- MOE
- Towada-Hachimantai National Park
- Let’s visit the Hachimantai area!
- Model Course
- Hachimantai Nature Observation Trail Course
Hachimantai Nature Observation Trail Course
Hiking trail to enjoy the magnificent nature of Hachimantai
Going around Hachimantai Mountaintop and Hachimannuma Pond, this is a signature trecking course in Hachimantai. As there is a hiking trail, you can enjoy easily the magnificent nature of Hachimantai, which include alpine flower fields, Maries' fir forests, and the lakes and ponds created by volcanic activities. On a clear day, enjoy also viewing mountains of Northern Tohoku region such as Mt. Chokai and Mt. Iwate from the observation deck established within this course.
It is well-known also for its easy access. In the Hachimantai Mountaintop Rest House being the course entrance, there is a parking lot. you can get there also by taking a bus operating from both Morioka and Tazawako Stations.
Course Time
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| Hachimantai Mountaintop Parking Lot (Starting point) → Mikaeri Pass | Approx. 20 min. |
| Mikaeri Pass → Gentamori Peak | Approx. 1 hr |
| Gentamori → Hachimantai Mountaintop | Approx. 40 min. |
| Hachimantai Mountaintop → Hachimantai Mountaintop Parking Lot (Terminal) | Approx. 30 min. |
* The course time and distance are shown just as a guide.
Access
| Section | Transportation | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morioka Station － Hachimantai Mountaintop | Iwate Kenpoku Bus | Approx. 2 hrs 30 min. |
| Tazawako Station － Hachimantai Mountaintop | Ugo Kotsu, Shuhoku Bus | Approx. 2 hrs. 20 min. |
* For details, please check with the information counter or website of each transportation facility, or others.
Group of Crater- Lakes and Ponds
Walking along Hachimantai Nature Observation Trail, various large and small lakes and ponds will appear in sight. The biggest of all these ponds is Hachimantai Pond, which also is a symbol of Hachimantai. In this pond having been formed as water pooled in a group of craters about 6,000 years ago. Such traces can be felt from their contours still today.
From Hachimannuma Viewpoint, you will be able to see Hachimannuma Pond lying quietly while reflecting the blue sky on its surface. And in the nearby Kagaminuma Pond, so-called “Dragon’s Eye” phenomenon will appear on the water surface during May.
Flower Fields in Marshland
In the marshland around Hachimannuma Pond, wooden walkway runs through. You can enjoy walking while watching various marsh plants in bloom such as Hinazakura Primrose and Cottongrass. Especially along the wooden walkway on the south side of Hachimannuma Pond, which is known as “Kisuge Street”, the beautiful Daylily flower field extends starting from around end of July to early August. Together with the Asian Skunk Cabbage in spring, the Bog-rosemary and Kobaikeso White Helleboer in summer, and the grasses turning red and yellow in autumn; the marshland plant flowering fields color the seasons in Hachimantai.
“Snow Monster” and the green of summer
Hachimantai is famous for gigantic juhyo or frost-covered trees known as “Snow Monster” appearing in winter, and it is said to be one of world’s most exciting juhyo phenomena to see. Mountains in winter are not easily accessable due to occurrence of snowstorm or necessity of carrying heavy equipment. However, such hard work will definitely pay off because of the magnificent scenery waiting there.
During summer, the “Monsters” are called by the name of Maries' fir. Along the trail from Hachimantai Mountaintop to Mikaeritoge Pass, enjoy pleasant walking through the beautiful greenery of these trees symbolizing the area of Hachimantai.