Hachimantai

South of Lake Towada, the Hachimantai Plateau (part of the Towada-Hachimantai Nature Park) encompasses Akita and Iwate prefectures. Essentially made up of volcanoes of different shapes and types such as those of Iwate, Koma, Hachimantai, Cha-usu or Yakeyama, the activity of each of them also takes different forms: pools of boiling mud or chimneys that spew steam or smoke. Thermal stations have been built in many of these places, often somewhat rustic but capable of offering visitors places to relax at ease. The most appreciated are those of Goshogake and Toshichi. They will also be a perfect opportunity to meet the local people and get in touch with Japanese rural life. The plateau also offers an ideal setting for lovers of hiking, climbing and skiing. This place is known for the great beauty of nature and for the diversity of the alpine vegetation it has. Mount Hachimantai, which rises to 1,613 meters, rises in the center of the plateau. It is easily accessible via the Hachimantai Aspite Line highway, which runs for 28 km across the plateau.

What to see

Goshogake Onsen

This thermal station is famous for the abundance of its hot springs. In it you can find up to 7 springs of different types as well as several steam baths. In its surroundings, volcanic phenomena such as mud volcanoes (doro-kazan) or hot water swamps (oyunama) can be observed. A 2 km hiking trail allows you to observe these natural phenomena up close (inaccessible from November to March).

• 2 hours by bus from Tazawako station.

Toshichi Onsen

At an altitude of 1,400 meters at the foot of Mount Mokko (located 3.5 km south of Mount Hachimantai), this hot spring is at the same time a ski resort that can be enjoyed until spring.

Horaikyo

Also called “the region of eternal youth”, this territory north of Toshichi Onsen is actually a natural garden in which dwarf pines and alpine vegetation of great diversity grow. At the beginning of October, the fall colors are especially sumptuous. This region is also dotted with rock concretions with enigmatic shapes. A 40-minute hiking trail will take you around the perimeter of Horaikyo.

Genta-mori

This forest offers a magnificent view of the Hachiman-numa pond and other swamps as well as Mount Yakeyama (1,366 meters of altitude) that lie in the distance.

• 20 min walk east of Mount Hachimantai.

Hachiman-numa Pond

The only crater lake formed on a shield volcano in all of Japan can be seen after 30 minutes of walking in the middle of nature. Going around it on foot will take you an hour while allowing you to admire its emerald waters and its unique vegetation. The surrounding alpine plants are in full bloom in July and August.

• From Hachimantai-chojo bus stop.