Abundant greenery and comparatively mild northern summers make Hachimantai a great place to visit this time of year. So here’s our guide to getting even more from your summer vacation to Hachimantai.
+ A Scenic Train + Cycling
Following last year’s success, the iconic JR Hanawa Line is expanding its ‘cycle train’ trial, allowing riders to bring their bicycle with them on the train and to further explore the charming locales that line the railway on two wheels.
When:
Saturday 10th May through to Monday 27th October 2025
(excluding 27th May~4th June, 4th~31st August, and 16th~19th September)
Limited to the following services:
Northbound:
- (1927D) departing Kitamori at 10:40 and arriving Arayashinmachi at 11:10
- (1931D) departing Kitamori at 13:20 and arriving Kazuno Hanawa at 14:31
- (1935D) departing Kitamori at 17:24 and arriving Kazuno Hanawa at 18:35
Southbound:
- (1930D) departing Arayashinmachi at 11:17 and arriving Kitamori at 11:47
- (1932D) departing Kazuno Hanawa at 11:46 and arriving Kitamori at 13:02
- (1934D) departing Kazuno Hanawa at 14:32 and arriving Kitamori at 15:44
Where:
Between Kitamori Station and Kazuno Hanawa Station (excluding Yokoma Station)
Cost:
Regular ticket fees apply; No additional fees applied to bicycles
Bookings:
For bookings and more information (including full timetable and suggested itineraries):
Please note:
- Bicycles should be sports-type, i.e. road bikes, cross bikes, etc.
- Maximum 10 riders per service
- Please be considerate of other passengers when using this service
+ Even More Cycling
Tel: +81-195-78-2121
(bookings required, available daily 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., May to November)
Tel: +81-195-72-2110
(bookings recommended, available daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., May to November)
+ Hiking + Recovery Onsen
As the gateway to Towada-Hachimantai National Park and with both Mt. Iwate (2,038 m) and Mt. Hachimantai (1,613 m) featured in the list of 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, Hachimantai is a hikers' paradise. But it gets even better - you can soak your tired muscles (and your worries!) away in the region's famous onsen (hot springs). Here is our pick of local onsen that are perfect for a post-hike bath.
Hachimantai Heights Hotel
A luxurious Japanese-style hotel centrally located in Hachimantai's Onsen-kyo whose previous guests include the former Emperor of Japan. There are two different types of outdoor baths, 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.
Matsukawa Onsen Matsukawa-so
Tucked in at the base of the mountains right next to the Mt. Mitsuishi trailhead, this traditional ryokan inn has both indoor and outdoor baths with lovely views of the Matsukawa River running below. Located right next door to Japan’s first commercial geothermal power plant, the cloudy sulfur-rich hot spring will warm and soothe your body.
Toshichi Onsen Saiunso
You don't even need to go downhill to experience this ryokan, located just down from Hachimantai Summit Rest House on the Hachimantai Jukai Line. It boasts the highest elevation of any outdoor bath in the Tohoku region (lit. 'north-east') at 1,400 meters above sea level. The baths are mostly mixed-gender and some are visible to the road so a bath here is not for shy folk (you’re allowed to wrap yourself in a towel if you wish), but the experience of soaking in the milky-white sulfur-rich waters surrounded by mountain peaks is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Open to both overnight and day visitors.
Appi Onsen Shirakaba-no-Yu
Located within Appi Kogen Resort and within easy access of Mt. Nanashigure and the many highland trails, this is one of the largest onsen facilities in Tohoku, offering both indoor and outdoor baths and a sauna. In particular, the outdoor baths offer great views of the surrounding forests.
+ Luxury High Tea
Treat yourself to a little luxury with a high tea at ANA Intercontinental Appi Kogen Resort. This luxury 5-star hotel set within the world-renowned all-season mountain resort, is the only hotel in Tohoku to receive a Michelin key distinction. Their high tea package includes all your afternoon tea favorites - petite sandwiches, scrumptious pastries, delicious cakes, incredibly light macrons, fluffy scones loaded with jam and cream, a range of flavored teas, coffee and more. And with floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding highlands, what could be better?
For more information and bookings, please contact ANA Intercontinental Appi Kogen Resort.
Tel: +81-195-68-7706
+ World Famous Summer Festivals
All information listed was confirmed at the time of publication. No responsibility is taken for changes made by third parties after this time.
All Categories
Tags.
