Hachimantai Onsen Village

The many hot springs scattered across the broad Hachimantai highland, which straddles Iwate and Akita, are known collectively as the Hachimantai Onsen Village. Blessed with geothermal heat, this area gives rise to waters of differing character, so each inn offers its own flavor. Grand alpine scenery paired with varied bath hopping is the charm found here.

Highlights

Inns and day-use facilities dot the roads across the highland, letting you sample everything from milky sulfur baths to clear waters. Nearby a road climbs toward the summit of Hachimantai, where you can wander among mountaintop marshes and ponds. From the open-air baths, the wide highland sky and the ranges beyond stretch out before you.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings beautiful greenery threading between lingering snow, and summer stands out for its cool air as a retreat. In autumn the whole highland turns to foliage and fills with visitors. Winter becomes a world of snow, where a snowy bath pairs well with skiing.

Access and Basic Information

The village lies about an hour by car from JR Morioka Station, on the highland toward Hachimantai. Seasonal buses also run, and many facilities welcome day bathers.

A Quick Tip

Because the facilities are spread over a wide area, a car makes bath hopping much easier. Highland weather shifts quickly, so bringing warm clothing and rain gear will put your mind at ease.