Hot Rocks

Trip length: 1 day, 1 night

About this trip

The city of Hachimantai is built on hot rocks. Within the city’s boundary are two active volcanoes, Mt. Iwate and Mt. Hachimantai, both chosen in the list of 100 Mountains of Japan. What’s more, Hachimantai is the site of Japan’s first commercial geothermal power station, Matsukawa Onsen Geothermal Power Plant, with two additional geothermal power stations having been built in the city in recent years.

Throughout history, locals have utilized the onsen hot springs and geothermal steam that well-up across the city for everything from bathing and heating to agriculture and art. In this model itinerary, we will explore the history and science of geothermal energy as well as how this renewable energy source is being utilized to further sustainable community development.

9:00 a.m.

Morioka Station

Rent a car from Morioka Station so you can travel at your own pace

Several rental car companies have offices near the station with English-speaking staff.

9:40 a.m.

Yakehashiri Lava Flow

First stop : Yakehashiri Lava Flow

The result of a 1732 volcanic eruption of Mt. Iwate, Yakehashiri Lava Flow covers a vast area approximately 4 km by 1.5 km at its widest, and carries almost no plant life. Designated a special national natural monument, the grand scale of this place has to be seen with your own eyes. A loop walk through the lava flow to the observation deck and back to the carpark takes about 30 minutes.

10:20 a.m.

Ihatov Volcano Center

Learn about the science of volcanoes at Ihatov Volcano Center

While most explanations are in Japanese only, there are also interactive exhibitions for young and old to enjoy.

Free entry
Open: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (closed Mondays and the New Year holiday period)

10:40 a.m.

Mikaeri Pass

Take the scenic Hachimantai Aspite Line past Mikaeri Pass to Goshogake Onsen

As you traverse the Ou Mountain range that separates Iwate and Akita prefectures, marvel at the majestic mountain views.

*Please note that the Hachimantai Aspite Line is closed for winter from mid-November to mid-April. During this period, we recommend lunch at one of the restaurants in Hachimantai Onsen-kyo followed by a soak in an onsen hot spring.

11:40 a.m.

Goshogake Onsen

See the mud volcanoes of Goshogake Onsen

Walk around the mud volcanoes of this post-apocalyptic landscape but don’t get too close! The steaming mud is both high in temperature and highly acidic.

12:15 p.m.

Goshogake Onsen

Lunch at the trendy onsite café

Inspired by Goshogake Onsen’s famous black onsen boiled eggs, the café menu features a hot dog served in a black bun and udon noodles with a black mince-meat topping. There’s also a range of delicious café drinks and tempting deserts.

Closed Tuesdays

1:15 p.m.

Hachimantai Jukai Line

Matsukawa Onsen and the Matsukawa Geothermal Museum

Wind your way down the Hachimantai Jukai Line to Matsukawa Onsen and the Matsukawa Geothermal Museum.

*At the time of writing, the Hachimantai Jukai Line was closed for repair works. Please take the Hachimantai Aspite Line as an alternative route.

2:00 p.m.

The Matsukawa Geothermal Power Plant

Learn about the history of geothermal energy at Matsukawa Geothermal Power Plant, the first in Japan

Matsukawa Geothermal Power Plant which was the first of its kind in Japan, started operations at this site in 1966. The small museum which was built to celebrate the plant’s 50th birthday, details the history of the plant and includes a model steam turbine. Most explanations are in Japanese only.

Free entry
Open: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (closed Tuesdays and during winter from mid-November to late April)

2:30 p.m.

Geocolor

Create your own one-of-a-kind geothermal artwork!

Hachimantai is the only place in the world where you can experience geothermal dyeing. Local family studio, Geocolor, sets dyes using naturally occurring steam from underground hot springs and draws inspiration from the region’s abundant nature and the changing seasons. They run two-hour dyeing workshops where you can create your own unique designs to take home. Workshops are held on set weekend dates from late April to early November to cater for independent travelers and small groups. They also welcome inquiries from tour groups and schools.

Cost: ¥3,850/person, incl. your original creations (handkerchief and mini scarf) to take home

After your workshop, relax with a coffee and browse the various creations in the studio-direct store come café, Alpine Rose, located next door. Due to the nature of the dyeing process, no two designs are ever the same, making them a great choice as a souvenir of your trip.

4:30 p.m.

Matsukawa Onsen

Check-in to your accommodation at Matsukawa Onsen

Choose from traditional hot spring inns: Kyounso or Matsukawa-so. Both are well-known for their history, generous hospitality, milky-white sulfur-rich waters, and gorgeous views of the Matsukawa River and the surrounding mountains.

Matsukawa Onsen Kyoun-so

Matsukawa Onsen Matsukawa-so

After a soak in the natural onsen bath, slip on a yukata (cotton kimono) and tuck into a feast of delicious regional cuisine and wonderful mountain hospitality. As you settle into sleep on your futon, chances are your room will be heated using geothermal energy – just another way that Hachimantai is utilizing its hot rocks!

All information listed was confirmed at the time of publication. No responsibility is taken for changes made by third parties after this time.

Trip length: 1 day, 1 night