Hakkoda Ropeway and Sukayu Onsen Course

The Hakkoda mountains rise south of Aomori City, a natural treasury blessed with alpine beauty in every season and rich hot springs. Ride the ropeway and you reach the summit with ease, where a wide panorama awaits below. After enjoying the peaks, head to the famous Sukayu hot spring nestled in the mountains. Ease your travel weariness in the great cypress bath known as the Thousand Bather Bath, in a day of mountains and healing water.

Course Route

9:30 Start from central Aomori Head toward Hakkoda by bus or car, feeling the mountain air as you climb.

10:30 Up by the Hakkoda Ropeway A ten minute glide through the sky, with the sea of trees below and Mutsu Bay in the distance.

11:00 Walk near the summit station Stroll the highland paths slowly and enjoy alpine plants and grand scenery.

12:30 Down the mountain for lunch Have a light meal at the foot of the mountain, then head for the hot spring.

13:30 Arrive at Sukayu Onsen A hot spring inn famous as a celebrated bath. Take in the atmosphere inside first.

14:00 Soak in the Thousand Bather Bath Sink into the milky water of the vast all cypress bathhouse.

15:30 Head home With body and mind loosened, make an unhurried descent.

Highlights

The view from the Hakkoda Ropeway changes with the seasons, splendid in the deep green of summer and the brocade of autumn leaves. The Thousand Bather Bath at Sukayu is a historic mixed bath, and giving yourself to the endlessly flowing sulfur spring amid the scent of wood is a rare pleasure.

Access and Tips

A bus or car from central Aomori is the standard route. The summit is cooler than the lowlands, so bring a layer even in summer. The ropeway may pause in bad weather, so check the day's operating status before setting out. Do not forget a towel for the hot spring.

A Quick Tip

The water at Sukayu runs a touch hot. Do not push it. Let your body adjust slowly, and the refreshed feeling afterward will be all the sweeter.