Located in the heart of Northern Tohoku, Hachimantai is the perfect base to explore this region’s stunning scenery, centuries-old traditions and delicious food. By making Hachimantai your base, you don’t have to worry about multiple hotel bookings and transfers. With a range of accommodation options across the city to suit all tastes and budgets, simply unpack once in Hachimantai.
Morioka Sansa Matsuri
1st-4th August
In Iwate Prefecture’s largest festival, groups from across the region, including several based in Hachimantai City, gather and dance sansa odori through Morioka’s streets in sync to traditional taiko drums and flutes. The event is even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest taiko drumming performance in the world. After the parade each evening, there is an opportunity for audience members to join in, dancing in large circles.
Getting there:.
- By car: approx. 40 minutes’ drive along the Tohoku Expressway
- By train: approx. 40 minutes by JR Hanawa Line train
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
2nd-7th August
The floats are accompanied by traditional drums, flutes, hand cymbals and dancing. Visitors can also join the parade as long as they have the correct haneto costume which can be purchased or rented locally. More information on participating in the festival can be found > here.
Getting there:.
- By car: approx. 2 hours’ drive along the Tohoku Expressway
- By train: approx. 2 hours by JR Hanawa Line train and Akita Shinkansen (bullet train)
Akita Kanto Matsuri
3rd-6th August
- By car: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive along the Tohoku Expressway and National Route 46
- By train: approx. 2 hours by JR Hanawa Line train and Akita Shinkansen (bullet train)
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
6th-8th August
Getting there:.
- By car: approx. 2 hours’ drive along the Tohoku Expressway
- By train: approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes by JR Hanawa Line train and Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train)
Back at base
For more ideas on what to see and do in Hachimantai in summer, check outour insider guide.
With several smaller festivals and events taking place locally throughout the summer season, it’s worth asking at your accommodation about what’s on. Whether it’s a summer fireworks display or religious ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest, these events are a great way to experience the local culture and way of life.
Renting a car
- Four scenic driving routes to explore in Hachimantai:https://visit-hachimantai.jp/en/2024/drive-hachimantai/
- Things to know when renting a car:https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/getting-around/cars/
- Discounted expressway passes for foreign visitors:https://en.driveplaza.com/drawari/tohoku_expass/
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