climbing, the path flattens out a bit and the rest of the way to the mountain hut is not too steep.
You can reach the summit area pictured from the trailhead near Matsukawa Onsen. The trail is a bit steep at first, but after about 20 minutes of climbing, the path flattens out a bit and the rest of the way to the+C24 mountain hut is not too steep.
If you just want to go from Matsukawa Onsen to the top and back, the ascent will take about 2 hours and the return will be a little quicker.
Hikers wanting a challenge can continue beyond the summit on the 15-km long Ura-Iwate Traverse trail to enjoy the spectacular views from Mt. Komokko, Mt. Obukadake, and Mt. Gentagatake. This long hiking trail takes 6 to 8 hours depending on the pace, so please plan your climb well in advance if taking on this challenge.
During the entire fall foliage season, this area gets very crowded, so if you are coming by car, we recommend leaving early in the morning to get a parking space. It is worth it!
Hachimantai Nature Trail
Near the summit of Mt. Hachimantai, where the Hachimantai Aspite Line and the Hachimantai Jukai Line driving routes converge, there is a popular trail that circles Hachiman Pond and Kagami-numa Pond through a beautiful alpine marsh. The trail is very well maintained, and there are wooden boardwalks across the marshland. Maps and information about the local flora and fauna are posted along the trail, allowing visitors to learn about and enjoy nature. There is also a mountain hut with restrooms on the trail, so you can enjoy hiking with peace of mind.
This trekking course through an amazingly scenic area can be adjusted in distance and time by choosing between two long and two short circuit courses. Please note, however, that it is only accessible from mid-April, when the Hachimantai Aspite Line opens, until November, when it closes.
The Kuroyachi Wetlands
Kuroyachi Wetlands, located halfway between Mt. Chausudake and Gentamori, is a natural meadow of flowers and plants. In spring, Asian skunk cabbage can be seen, and in summer, day lilies, kan-aoi, and cotton grass flourish.
In autumn, the entire marshland turns golden and becomes a meadow of grass koyo.
Kuroyachi Wetlands can be accessed directly from the Hachimantai Nature Trail from the top of Mt. Hachimantai, a 2-hour one-way trekking course through Gentamori, or from the Kuroyachi Wetlands parking lot by the Hachimantai Aspite Line Kuroyachi Wetlands bus stop.
Matsuo-Hachimantai Visitor Center
Before climbing the Hachimantai Aspite Line, be sure to stop by the Matsuo-Hachimantai Visitor Center. Here you can view live video footage of the summit, and right next door at the Matsuo-Hachimantai Aspite Farmers' Market, you can buy a delicious locally made boxed lunch and enjoy lunch on the wooden deck of the observation deck overlooking Hachiman Pond.
Autumn guided hiking tour by Hachimantai Mountain Hotel
Hachimantai Mountain Hotel is a hub for hikers and is known for its excellent service and extensive knowledge of Hachimantai's outdoor activities throughout the year.
Aptly named Hachimantai Mountain Hotel, the hotel is staffed by professional mountain guides who are experts in mountaineering, alpine flora, and local nature.
Guided hiking tours, offered from early spring through late fall, are very popular, and English-speaking guides are available for international hikers.
Their knowledge, skills, and guiding abilities are outstanding, and letters of appreciation have been sent to the guides from both within Japan and abroad.
If you are planning to trek in Hachimantai, the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel is a perfect base!
- Hachimantai Mountain Hotel Nature Guide Station
- Certified guides from the Japan Mountain Guides Association on staff
All information listed was confirmed at the time of publication. No responsibility is taken for changes made by third parties after this time.
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