Why Hachimantai? Beauty and Adventure All Year Round in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park!

Towada-Hachimantai National Park

The Hachimantai area of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park is stunning mountainous landscape with beautiful rivers, lakes, alpine marshland, volcanic landscapes, and more! Step into another world in Hachimantai! Hachimantai transforms throughout the year. Experience the best of each season.

Spring

March - May

Enjoy the pink of the cherry blossoms and the white of the snow, the spring colors of the plateau!

Hachimantai Snow Corridor

Every year in mid-April, when the Hachimantai Aspite Line opens to traffic, a towering "snow corridor" appears on both sides of the road. This wall of snow reaches several meters in height and is more than 25 kilometers long, making it a spectacular sight! A visit in early May is recommended. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the foot of the mountain, and in just a few minutes, the scenery will change from cherry blossoms to snow corridor in a flash, an astonishing experience. Why not enjoy a special moment away from everyday life in Hachimantai, where winter and spring coexist? Discover another world in Hachimantai this spring!

Uwabo-bokuya Solitary Cherry Tree

The lone cherry tree in Kaminobo Makino creates a picturesque landscape. With the majestic Mt. Iwate, still covered with snow, in the background, the cherry blossoms in full bloom look especially beautiful, making this spot a truly spectacular spring scene. The sight of the cherry blossoms in full bloom against the backdrop of the still snow-covered majestic Mount Iwate is truly a spectacular spring scene that attracts many visitors. If you visit in early to mid-May, this spectacular view is definitely not to be missed! Please enjoy this luxurious moment when you can feel both spring and winter at the same time.

Hachimantai Dragon Eye

From late May to mid-June, melted snow creates a beautiful blue water surface at Kagami-numa near the top of Hachimantai Mountain. The contrast between the deep transparency of the water and the white snow is truly a spectacular sight. In recent years, this swamp has attracted attention for its resemblance to the "eye of the dragon," and many people visit to catch a glimpse of this mysterious scenery. Stare intently at the quiet surface of Kagami-numa. Perhaps the surface of the water will stare back at you.... Why not experience this special moment in Hachimantai?

Summer

June - August

Hike! Camp! Cycle! Trail run! Explore! Breathtaking surprises await!

Hiking

Hachimantai's scenery is rich and varied, and there are many attractive hiking routes within Towada-Hachimantai National Park. In particular, the three routes up Mt. Iwate offer spectacular waterfalls, rare alpine flora, and powerful volcanic terrain to be enjoyed to the fullest. Camping overnight at a lodge in the mountains is also recommended. Enjoy a quiet mountain night while gazing at the stars shining in the night sky. Furthermore, if you take a walk near the top of Hachimantai, you will be welcomed by beautiful flowers blooming in the alpine wetlands. The diversity and possibilities created by Hachimantai's nature are truly world class. We invite you to experience the excitement that can only be found here.

Cycling

Hachimantai is a cycling destination for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. Whether you want to tackle the mountain trails on a mountain bike or take it easy on the roads with idyllic scenery, there is an experience to suit everyone. Guided bike tours and bike rentals are available at select lodges. Riding with a guide who knows the local area well will allow you to feel nature more deeply. Why not enjoy a free-spirited adventure while feeling the winds of the Abe Kogen Plateau and Hachimantai on your skin?

Autumn

September - November

See an entire mountain vista carpeted in red at Mt. Mitsuishi

Hachimantai is beautiful in all seasons, but autumn is special. The entire mountain is enveloped in autumn colors, with vivid hues of red, yellow, and orange. This is the perfect season for hiking, with spectacular views appearing before your eyes with every step you take.

Mitsuishiyama is one of the first places on Mt. Mitsuishi where the leaves begin to turn red in September, turning the entire mountain a deep red. The view from the top of the mountain is especially breathtaking, and the red slopes spreading all over the mountain are an unforgettable sight once seen. The hiking course starting from Matsukawa Onsen Hot Spring is a moderate distance of about 3 to 4 hours round trip. After walking while enjoying the autumn foliage, take a relaxing soak in a hot spring bath to relieve your fatigue. There is also a relaxing open-air bath where you can spend time in nature. Why not refresh your mind and body at Mitsuishiyama in autumn?

A golden carpet surrounds Hachiman-numa Pond

As you climb the Hachimantai Aspite Line to the summit, you will feel as if you have wandered into another world. There is a hiking course around the summit that takes you through alpine wetlands, and it can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or physical fitness. The beauty of this place can be enjoyed in each of the four seasons, but autumn is especially special. The alpine meadows glow with a golden color, creating a scene that resembles a golden carpet. Why not spend a special time here, immersed in a somewhat mysterious and otherworldly atmosphere? Experience a memorable moment in Hachimantai in autumn!

Genbu-iwa Rock, Mori-no-ohashi Bridge, the Hachimantai Jukai Line, and the Aspite Line

Hachimantai is dotted with beautiful autumn scenery that is beyond description. The spots decorated with colorful autumn leaves are all worth seeing! Particularly not to be missed are the powerful basalt rocks towering along the river. The unique appearance created by nature, combined with the fall colors, makes for an overwhelmingly beautiful sight. The view from the Morino Ohashi Bridge is also spectacular, with the vivid autumn leaves spreading out below. In addition, the Hachimantai Jukai Line and the Hachimantai Aspite Line, which run along mountain paths surrounded by autumn leaves, are also recommended. Driving through the mountains in all their glory is truly a special autumn experience. Why not go out and feel the autumn in Hachimantai with your whole body?

Winter

December - February

Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in a powder snow paradise

Hachimantai is a ski resort and backcountry area known for its world-class powder snow. The quality of the snow and the vast slopes make it a favorite spot for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts! Just as the name "Hachi-Pau" suggests, a great experience awaits you with the best snow quality. For winter hiking enthusiasts, we also recommend a snowshoeing adventure. You can visit hidden, huge frozen waterfalls in the snow-covered mountains. The spectacular scenery you will find in the cold air is a special winter attraction. Come to Hachimantai in winter and enjoy an adventure surrounded by a world of snow.

Hachimantai is home to APPI, the largest and most popular ski resort in Tohoku, as well as the Hachimantai Resort Shimokura ski area, a hidden gem boasting excellent snow quality. With delicious tree runs and excellent powder, it is a skier's and snowboarder's dream. Hachimantai also has an extensive family-friendly area, with courses for beginners and advanced skiers, as well as a park for snowboarders. Everyone is sure to have a full day of active fun and leave exhausted with a smile on their face by sunset. Enjoy winter activities in Hachimantai to the fullest and create unforgettable memories!

CAT and Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

With the excellent service of Hachimantai Cat Tours, you can enjoy the best backcountry areas without hiking for hours in a snowmobile. This is a special experience that allows you to enjoy the fresh snow at your own pace. For those who want a more active experience, skis can be attached to skis to access the same powder gym, Chausuyama. This plan is perfect for those who want to fully enjoy the thrill of backcountry skiing. Explore the beautiful snow-covered mountains of Hachimantai easily with Cat Tours!

*Powder gym is an expression used by backcountry skiing enthusiasts to refer to a place where the finest powder snow can be found or a hidden treasure trove of snow.

Snowshoeing

Towada-Hachimantai National Park offers endless fascinating areas to explore on foot. Spectacular frozen waterfalls, breathtaking mountain views, and vast snow-covered pastures are just a few of the beautiful landscapes that nature has to offer. Enjoy your own special discovery as you feel the breath of nature that can only be experienced here!