Is Hachimantai the table mountain of Tohoku? A highland paradise of volcanoes and marshes [Akita/Iwate]

Hachimantai which straddles Iwate and Akita prefectures , is a mountainous region with a gentle shape and an elevation of 1,614 meters. It is an area rich in nature and is counted among the 100 most famous mountains in Japan.

It is part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park and attracts many climbers and tourists with its diverse attractions, including volcanic terrain, marshes, seasonal plants, and hot springs

A mysterious land nurtured by volcanoes

Hachimantai is a volcano characterized by its generally flat summit, with a table mountain (flat-topped volcano) . This was formed by past volcanic activity and erosion over many years. The summit area is dotted with crater lakes such as Hachimantai, Gama-numa, and Kagami-numa, and is surrounded by marshes. In summer, alpine plants such as cotton grass and goldenrod bloom in full bloom, delighting the eyes of visitors.

Being a volcanic region, there is active geothermal activity, and there are many hot springs scattered around Hachimantai

Among them, Goshogake Onsen is known as a hot springs resort described as "coming on horseback and returning on foot," and it is said that in the past, seriously ill people arrived on horseback, and were able to walk on their own after completing their hot spring treatment.Even today, you can experience a variety of bathing methods that make use of the blessings of the volcano, such as mud baths and box steam baths.

Fujishichi Onsen located at an altitude of 1,400 meters , is also known as a hidden hot spring in the sky, and offers an open-air bath with a spectacular view.

The spectacular spring-only "Dragon Eye"

a natural phenomenon known as the "Dragon Eye" that appears in Kagami-numa Pond has been gaining attention on social media

This occurs from mid-May to early June, when the snow melts, leaving the snow in the center and revealing a circular pattern on the water surface, resembling a dragon's eye. There are limited times to see it, so many tourists visit during the best season to catch a glimpse

Since it can only be viewed for a limited period of time, the Akita Prefecture official website regularly updates the status of the Dragon Eye's opening each year. We recommend checking the status on this website before visiting

Beautiful Country Akita Net

Hachimantai Dragon Eye Transmission Station

https://www.pref.akita.lg.jp/pages/archive/40618

The Hachimantai Dragon Eye is a mystical sight that can be seen near the summit of Hachimantai, which straddles Akita and Iwate prefectures. This mysterious eye of snow and ice is created when various natural conditions, such as the marsh, sky, and weather, come together...

It takes about 20 minutes along the footpath from the Hachimantai Summit Rest House to Kagami-numa, where you can see this phenomenon. Along the way, there is a boardwalk that leads through the high moor, allowing you to easily enjoy the air and scenery at an altitude of 1,600 meters

Hachimantai Aspite Line and the charm of the seasons

Two mountain roads known as the "Hachimantai Aspite Line" and "Jukai Line" are essential for sightseeing in Hachimantai is popular for its "Snow Corridor,"

Fresh greenery and flowers in summer, autumn leaves interwoven with beech and maple trees, and frost-covered trees, snow trekking, and skiing in winter. The changing scenery throughout the seasons is one of Hachimantai's great charms, and it never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. The autumn foliage in particular is considered one of the most beautiful in Tohoku, and from late September to mid-October, the mountainside is decorated with a variety of colorful leaves

Hachimantai: a place of war history and mountain worship

There are several theories about the origin of the name Hachimantai

One theory is that the Sakanoue no Tamuramaro , visited this area and enshrined the Hachiman deity in prayer for victory in battle. Place names related to the battle remain in the mountains, such as "Gentamori," where Sakanoue no Tamuramaro's retainers, brothers Genta Tadayoshi and Tadaharu, are said to have hidden out to spy on the movements of the Emishi, giving a sense of the history of the battle that is said to have taken place.

Furthermore, it has long been revered by local people as a sacred place where the "mountain god" resides, and even today small shrines and stone monuments are scattered along the hiking trails. These are objects of faith where people pray for safety on the mountain, and also serve as landmarks and spiritual support for climbers

There are records that during the Edo period, ascetics would cross the Ou Mountains via Hachimantai and use the area as a training ground. Additionally, according to ancient documents and local oral traditions, mountain worship and worship of the god Hachiman merged, and a unique ritual system developed in the area

In recent years, from the perspective of environmental conservation and cultural heritage protection, investigations and maintenance of these shrines and religious remains have been underway, and they are being reevaluated as a "living place of faith" rather than merely a tourist destination. Hachimantai can be said to be a place extremely rich not only in nature, but also in cultural and spiritual value

summary

Hachimantai is a place where untouched nature coexists with well-maintained trails that even beginner hikers can easily visit. It's easily accessible, about a two-hour drive from the city, and is perfect for a weekend getaway or a day hike. There are also plenty of educational opportunities, including nature observation, geology, and botany, making it a great place for families

Known as a "highland paradise," this area offers a variety of ways to enjoy itself, from quiet mountain hikes to relaxing hot springs. Dragon's Eye in spring, alpine plants in summer, autumn leaves, and frost-covered trees in winter. Hachimantai welcomes you with a different look no matter when you visit, making it a place where you can truly experience the wonder of traveling in harmony with nature

Hachimantai <Information>

• Name: Hachimantai
• Address: The summit is near the border between Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture and Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
• Phone number:
• Official URL: Iwate Prefecture Official Tourism Site "Iwate Travel" - Hachimantai

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