More enjoyable trip to Hachimantai and Appi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Hachimantai is Blessed with a Variety of Hot Springs.

Hachimantai is famous an area that is a hot spring heaven with a rich variety of hot spring qualities

This area has been popular among people in Japan for its hot springs since long ago. There are so many different kinds here: milky white sulfur springs, clear springs that are said to give you beautiful smooth skin, Gold bath (cloudy salt-water) and Silver (clear salt-water) bath, and you can even bathe in a wild outdoor hot spring bath higher than any other hot spring in Tohoku!

Toshichi Hot Springs Saiunso – the highest hot springs in all of Tohoku. Feel the mystery of mother nature in these milky white waters.

While you relax in the outdoor baths, enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Mt. Iwate towering majestically on one side, and Mt. Chausudake on the other.
Toshichi Hot Springs is closed during the winter because of heavy snow that makes the roads impassable. When it reopens in the spring, the drive to the summit has towering walls of snow on both sides of the road, so visitors can enjoy bathing surrounded by snow in the spring.
The grand mixed outdoor bath at Toshichi Onsen Saiunso

Matsukawa Hot Springs - A hidden hot spring where the source springs are abundant, and the milky white color is so beautiful.

The Matsukawa Hot Springs were first discovered more than 250 years ago, and their secluded location in a primeval forest gives the area mysterious scenic charm. In the fall the surrounding mountains are festive with brightly colored leaves, and in the winter a blanket of snow covers everything with its peaceful silence. Spend the night here and enjoy the simple delicious meals of the mountain valleys and interesting stories told by the owner. This is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the slow life.
* We recommend this winter-only limited time bus route!
There is an antique bus, called a “bonnet bus” that has been running the route to Matsukawa Hot Springs since 1968, and still operates now. This antique bus has the horsepower and four-wheel-drive to drive up the steep snowy roads in the winter and is rather popular among the locals. Take the bonnet bus from in front of the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel to Matsukawa Hot Springs! You really should give this special local bus a try during the winter!

Hachimantai Resort Panorama Ski Area is located in Hachimantai Onsen Village.

This area has a wealth of popular hotels, traditional inns, pensions, guest houses, etc., catering to all types of travelers. There are also a large number of accommodations popular with tourists.

Hachimantai Mountain Hotel & Spa

Hachimantai Sizing Sun Hotel

Shin-Appi Onsen – a rare cloudy salt-water hot springs.

In Japan, cloudy salt-water hot springs are quite rare. It is known to be great for detoxing and making your skin look younger. Even though this medicinal hot springs is in the middle of the forest, it feels like you’re in the ocean. There is a gold bath and a silver bath, with salt and other minerals that will make your skin slippery smooth! Many women love it for this reason.

Shin-Appi Onsen Seiryukaku