Hachimantai (八幡平)

Hachimantai (八幡平, 1,613 m) is a plateau on the border of Iwate and Akita prefectures and is counted among the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan. Vast highland wetlands and countless ponds extend across this “plateau cradled in Aomori-todomatsu primeval forest.” Only 51 m of elevation gain separates the summit parking lot (Hachimantai Summit Rest House) from the highest point, making it the most beginner-friendly hyakumeizan. The “Dragon Eye” phenomenon at Kagamiike (late May – early June, when the melting snow creates an eye-like pattern on the pond surface) is especially popular. The traverse over Mt. Chausu (1,578 m) and a stop at Tōshichi Onsen (the highest hot spring in Tōhoku at 1,400 m) extend the enjoyment.

From JR Morioka Station, Iwate Kenpoku Bus operates a seasonal direct service “Hachimantai Nature Stroll Bus” to the trailhead. As the Aspite Line (Pref. Rd. 23) is closed in winter, the bus runs only mid-April to late October.

*Timetable last checked: unverified

How to access the trailheads

1. [Outbound] Morioka Station → Hachimantai Summit (Iwate Kenpoku Hachimantai Nature Stroll Bus)
2. [Return] Hachimantai Summit → Morioka Station (Iwate Kenpoku Hachimantai Nature Stroll Bus)

Map of Hachimantai

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Course Times

Summit Stroll Course (beginner, approx. 2 hours): Hachimantai Summit Rest House → (0:15) → Kagamiike → (0:10) → Meganenuma → (0:10) → Hachimantai Summit (1,613 m) → (0:15) → Gamanuma → (0:20) → Hachimantai-numa Observatory → (0:30) → Gentamori → (0:45) → Rest House
Mt. Chausu Traverse (intermediate, approx. 4 hours): Chausu-guchi → (0:50) → Chausu Sansō → (0:10) → Mt. Chausu (1,578 m) → (0:50) → Kuroyachi → (0:50) → Gentamori → (0:30) → Hachimantai-numa Obs. → (0:25) → Hachimantai Summit

1. [Outbound] Morioka Station → Hachimantai Summit (Iwate Kenpoku Hachimantai Nature Stroll Bus)

From JR Morioka Station East Exit Platform 3, board the seasonal “Hachimantai Nature Stroll Bus” operated by Iwate Kenpoku Bus (route F41). It travels the Tōhoku Expressway via Midorigaoka and Hachimantai Onsen-gō, then climbs the Aspite Line passing Gozaisho, Chausu-guchi, Kuroyachi, and arrives at Hachimantai Summit Rest House. For the summit stroll, alight at the terminus (Hachimantai Summit); for the Mt. Chausu traverse, alight at Chausu-guchi.

Operating period: Outbound April 18 – October 25, 2026; Return April 25 – October 26 (subject to confirmation)
Travel time: approx. 2 h 5 min (Morioka Stn → Hachimantai Summit)
Fare: Morioka Stn → Hachimantai Summit one-way adult ¥1,350 | → Chausu-guchi one-way adult ¥1,350
Note: Service halts when the Aspite Line is closed for winter. The Aspite Line is scheduled to open on April 15, 2026 at 10:00 (timing may vary before the night-closure is lifted).

Reference: Iwate Kenpoku Bus – Hachimantai timetable (effective April 1, 2026)

Bus TimetableMorioka Station → Hachimantai Summit (Nature Stroll Bus)

Reference: [Iwate Kenpoku Bus (official PDF)]

2. [Return] Hachimantai Summit → Morioka Station (Iwate Kenpoku Hachimantai Nature Stroll Bus)

After descending, board the Hachimantai Nature Stroll Bus at Hachimantai Summit and return to Morioka Station. Departure times differ by operating period.

Operating period: Weekdays April 25 – June 6 (early return); weekends/holidays April 25 – June 6 and daily June 7 – October 26 (late return)
Travel time: approx. 1 h 45 min – 2 h 20 min (Hachimantai Summit → Morioka Stn)
Fare: Hachimantai Summit → Morioka Stn one-way adult ¥1,350

Bus TimetableHachimantai Summit → Morioka Station (Nature Stroll Bus)

Reference: [Iwate Kenpoku Bus (official PDF)]

Featured image: 掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0