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It’s often said that autumn in Hachimantai, Iwate begins earlier than anywhere else on Honshu, with seasonal colors creeping onto Mt. Mitsuishi in late September and spreading through the rest of the city throughout October. Hiking Mt. Hachimantai and coasting around Mt. Iwate’s foothills from the comfort of an E-Bike, you can experience this gorgeous scenery for yourself! During the evenings, you might even catch the stars out above!
This year, Appi Kogen is running a limited art gallery until the end of October, featuring gondola art and natural photos from photographer Mika Ninagawa. The timing might just be perfect for you to slip in a visit during your stay!

Some train lines really emanate nostalgia when you board them. JR’s Hanawa Line is one perfect example of such. It began operation in October of 1931 and has thus been operating for over 90 years, connecting Iwate and Akita across highlands and gorges. For nearly a century, passengers have been able to see incredible scenery unraveling around them from its windows.

Nestled along the Ura-Iwate trekking course next to Mt. Kurikoma, Mt. Mitsuishi is often said to be one of the most beautiful places on Honshu for viewing autumn leaves. The best time for viewing is typically mid to late-September.
In Japanese, Mitsuishi means “three rocks.” It’s said that this name has to do with the three boulder-like formations of lava jutting out near the mountain’s summit.
The ridgeline stretching south connects Mt. Mokkodake, Mt. Morobidake, and Kensomori, collectively forming the Ura-Iwate trekking course, which goes around the “back” of Mt. Iwate. It’s a long course, but there are two rest cottages along the way where you can rest, allowing you to go at your own pace.

Try Renting a Mountain Bike
Used for sports, fitness, travel, and simple everyday commutes, mountain bikes are quite versatile. In addition to their general health benefits, in this world of COVID, bikes are a good alternative to public transport where people often need to squeeze together to go places.
In Japan, mountain bikes are sometimes seen as bikes that are made especially rugged for high-speed road travel, but they’re actually meant for off-road use. This is especially true in the US, where off-roading culture thrives.
Mountain bikes specialize in navigating uneven dirt and gravel roads, and the difficult winding slopes of mountain trails. They’re made with a rugged construction to withstand strong shocks and impacts while also remaining as lightweight as possible. We think that anyone can find a biking experience that fits their needs and abilities, so if you’re interested, stop by Hachimantai!

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?