Hachimantai Course Aspite Line and Matsukawa Onsen

Straddling the border of Iwate and Akita, Hachimantai is a highland region of gently rolling mountains. Its appeal lies in a driving route that climbs almost to the summit and a hidden hot spring welling up among the peaks. Here is a day course where you can feel nature to the fullest.

Course Route

9:00 Start from the Morioka area Head by car toward Hachimantai first. Before entering the mountain roads, it is wise to prepare fuel and drinks.

10:00 Drive the Aspite Line This mountain road, roughly 35km long, threads across the slopes of Hachimantai. It became toll-free in 1992 and can now be driven without any charge. Enjoy the views that change at every curve as you slowly climb higher.

11:00 Summit walk at Mikaeri Pass Park at Mikaeri Pass, at an elevation of 1,613m, and walk the trails near the summit. The Hachimantai summit nearby sits at about the same height, and boardwalk paths let you tour wetlands and small ponds. On a clear day, a grand panorama opens up all the way to distant mountains.

12:30 Lunch and a rest Take a break at a highland rest house. A meal enjoyed with a view is something special.

14:00 Descend to Matsukawa Onsen Come down the mountain to Matsukawa Onsen, surrounded by deep forest. The scenery along the way is a highlight in itself.

14:30 Soak in the milky waters Ease away the days fatigue in the milky, cloudy hot spring scented with sulfur. Two inns operate today, Kyounso and Matsukawaso (Shofuso closed at the end of November 2023), and both let you enjoy the forest view from an open-air bath.

16:00 Head home

Highlights

The Aspite Line is an exhilarating driving route where the scenery transforms as you gain altitude. Just after it opens in late April, you can see the snow corridor, with walls of snow rising on either side of the road. The seasons of fresh green and autumn color are especially stunning. The view from Mikaeri Pass has the grand scale unique to Hachimantai. And the closing act, Matsukawa Onsen, is a hidden spring whose cloudy, milky sulfur waters warm you to the core.

Access and Tips

This course centers on travel by car. The Aspite Line is usually closed for the winter from early November to late April, so check the opening status before you visit. Just after reopening, nighttime closures may still be in effect. Without a car, a local bus also runs from Morioka Station toward Matsukawa Onsen (about 90 minutes). Mountain weather changes quickly, so bringing an extra jacket gives peace of mind.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: Combining the drive, a summit walk and a hot spring soak, allow a full day round trip from Morioka to enjoy it without rushing.
• Getting there: Mainly by car or rental car. The Aspite Line is about 35km long, reaching 1,613m at its highest point, Mikaeri Pass. By public transport, a bus runs from Morioka Station to Matsukawa Onsen, but services are limited, so check the timetable in advance.
• Closure info: The Aspite Line is closed in winter (roughly early November to late April). The spring opening is famous for its snow corridor, though nighttime closures (around 17:00 to 8:30) may apply just after reopening.
• Budget: The Aspite Line is free to drive. Day-use bathing fees at Matsukawa Onsen are set by each inn, so check before visiting. Factor in fuel and lunch costs.
• What to bring: The temperature near the summit drops far more than in the lowlands, so bring something to throw on even in summer. For a hot spring visit, bring a towel.

A Quick Tip

The temperature near the summit drops sharply compared to the lowlands. Even in summer, having something to throw on keeps you comfortable. The peak of autumn foliage is brief, so it is best to check the timing in advance before visiting. Some inns at Matsukawa Onsen have mixed-gender open-air baths, so checking the day-use bathing conditions in advance gives peace of mind.

📚 Sources

This article is based on publicly available information from Iwate Prefecture, Hachimantai City, and the local tourism association about the Hachimantai Aspite Line and Matsukawa Onsen, road-closure and opening announcements from the road authorities, and public information from the Matsukawa Onsen inns (Kyoun-so and Matsukawa-so), to present a model course. The Aspite Line closes in winter, and the opening timing, the spring "snow corridor," and any nighttime closures vary by year. Road-closure information, opening status, and Matsukawa Onsen's day-use fees and hours are subject to change, so please check road information and each inn's official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow a full day round-trip from Morioka for the drive, a summit walk at Mikaeri Pass, and a bath at Matsukawa Onsen.
• What to bring / prepare: The summit area is much colder than the lowlands, so bring a layer even in summer; bring a towel if bathing, and stock up on fuel and drinks before entering the mountain road.
• Traffic and road checks: Travel is basically by car. The Aspite Line is closed in winter (roughly early November to late April), and nighttime closures may remain just after reopening, so check road conditions in advance.
• Suggested route: Drive the Aspite Line, walk the summit area at Mikaeri Pass, lunch on the plateau, then descend to Matsukawa Onsen for its milky bath, for an easy flow of scenery and hot springs.
• Bathing notes: Matsukawa Onsen is a sulfur spring, and some inns have mixed-bathing open-air baths. Confirm day-use reception times and conditions in advance.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• What this route assumes: It assumes a day trip by car (rental car) starting and finishing in Morioka. Combining a drive along the Aspite Line, a walk around Mikaeri Pass and a bath at Matsukawa Onsen, the itinerary is designed as a single day setting out at 9:00 in the morning and heading home at around 16:00. By public transport you would take a local bus from Morioka Station towards Matsukawa Onsen (about 90 minutes), but services are infrequent and hard to combine with walking around the summit area.
• Open period and passable hours: The Hachimantai Aspite Line is about 27 km long and reaches its highest point at Mikaeri Pass, at an altitude of about 1,541 m. It is usually closed in winter from around early November to mid-April, and just after it opens there may still be an overnight closure (roughly 17:00 to 8:30 the following morning). An itinerary that leaves Morioka at 9:00 and starts driving the road at 10:00 works comfortably during the open season.
• Rough guide to costs: There is no toll on the Aspite Line. For a day-use bath at Matsukawa Onsen, Matsukawaso charges 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (8:00-18:00, last reception 17:00). Prices and reception hours differ from inn to inn. Budget separately for the rental car, fuel and lunch.
• Parking: There is a car park at the summit rest house near Mikaeri Pass, where you can leave your car and set off along the summit walking trails. It fills up easily on weekends in the autumn foliage season, so arriving early in the morning is reassuring.
• What needs to be booked: Day-use bathing generally does not require a reservation, but overnight stays and plans that include meals do. Day-use bathing is sometimes suspended during busy periods, so a phone call on the morning of your visit is the surest way to check.
• Points to note: Temperatures near the summit are much lower than on the plains, so bring something to put on even in summer. Matsukawa Onsen is a sulphur spring, and some inns have mixed-gender open-air baths. Sulphur springs can discolour metal accessories, so remove them before bathing. Fill up with fuel and buy drinks before you head onto the mountain road.

* Road opening conditions, opening hours and prices are subject to change. Please check road information and each inn's official information before you set out.