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!

La Mia Mamma is a local Italian restaurant located in the forest at the foot of Mt. Iwate.