Hachimantai

Introducing Hachimantai

Like a row of giant molars, often snowcapped, the peaks of this volcanic plateau south of Towada-ko are popular with hikers, skiers and onsen enthusiasts. Cutting across the Iwate-ken–Akita-ken border, the area features four types of volcano and has spectacular views, including Iwate-san.

Hachimantai Chōjō, the main access point for the summit, offers gentle walks, but longer hikes are possible over a couple of days from nearby Tōshichi Onsen, a 2km walk downhill from the Hachimantai Chōjō car park. West of the summit, the Aspite Line Hwy, open late April to November, winds past several hot-spring resorts before joining Rte 341, which leads either south to Tazawa-ko or north towards Towada-ko. In winter some roads may be closed due to snow.

There’s a small visitors centre (0186-31-2714; 9am-5pm, closed Nov-Apr) next to the car park at Hachimantai Chōjō, where you can purchase regional contour maps (Japanese only) and consult bilingual hiking sketch maps. However, the best place for English-language information on Hachimantai is Morioka’s tourist office or the office at Akita JR station.

The mountain lodge Yuki-no-Koya (0186-31-2118; dm from ¥5250; closed mid-Nov–Christmas & Feb-late Apr) is in a quiet riverside location at Shibari Onsen, on Rte 341, north of the turn-off for the Aspite Line Hwy to Hachimantai. Buses from Hachimantai Chōjō to Shibari Onsen (and connections to the JR Hanawa line towards Morioka) are, at best, erratic. Do a thorough check at the visitors centre or Morioka’s tourist information office before setting out.

Hachimantai Youth Hostel (0195-78-2031; www.geocities.co.jp/SilkRoad-Lake/5303/; 5-2 Midorigaoka, Matsuo-mura; dm without meals from ¥3990) is 20 minutes by bus east of the summit. Get off at the Hachimantai Kankō Hoteru-mae stop (three to five buses daily, last bus 3.40pm).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009