For Enjoying Tohoku’s Short Summers, Head to Towada-Hachimantai National Park!

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Summer in Iwate’s Hachimantai City is typically defined as beginning during the rainy season in early July and ending during Obon in mid-August. It’s a late start that even allows one to see sakura blossoms in June.

Here we’d like to introduce the secluded region of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It is reachable from Tokyo by riding the Shinkansen for 2hrs to Morioka Station, followed by another 1hr train to Obuke Station, and finally a 1hr bus to your final destination. Only in Iwate, the largest prefecture in Japan, would one expect traversing the areas within the prefecture to take as long as travel all the way from Tokyo.

However, that’s exactly what allows this place to be so special. And besides, isn’t a leisurely journey by train and bus charming in its own way?

No doubt the best way to enjoy Towada-Hachimantai in summer is via trekking. July happens to be the peak time to catch day lilies in bloom.

Towada-Hachimantai National Park spans 85,409 hectares. That’s about as large as Sadogashima in its entirety. There are thus trekking courses available for everyone ranging from beginners to experienced hikers, packed with enjoyment.

The Hachimantai Nature Strolling Bus, is available seasonally for those who seek the convenience of departing from Morioka Station. For details, you can check the Hachimantai Nature Strolling Bus & Hachimantai Summit Route Bus web portal. There are bus stops along the trail from Hachimantai’s summit at Kuroyachi and Chausu, meaning you can walk only part of the way before returning, or simply retire early, if you’d like and instead head to a nearby restaurant or onsen.

Otherwise, there’s also a bus stop at Gozaisho, from which you can walk a short distance to check out Goshiki-numa, a small lake that changes colors based on the season. We especially recommend it in summer, where it takes on a deep cobalt hue.

The same course can offer a completely different experience depending on time of day, so choose a time that’s just right for you.

Located 1,400 meters above sea level, Toshichi Onsen “Saiunso” is the altitudinally the highest onsen in Tohoku, and additionally operates as a rustic inn. Here, there are no electric cables to block a perfect 360-degree view of the surrounding scenery, and the only sounds are the wind and the spring water. It’s the perfect retreat not only from a hike, but from the everyday rigors of life. Female visitors in particular may appreciate their mud baths, with skin-enhancing mud that well up around your feet. Also for women, bath towels are available for use in the mixed baths.

Exclusively for those staying overnight, there are also gender segregated baths: one female outdoor bath, one female indoor bath, and one male indoor bath. All of them are available 24 hours a day, so you can get up early to see peak morning cloud formations, or stay out late to instead bathe under a sea of stars.

You can also try their specialty: jet-black eggs flavored in springwater!

Toshichi Onsen “Saiun-so”

Open from April to late October
Kita-no-Mata, Matsuo-Yoriki, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture 028-7302
090-1495-0950
019-903-0399
Saiun-so websaite
Daytime Onsen Hours: 8:00 – 18:00
Adults ¥650 / Elementary ¥350
※Daytime visitors may only use the outdoor mixed bath. Bath towels are available for women.
Management: Danburi, Inc.
Taninai, Hachimantai, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture 018-5141

Hachimantai Nature Strolling Bus /
Hachimantai Summit Route Bus Page:

Hachimantai Onsenkyo Web Portal:

2022 Trek by Bus Map, Isued by Iwate Kenpoku Bus, Inc.:

Hire a Guide to go Trekking Across Hachimantai!

Venturing out into secluded regions can be exciting, but dangerous. That’s why Hachimantai Mountain Hotel has hired highly capable local guides. Hachimantai Mountain Hotel is right near the national park, and has views of both Mt. Iwate and Mt. Hachimantai, selected as two of Japan’s 100 greatest mountains. Their guides hold qualifications from the Japan Mountain Guide Association.

Exactly as you’d expect from a mountain resort hotel, you’ll find the guide station conveniently located right next to the hotel lobby counter. Their concierge can provide information on all manner of exciting opportunities in the great outdoors. The trekking programs Mountain Hotel offers are filled with various guided treks. These range from ones ideal for beginners that will take just two hours, to ones that experienced hikers can also enjoy.

Alternatively, the Iwate-Hachimantai Guide Association also takes private tour requests for every season and every interest, from both individuals and groups. With their expert advice and guidance, anyone can enjoy the best that Towada-Hachimantai National Park has to offer.

※Reservation required. Contact info below

Hachimantai Mountain Hotel

Iwate-Hachimantai Guide Association

Towada-Hachimantai National Park – Perfect for longer getaways!
Towada-hachimantai National Park is not a place that can truly be experienced in one day. This summer, come visit Hachimantai!