Enjoy cycling in Towada-Hachimantai National Park!
Enjoy exhilarating cycling as you race through the national park.
There are also bicycle rental spots, making it easy for anyone to enjoy cycling.
Whether you're with family, friends, or on your own, enjoy the great outdoors!
Recommended Cycling Routes
Course 1 - Expert Course
Distance: 47.1 km
Part of this course hosts the Hachimantai Hill Climb Race every August. Cyclists ride along the Hachimantai Aspite Line through Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The dynamic scenery encountered at each curve resembles a mountain stage of the Tour de France.
Course Overview
- Iwate Prefectural Forest Learning Center (4.0 km)
- Matsuo Hachimantai Visitor Center (19.5 km, Hachimantai Aspite Line)
- Hachimantai Summit Rest House (17.7 km, Hachimantai Forest Line)
- Matsukawa Hot Springs (5.2 km)
- Matsukawa Valley Basalt (0.7 km)
- Iwate Prefectural Citizens’ Forest Forestry Museum
Course 2: Japanese Culture Experience Course
Distance 39.5 km
This route crosses Hachimantai. The course primarily covers flat terrain with a gentle incline toward Appi Highlands. Enjoy the highland breeze, the tranquil rural atmosphere of the Appi River, and expansive golden rice fields in autumn—making this a very relaxing course.
Course Overview
- Iwate Prefectural Forest Learning Center (4.0 km)
- Matsuo Hachimantai Visitor Center (14.3 km, Appi Kogen Rainbow Line)
- Appi Kogen Pension Area (5.2 km)
- Lawson Appi Kogen Store (0.7 km)
- SIMONO528 (0.7 km)
- Sakura Matsuri Shrine (Fudo Waterfall) (0.7 km)
- Arayashinmachi Station (0.7 km)
- Appi Lacquerware Studio
Course 3 - Beginner Course
Distance 34.6 km
2011 All-Japan Cycling Championships Road Race Course. This route passes through the Iwate Mountain Panorama Line, allowing you to enjoy magnificent views of Mount Iwate while riding through pastures. With minimal traffic, this route is recommended for beginners.
Course Overview
- Iwate Prefectural Forest Interaction Learning Center (8.1 km)
- Mt. Iwate Yakiashi International Village (6.3 km, Iwate Panorama Line)
- Roadside Station Nishine (8.5 km)
- Kamifuku Makino's Solitary Cherry Tree (2.6 km)
- Hachimantai Onsenkan Morino-yu (1.1 km)
- Iwate Prefectural Forest Learning Center
Hachimantai Hill Climb Race Held Every Year!
The Hachimantai Hill Climb Race is a bicycle hill climb event set in the Hachimantai area. This race features cycling up through beautiful natural surroundings. Near the course, there are breweries where you can enjoy craft beer alongside delicious local ingredients, so we highly recommend staying overnight with your family to fully enjoy the experience.
The race course features a main course of 19.1 km and a beginner course of 8 km, making it one of the highest elevation gain hill climb races in Iwate Prefecture.
Interview: James Hobbs
What a great route! The Hachimantai Aspite Line is in excellent condition, safe and easy to cycle. The incline is consistent, so it's not as difficult as you might think. And once you reach the summit area, spectacular views await.
If you're cycling in Hachimantai...
Stay at Lodge Clubman!
We support the ultimate outdoor experience year-round, offering guided cycling tours in summer and skiing and backcountry tours in winter.
Life8
Outdoor and sports equipment retail and rental shop for triathlon, mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and more. Guided tours also available.
