Let's tour the unknown and unexplored areas of Mt.

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Mt. Iwate Nanataki Trail

The Mt. Iwate Nanataki Trail starts from Iwate Prefectural Forest and offers a route where you can fully enjoy the beauty of Mt. Iwate. This round-trip trail spans approximately 21 km, featuring constantly changing landscapes. The diverse scenery along the way makes it feel as if you are climbing multiple mountains at once.

For beginners, it is recommended to try only the initial section of the Mt. Iwate Nanataki Trail instead of aiming for the summit. The photo below shows a spot called "Daijigokudani" (Great Hell Valley), which can be reached by hiking for about 90 minutes along the trail.

If the 7 to 9-hour round-trip hike to the summit of Mt. Iwate is too challenging, an alternative is to hike up to the top of Daijigokudani (Great Hell Valley), enjoy the stunning views, and then return. Along the way, you will encounter several waterfalls and sulfur vents, and during this season, the trail is surrounded by a breathtaking forest of autumn foliage.

*Due to the eruption alert level 2 issued for Mt. Iwate on October 2, 2024, the Nanataki Trail is currently closed.
Please check the Hachimantai City Tourist Association website for the latest information.

Nanataki Falls

A Mysterious Natural Wonderland

Hachimantai is home to numerous stunning waterfalls. The untouched mountains and rivers of this region create a natural beauty that never fails to impress visitors. Some waterfalls are easily accessible, located near roads or just a short walk from shrines—such as Fudo Falls, making them perfect for a casual visit.

On the other hand, some waterfalls require about a one-hour hike through the forest to reach, and Nanataki Falls is one of them. However, its magnificent scenery makes the journey well worth the effort.

Nanataki Falls is known as a hidden gem surrounded by lush nature. As its name suggests, the waterfall cascades in multiple tiers, creating a breathtaking landscape that captivates visitors.

A small parking lot is located deep within Iwate Prefectural Forest, just a short distance past Mori no Ohashi Bridge. This is the trailhead for the Mt. Iwate Nanataki Trail. While the trail extends all the way to the summit of Mt. Iwate, it is a long and challenging journey.

If you only want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Nanataki Falls, casual clothing is perfectly fine. The round trip takes about two hours at most.

This waterfall has two peak viewing seasons each year.

One is in autumn, when the vibrant fall foliage beautifully colors the surroundings. The other is from late January to mid-February, when the waterfall freezes into a stunning ice sculpture-like formation, creating a breathtaking winter spectacle.

Both seasons offer breathtaking views, making it well worth the visit to experience their beauty firsthand!

*Due to the eruption alert level 2 issued for Mt. Iwate on October 2, 2024, the Nanataki Trail is currently closed.
You cannot access Nanataki Falls at the moment.
Please check the Hachimantai City Tourist Association website for the latest information.

Nanataki trailhead → 40 minutes, about 2.2 km → Nanataki → 30 minutes, about 2.2 km → Nanataki trailhead Total course time: 1 hour 10 minutes Total: about 4.4 km

Iwate Prefectural Forest

This vast forest park, located at the northern foot of Mt. Iwate, spans 360 hectares, an area roughly 80 times the size of Tokyo Dome. Home to around 200 species of wild birds, the park also provides a habitat for Asian black bears, Japanese serows, and other mammals, making it a haven of rich natural beauty.

At the foot of the mountain, forests of konara oak and beech stretch across the landscape. Within the park, a variety of well-maintained trees thrive, creating a harmonious natural setting. Walking trails, lined with birch trees and hydrangeas, offer a serene atmosphere, making them an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

Three walking trails are available: 1.4 km, 1.6 km, and 2.8 km. You can choose freely based on your time and fitness level.

Additionally, seasonal nature programs are held throughout the year, offering opportunities to observe plants and wildlife in every season. Activities include guided walks to Nanataki Falls and mushroom workshops, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the diverse natural beauty of the area.

※ Private guides are also available.

Spring

In "Minna-no-Hiroba", rows of magnolia kobus trees bloom all at once, while delicate spring flowers like Anemone pseudoaltaica and Erythronium japonicum add vibrant colors to the landscape.

From late April to early May, the cherry blossoms reach full bloom. With 500 cherry trees planted in this area, it becomes a renowned sakura viewing spot. Alongside the iconic "Meoto-zakura" (Couple Cherry Trees), the breathtaking sight of cherry blossoms against the snow-capped Mt. Iwate creates a truly stunning landscape.

Early summer to mid-summer

This park is famous as a stargazing spot where you can clearly see the Milky Way.

Around June, the park is filled with the chorus of cicadas, with different species taking turns to sing as the season progresses. As the seasons change, various flowers bloom, and you can walk through vast clusters of wild strawberries and fairy lilies. Additionally, around Tanabata on July 7th, you can enjoy the magical sight of fireflies dancing in the night.

Autumn

You can enjoy the stunning scenery of Mori-no-Ohashi and Matsukawa Valley, two of Iwate Prefecture's top autumn foliage spots.

The autumn foliage viewed from Mori-no-Ohashi is breathtaking, with the banks of the Matsukawa River painted in fiery red hues. The best time to see the autumn colors is from mid to late October. Occasionally, snow falls during this period, and if you're lucky, you can witness a stunning contrast between the vibrant foliage and the delicate white snow.

*Autumn is the season for bear sightings as food supplies in the mountains become scarce. For more information on bear control,More information can be found in this blog article.

Winter

The winter landscape, covered in Japan’s finest powder snow, is truly breathtaking!

You can follow animal tracks, observe winter buds while snowshoeing, or enjoy skiing and sledding in the snow.

Furthermore, during the coldest time of the year, the 30-meter-high Nanataki Falls freezes over, transforming into a magnificent icefall. Its mesmerizing sight captivates many visitors.

Forestry Museum

At the Shinrin Fureai Learning Center, Forest i (Forestry Museum, Forest-i), visitors can explore exhibits about Iwate's nature and forests. People of all ages can enjoy learning about the forest in an engaging way. The center also features large wooden slides and playground equipment that children love.

Additionally, the 'Craft Corner' offers workshops where visitors can create unique crafts using natural materials such as nuts and seeds. Anyone can join and enjoy this hands-on experience.