Towada-Hachimantai National Park (Hachimantai area)

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Highland roads in Hachimantai area (Aspite Line & Jukai Line) Driving course

Model Course Scenery

Driving through dynamic winding-road while enjoying the view of Mt. Iwate

The Aspite Line is a scenic route running across Hachimantai ranging from Iwate Prefecture to Akita Prefecture. From a car window, you can enjoy watching the magnificent scenery along the volcanic belt.

Entering the highland zone, large and small curves continue along the flank of the mountain, and the area is surrounded by the unique atmosphere created by Maries' fir forests.

Dotted with large and small ponds formed in volcanic crater, here you can see the varied, pristine natural landscapes.

Closed in Winter. Aspite Line opens in mid April, and Jukai Line in late April.

Highland roads in Hachimantai area (Aspite Line & Jukai Line) Driving course

Course Time

Section Time
Matsuo Hachimantai Visitor Center → Mikaeri Pass Parking Lot (Aspite Line) Approx. 20 km (20 min.)
Mikaeri Pass Parking Lot → Matsukawa Onsen Village (Jukai Line) Approx. 18 km (15 min.)
Matsukawa Onsen Village → Yakehashiri Lava Flow (Mt. Iwate Panorama Line) Approx. 15 km (15 min.)

* The course time and distance are shown just as a guide.

Access

Section Transportation Time
Matsuo Hachimantai IC → Matsuo Hachimantai Visitor Center Private cars Approx. 6.5 km (8 min.)
Yakehashiri Lave Flow→Nishine IC Private cars Approx. 7.5 km (20 min.)

* For details, please check with the information counter, website of each transportation facility, or others. 

Aspite Line

Aspite Line

Approx. 27-km highway runs across Hachimantai. Right after the road opening in mid April, several meters of snow remains on both sides of the road to create the Corridor of Snow, which captivates many visitors.

View from observatory at Hachimantai-peak Parking lot

View from observatory at Hachimantai-peak Parking lot

From the Observatory in the back of parking lot, an extensive view of surrounding mountains such as Mt. Iwate and Mt. Moriyoshi can be enjoyed. Hachimantai Jukai Line takes you up to Matsukawa Hot Springs. Beyond that, by the connected Panorama Line, you can reach Yakehashiri Lava Flow.

Hachimantai Jukai Line

Hachimantai Jukai Line

Along the Jukai Line from Mikaeritoge Pass to Matsukawa Onsen Village, there is Toshichi Onsen, a secluded hot spring at 1,400 meters above sea level. While enjoying to drive through Jukai (Forest), the primeval forests of Maries' fir, you can enjoy stunning views through car window at the same time.