The Nanataki trail up Mt. Iwate starts in a place called Kenmin no Mori (Iwate Prefectural Citizens’ Forest Campgrounds). This is my favorite trail up Mt. Iwate for obvious reasons. It is long (about 21km round trip), but there are so many different transitions in the scenery that you get to enjoy many mountains all in one.
I would actually recommend trying just the first leg of this hike without going all the way to the summit of Mt. Iwate if you’re not confident. The bottom photo below is a placed called Ojigokudani, or the Great Hell Valley – that you find after walking for about 90 minutes on the Nanataki Trail. (The waterfall in the top picture is along the trail about an hour in.)

Great routes for cyclists of all levels of experience!
There are routes for everyone in Hachimantai, whether you’ve never even touched a road bike before or you’re a world-class cyclist! And we’ll match you with the route that’s right for you!
In particular, the Expert Course is recommended for advanced cyclists, as it is included in the Hachimantai Hill Climb Race Course. Pedal out into the wilderness of Hachimantai! Get information about the differences in elevation and relay spots where you can take a break and do some sightseeing. Information on bike rental stores, power lunches, etc. are also really useful!

Ambitious hikers could continue past the summit to make the 15km loop known as the “Ura Iwate Traverse” and enjoy stunning views from Komokkodake, Obukadake, and Gentagatake. This longer hike would likely take 6 to 8 hours depending on your pace, so allow for time to get back before dark.
If you’re just going from Matsukawa Hot Springs to the summit and back, that is likely going to take about 2 hours to get there, and a bit less for the return trip.

Soft-serve ice cream was born in the United States, but grew up in Japan.
Japanese soft-serve really has evolved in some delicious ways! Each area of Japan seems to have its own special type of soft-serve ice cream, using not only fruits but also vegetables and sake.
Of course Hachimantai also has its own special flavors! Taste ice cream made with wild grapes or spinach – only in Hachimantai!

Now is the perfect time to visit Goshiki Pond in Hachimantai! While it changes color throughout the year and thus warrants multiple visits, if you were only going to see it once, now would be the time! Around late August and early September, just after the end of the rainy season in Japan, the pond is at its most radiant. The bright azure color of the water right now is further accentuated by the red clay that surrounds the pond. Its location right next to another scenic lake, this one not augmented by subterranean minerals and thus normal (though beautiful) in color, makes the special character of Goshiki Pond even more pronounced!

We may be right in the middle of the rainy season here in Hachimantai – but this is also the season for beautiful alpine flowers! There are so many interesting, not to mention stunningly beautiful, flowers that are blooming right now!