Your insider guide to Autumn in Hachimantai

Autumn is a great time to visit Hachimantai as the entire city is enveloped in majestic hues of red, orange and gold. There’s also plenty of fun activities, relaxing onsen (hot spring) and delicious food to enjoy as the weather cools. Here’s your insider guide to getting even more from your autumn trip to Hachimantai.

Autumn colors

Well-known in both Japan and abroad as a ‘koyo’ hotspot, Hachimantai’s mountains and valleys come ablaze with every shade or red, orange and yellow in autumn. Due to Hachimantai’s northern location, the leaves change color earlier here than most of the rest of Japan. Best viewing is usually from around mid-September to late October depending on elevation and weather conditions.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to where and when to see the autumn colors across town:

Mt. Mitsuishi

Thought to have the earliest autumn colors on Japan’s biggest island of Honshu, those who hike to the summit are rewarded with sweeping views of the autumn leaves below. The round trip hike takes about 7-8 hours and there is an unstaffed mountain hut just down from the summit. Peak viewing: late September

Hachimantai Summit

Rather than leaves, it’s the grass ‘koyo’ that people come to see here. This alpine marshland spreads out like a golden carpet around the many volcanic lakes and there are easy 1-2 hour hikes accessible from Hachimantai Mountaintop Rest House parking lot. Peak viewing: late September

Appi Kogen Secondary Beech Forest

Chosen as one of the 100 best forests for the Japanese custom of ‘forest-bathing’, this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and escape the daily grind. Peak: early October

Hachimantai Aspite Line

A scenic mountain driving route connecting Hachimantai City with Akita Prefecture. It is worth driving this road more than once during autumn as the colors come first to the mountaintop and then gradually move down to the valleys. Please note that the road closes above Gozaisho toilet from early November with night-time road closures in place from mid-October. Peak: early October

Iwate Prefectural Citizens’ Forest

This 360 hectare forest park is home to a range of plant and animal life making it a great place to visit in autumn. Nanataki Falls is particularly spectacular this time of year and well worth the approximately three kilometer (one-way) easy hike from the Forestry Museum. Peak: mid-October

Mori-no-Ohashi Bridge

This bridge crossing the Matsukawa River is one of Iwate Prefecture’s most well-loved locations for viewing the autumn leaves. Peak: mid-October

Matsukawa Valley Genbuiwa

After taking in the view from Mori-no-Ohashi Bridge, a short walk upstream brings you to this sheer cliff face where you can see the autumn colors from the river bed. Enjoy the contrast between the autumn foliage and the interesting rock shapes. Peak: mid-October

Matsukawa Ohashi Bridge

A local secret, this photogenic bridge is no longer open to through traffic but it does offer wonderful views of the autumn foliage in the valley below. Please note that parking in this area is limited. Peak: mid-October

The above information is intended as a guide only as peak viewing times are highly dependent on weather conditions and may change.You can view up-to-date information on the state of autumn colors at different locations across Hachimantai here.

On your bike

Whether you enjoy the challenge of a mountain summit on a road bike, the downhill thrill of a mountain bike or the extra boost given by an e-bike, two wheels is a great way to view the autumn colors.

The following operators run various cycling tours in Hachimantai, including bicycle rental:

Lodge Clubman

Half and full day mountain bike tours across Hachimantai and Appi Kogen. From trail rides and downhill runs to touring around local hidden gems on an e-MTB, the accredited guides support riders of all abilities to fully enjoy the great outdoors. More information on their website.

Official Website

Lodge Tandem

E-bike tours throughout the local area that highlight the seasonally changing landscape. The friendly team will cater to your available time and fitness needs.

E-mail Inquiry

Several accommodation providers also have bicycles to rent, so please inquire at reception.You can find self-directed cycling routes for beginners through to experienced riders here.

The Hachimantai Hill Climb

A cycling race winding up the scenic Aspite Line to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai and held annually in late August or early September. For those wanting to take on this challenge, registration closes around mid-July with discounted accommodation packages at local hotels and guesthouses available for competitors.

More information (in Japanese)

Warm up in an onsen

As the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than heating up your body in a natural onsen hot spring and Hachimantai has plenty of different springs to choose from. Below is a list of onsen with particularly good autumn vistas:

Matsukawa Onsen Matsukawa-so

Tucked in at the base of the mountains, this tradition ryokan inn has both indoor and outdoor baths with lovely views of the Matsukawa River running below. The cloudy sulfur-rich waters will warm and soothe your body. Open to overnight and day visitors.

Matsukawa Onsen Kyoun-so

Renovated in 2024, this charming and historic ryokan inn features new large windows that enhance the natural mountain scenery. Outdoor baths also provide wonderful views of the surrounding mountains in autumn. Soak your worries away in the milky white sulfur-rich waters. Open to overnight and day visitors.

Hachimantai Heights

A luxurious Japanese-style hotel whose previous guests include the former Emperor of Japan. There are two different types of outdoor baths both with great views of autumn foliage, a sauna and large indoor bathing areas as well as additional facilities such as a hot stone sauna, accessible private indoor bath, and massage services (bookings required). Open to overnight and day visitors.

Appi Onsen Shirakaba-no-yu

Located within Appi Kogen Ski Resort, this is one of the largest onsen (hot spring) facilities in Tohoku, offering both indoor and outdoor baths and a sauna. In particular, the outdoor baths offer great views of the highlands and the changing autumn foliage. Just a short walk from Appi’s main gondola station

Shikikan Saitoh

A traditional ryokan inn centered on an onsen (hot spring) and inspired by the changing seasons. The mild alkaline spring is thought to make your skin more beautiful and treat cuts, burns, and chronic skin conditions. Features both indoor and outdoor baths with relaxing views of the surrounding forests. Open to overnight and day visitors.

Taste the harvest

Autumn in rural Japan is marked by the rice harvest and Hachimantai is no different. As you move around the region you’ll notice farmers harvesting plump rice paddies or tending to lush vegetable plots. Direct produce stores like Roadside Station Nishine , Matsuo-Hachimantai Aspite Farmers' Market and Matchan Market sell fresh local produce delivered in the morning by the farmers themselves. All three also serve cafeteria-style meals and sell souvenirs so these are great places to taste the bounty of the harvest.

Roadside Station Nishine

Matsuo-Hachimantai Aspite Farmers' Market

Matchan Market

Final tips:

Several local events and festivals are held during autumn – follow @trip8jp onFacebookandInstagramto stay up to date with everything that’s happening.
Bear sightings are more common in autumn when their food sources can become scarce.More information on precautions can be found in this blog article.

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