The ridgeline stretching south connects Mt. Mokkodake, Mt. Morobidake, and Kensomori, collectively forming the Ura-Iwate trekking course, which goes around the “back” of Mt. Iwate. It’s a long course, but there are two mountain huts along the way where you can rest, allowing you to go at your own pace.
Ura-Iwate Ridgeline Course:
Elevation Gain – 793m
Course Time – 8hrs 50min (1-day trek possible)
More Amazing Scenery Than Can be Explored in a Single Day!
Have you ever seen the morning or evening sun from on top a mountain? Imagine the cool, clear air and gradual buildup of light. It’s an exceptional experience that we think will stay with you. Catching a photo of such a scene would seem difficult, but you’d be surprised how easy it can be if you’re willing to stay a night or two, whether in one of the mountain huts or at an onsen inn.
Even if you’re a beginner to the world of trekking, the Iwate-Hachimantai Mountain Guide Association offers guides. Not only are these guides qualified by the Japan Mountain Guide Association, but they may also be locals who can tell you all about the perfect seasons to get out there and enjoy the national park. Whether it’s a private tour or a whole group, they can adjust to every visitor’s wants and needs.
*Reservation is required. Contact information can be found below, or on the Iwate-Hachimantai Mountain Guide Association’s website.
- Hachimantai Mountain Hotel Nature Guide Station
- Certified guides from the Japan Mountain Guides Association on staff
Drone footage of lava boulders and fall foliage on Mt. Mitsuishi
The closest bus stop to the Mt. Mitsuishi is the Matsukawa Onsen stop.
Each one has both mixed gender and segregated hot springs baths, where you can relax in their milky waters while surrounded by autumn scenery.
Matsukawa-so has two indoor baths each for men and women, two under over female outdoor baths, and an additional mixed outdoor bathfor a total of seven baths, all fed by natural springs. They have both hot and cooler springs, and their waters are a milky, yet uniquely vibrant blue.
Not only that, but if you opt to stay the night, you’ll receive an onsen voucher. This voucher will let you use the baths at Kyoun-so for free!
Matsukawa Onsen Matsukawa-so
- Matsuo-Yoriki Matsukawa Onsen, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture
- 0195-78-2255
- Matsukawa Onsen Matsukawa-so Official Website (Japanese)
- Day Visitor Onsen Hours: 8:00 – 18:00 (no entry past 17:00)
- Adults ¥700 / Children ¥300 (5 - 12 years)
- Private rooms available for reservation at extra cost
- Overnight Rooms
- Check-in: 15:00
- Check-out: 10:00
Kyoun-so is located nearest to the mountain summit. It has one male and female indoor bath each, one female outdoor bath, and one mixed outdoor bath making four baths in total. Their waters are a cloudy viridian. It is separated into two buildings. While the main building has been renovated to provide a modern hotel-like atmosphere, the older building used to be the focus of a health spa, and has a much more historic and nostalgic aura.
The mixed outdoor bath is adorned with several large boulders here and there for a decidedly rustic feel. Maybe visitors nervous about mixed bathing will find this helpful in addition to the cloudy waters for concealment?
The surrounding scenery provided by the beech and oak trees is draped in gorgeous emerald in summer, rich gradients in fall, and pure white snow in winter, making it a beautiful bathing experience throughout the year.
Matsukawa Onsen Kyoun-so
- Matsuo-Yoriki Matsukawa Onsen, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture
- 0195-78-2256
- Matsukawa Onsen Kyoun-so Official Website (Japanese)
- Day Visitor Onsen Hours: 8:30 – 19:00 (No entry past 18:00)
- Adults ¥700 / Children ¥350 (5 - 12years)
- Large rest hall available at extra cost.
- Overnight Rooms (Two meals per night)
- Check-in: 15:00
- Check-out: 10:00
- Closed irregularly
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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