Hachimantai’s comparatively mild northern summer is a great time to experience the city’s abundant nature with plenty to see and a range of outdoor activities to try. Here’s your insider guide to getting even more from your summer break in Hachimantai.
Head to higher ground
Hachimantai is well-known for its awe-inspiring peaks. The undisputed symbol of Iwate prefecture, Mt. Iwate (2,038 m), and the city’s namesake, Mt. Hachimantai (1,613 m), were both chosen by Kyuya Fukuda for his list of 100 Famous Mountains of Japan. More recently, Mt. Nanashigure (1,063 m) in the city’s north-east was included in Moto Iwasaki’s 100 New Famous Mountains of Japan.
During late spring and early summer, yamabiraki ceremonies (lit. ‘mountain opening’) are held to mark the start of the official climbing season for each mountain and include Shinto rites to ask for blessings of safety from the gods followed by a group hike. The largest of these events, Mt Iwate’s ‘Yamabiraki’ is held annually on July 1st. The all-day hike starts at Yakehashiri campground (Google Maps) at 6:00 a.m.
Hiking in Hachimantai offers everything from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks. For more information on the wide range of trails across the city, seeour websiteandTowada-Hachimantai National Park website. All hikers should check weather conditions before departure and ensure they are adequately prepared and equipped for their intended route. Please also note that bears inhabit the area and appropriate precautions should be taken (more information inour blog article).
Many of Hachimantai’s unique alpine plants are also in full bloom during the summer months. As most of these species are not found at lower elevations, it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled while hiking. You can use the handy Hana Meguri (Flower Tour) guide published by Hachimantai City Tourism Association to help you identify the plants you see. This compact guide features images and information organized seasonally and is available in English or Japanese from the Matsuo-Hachimantai Visitor Center located at the entrance to the Hachimantai Aspite Line. Please note that picking or removing plants is prohibited within Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
Wake up in the great outdoors
Escape the daily grind, marvel at the stars and wake to the gentle sounds of bird call while camping in Hachimantai. There are several camping facilities located throughout the city with options to suit all tastes and budgets. This includes open tent sites, powered sites suitable for camping vehicles, various types of cabins and permanent glamping tents where all equipment is supplied.
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- Glamping now available at Appi Kogen Resort
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- Inside a permanent dome tent at Kuruma Asobi Concept Area
- Appi Glamping (Website)
- Recently reopened on a new site, glamping at Appi Kogen Resort combines luxury with the great outdoors. The spacious permanent tents can accommodate one to four guests and include gourmet alfresco BBQ dinner and buffet breakfast in the hotel next door. Guests also have access to the natural onsen (hot spring) baths at Shirakaba-no-Yu, the largest open-air onsen (hot spring) baths at Shirakaba-no-Yu, the largest open-air onsen in Tohoku.
- Mt. Iwate Yakehashiri International Exchange Village (Google Maps)
- Located next to the ancient natural monument that is Yakehashiri Lava Flow, the limited light pollution here provides visitors with fantastic views of the night sky. Offering the full range of camping options including tent and vehicle sites, and cabins, there’s also a large public bath, restaurants, observatory and sporting facilities.
- Kuruma Asobi Concept Area (Google Maps)
- Featuring an off-road park and also offering a range of adventure tours and activities, this all-season campground includes permanent dome tents, log-house, trailer sauna and open tent area. Dining and activity packages available.
- Stone Village (Google Maps)
- Owned and operated by a qualified plumber, this small campsite boasts excellent facilities and includes both premium powered sites with private barrel baths, and an open camping area. Stone Village is located just off Tohoku Expressway near Matsuo-Hachimantai IC with excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
Cool off with local favorites
Ice cream parlor, Nollegretto (Google Maps) creates its famous soft-serve ice cream using fresh milk from a nearby family-owned dairy and its range of signature flavors feature local ingredients like Saikaen strawberry, Washino sweet sake or greenhouse-grown basil. Nollegretto also serves hot and cold drinks and light meals with excellent views of Mt. Iwate. Why not purchase a couple of take away tubs for the onward journey?
Located at the foot of Mt Iwate, Akatsuki Brewery creates its signature range of Dragon Eye organic beer using natural spring water and renewable geothermal electricity. The brand name comes from the extraordinary natural phenomenon of Hachimantai Dragon Eye (visible late May to mid-June) when the snow on Kagami-numa melts in such a way that it looks like a large eye. Dragon Eye beer is available from many local retailers and makes a great souvenir or just a treat for yourself.
Festival time
The greater Tohoku region (lit. ‘north-east’) is well-known for its summer festivals from local neighborhood celebrations and centuries-old religious ceremonies to show-stopping multi-day events and flashy fireworks displays.
Final tips:.
- Several local festivals and cultural events are held throughout summer - follow @trip8jp onFacebookandInstagramto stay up to date with everything that’s happening.
- The Obon period in early/mid-August is a time when many people return to their hometowns to pay respect to their ancestors. This means accommodation and transport may be busier than usual with domestic travelers. Book in advance if travelling during this period.
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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