Destination

This beech forest was regenerated naturally after deforestation. The forest is listed as one of the “Top 100 forest bathes in Japan”. It is cool in summer, the sunlight streaming through the leaves of the trees gently, and makes visitors refreshed. Taking a walk while taking a green shower full of negative ions and phytoncide is sure to heal your mind and body. There are guide signs every 25m on the path, so no worry about getting lost in the forest.

The miracle natural scenery can be seen only in a limited season, from the end of May to the beginning of June. The snow melting on Kagami-Pond near the summit of Mt. Hachimantai creates wonderful scenery. It looks like “Dragon Eye”. It is the mysterious moment created by the great nature of Hachimantai.

Fudo no Taki waterfall is listed as one of “Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls”. The sight of the 15m-high waterfall splashing down is impressive. A stone statue of Fudomyoo is enshrined in the waterfall. Sakuramatsu Shrine is next to Fudo no Taki waterfall. Legend has it that villagers were surprised to see a cherry flower (Sakura) blooming on a pine tree (Matsu) and worshiped it. On the grounds of the shrine, there are 2 maple trees called "marriage trees", wishing for good matchmaking.

Hachimantai Aspite Line is 27 km drive way across Hachimantai. "Aspite" means an undulating land and volcano. Large and small ponds have been formed in the crater mark, creating a magnificent view. The highland area is surrounded by landscapes formed by Sakhalin Fir and alpine plants. Jukai Line is from the junction at Mikaeritoge, which is the border of Iwate and Akita. You can enjoy viewing big-scale primeval forests.

The Hachimantai Aspite Line is closed to traffic during the winter season and the snow walls formed during snow removal are known as the "Snow Corridor." Unveiled typically from mid-April, this Snow Corridor, towering along a 27-kilometer drive, boasts the title of Japan's longest and is renowned as a tourist attraction in the Appi-Hachimantai region. It's ideal for tourism during the Golden Week period as it's usually accessible until early May. (※May be closed when there's a risk of freezing.)

You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing at "Appi no Mori" in Appi Kogen. In the naturally abundant place, wildflowers typically begin to bloom from mid-April, and the single cherry blossoms around the Maison area and hotels start blooming from early May. Then, in the vast highland of "Appi no Mori," the mountain-cherry blossoms proudly bloom by mid-May. On sunny days, you can leisurely stroll around, enjoying the cherry blossoms, or have a picnic on the grassy fields.

Jyoubouji-machi, Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture is a major producer of domestically produced lacquer, accounting for about 70% of domestic production. The lacquerware produced here, known as "Jyoubouji-nuri", is popular among enthusiasts of lacquerware. In this Jyoubouji-machi, nestled in the heart of Buddhist culture in the Tohoku region, stands Tendai-temple, one of the most historic temples in the area.

About a 10-minute drive from ANA Crown Plaza Resort Appi Kogen, you'll find "Naka no Makiba", where you can enjoy views of Maemori-mountain and Nishimori-mountain, natural wild grass fields, and "koyou" - the breathtaking autumn colors of the beech forest that seem to shimmer like gold in the sunlight. Naka no Makiba was once a grazing area for horses and cows, and the beech forest provided timber for charcoal and lacquerware, essential for the local community's livelihood.

Near Tsuta Onsen, Tsutanuma is a popular spot visited by many during the autumn foliage season. Bathed in the morning light, the vibrant red leaves ablaze like fire are a sight to behold and definitely worth seeing.

The Oirase Stream is a river flowing from Lake Towada. Stretching approximately 14 kilometers from the northern mouth of the lake to Mt. Yake, it offers various landscapes and flowing waters, along with fourteen waterfalls, making it a scenic spot worth visiting throughout the seasons.

Designated as a National Scenic Natural Monument, Genbikei offers a dynamic landscape where the fierce water flow current crashes against rocks, creating spectacular splashes upstream, while downstream, one can enjoy tranquil pools with a more serene ambiance.

Oku no Makiba is a wetland area located further inland from "Naka no Makiba," where Buna-no-eki (Beech Station) is situated. Within this expanse, numerous ponds dot the landscape, adding accents to the autumn foliage scenery. It's an ideal place for seasonal nature walks, offering different charms throughout the year.

The largest pond in Hachimantai, where you can fully enjoy the lush greenery of the great outdoors. With a circumference of 2 kilometers and mostly flat terrain, it's easy to walk around and showcases different faces throughout the seasons, making it a picturesque spot perfect for social media posts.

During the early Meiji period, sulfur mining took place here, and it grew to become known as the "largest sulfur mine in the Orient", supplying about 80% of domestic demand. However, it was closed in 1972, and today, the buildings remain as they were, preserved as ruins.

Along the Hachimantai Aspite Line, you can encounter high-altitude plants such as skunk cabbage and cotton grass, among other resources. Goshikinuma-pond is particularly recommended during the summer when it turns cobalt blue. Please be cautious as there are areas with poor footing.

At an elevation of 1,259 meters, the Genta-iwa Observation Deck offers views of the sea of Japanese red pines and beech trees, with a panoramic vista of Mount Iwate (2,038 meters) in the distance.

15-minute walk from the Kuroyachi Wetlands bus stop. Here, you can see nikko daylilies, greater painted-snipe, aomori fir, and more. Please be cautious as there are areas with poor footing.

At the Summit (Mikaeshi Pass) on the Hachimantai Aspite Line, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Iwate as well as other mountains such as Mt. Hayachine and Mt. Akita-Komagatake. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Chokai. It takes approximately a 20-minute walk to reach Kagami-numa(Mirror Pond), famous for its Dragon's Eye formation.

Open-air bath located at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It's a simple sulfur spring bath with a refreshing atmosphere. The name is said to be derived from the shape of the summit resembling a "mokko" (a tool for carrying earth and sand).

Located on the mountainside of the Jukai Line, "Suzukaze-no-Taki" (Cool Breeze Falls) is a waterfall with a height of 50 meters. Its cascading tiers create a refreshing sensation as the water flows down in multiple stages.

You can see the cliffs of rock formations with hexagonal columnar joints, which are rare in Japan.