AugustAutumn Leaves · Tohoku
Hachimantai
Hachimantai, IwateMountain & highland🍁 Typical peak: Late Sep – Early Oct
Overview
Overview
A mountain area on the border of Iwate and Akita, where the autumn leaves peak from late September. Drive the Hachimantai Aspite Line mountain road and look out over the colored sea of trees.
- Address
- Hosono, Hachimantai, Iwate 028-7557
- Closed
- The Aspite Line and Jukai Line are closed in winter (usually from around early November)
- Time needed
- Half a day, including a walk near the summit
- Official website
- https://www.hachimantai.or.jp/
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late September to early October
September
October
November
December
The higher ground near the summit colors first. Varies with each year’s temperatures
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The colors start with the grasses near the summit, and from the Aspite Line and Jukai Line you see a sea of Maries’ fir mixed with the autumn leaves of beeches and maples. Crater lakes such as Hachiman-numa are also highlights.
📷 Best views
Hachimantai Aspite Line
A mountain road running through the sea of trees. Enjoy the autumn leaves from the car window
Hachiman-numa
A crater lake near the summit. The surrounding autumn grasses are beautiful
Hours
Opening hours
Hachimantai Summit Rest House9:00–17:00
Until 16:30 during the period of nighttime road closures
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Hachimantai Observation ParkingPassenger car ¥500
Valid on the day only
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Nighttime road closures may be in place during the autumn leaves season, so visiting early in the day is the safest choice
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Hachimantai Chojo (bus stop)About 110 min by bus from Morioka Station
- From major stations & airports
- Morioka Station: Bus (Iwate Kenkotsu / Iwate Kenpoku Bus) (About 110 min)
- Morioka: Tohoku Expressway to Matsuo-Hachimantai IC (About 40 min)
- By car & parking
- Hachimantai Observation Parking, passenger car ¥500 (valid on the day only)
- Getting back
- In 2025 the roads were closed at night (17:00 to 8:30 the next morning) from mid-October. Head down the mountain early in the evening
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- The parking lots near the summit get busy on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- Normals for Morioka: September high 24.3°C, low 15.2°C; October high 17.9°C, low 7.9°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The Summit Rest House is at 1,541 m and much colder than Morioka
- What to wear & bring
- Some days near the summit are as cold as midwinter, so bring warm clothes such as a down jacket and gloves. Wear comfortable walking shoes for walks
Events
Events & festivals in Morioka & Koiwai
AugustAttractions
Attractions in Morioka & Koiwai
ExperienceKoiwai Farm Makiba-en
Tohoku ・ Morioka & Koiwai
The visitor area of Koiwai Farm in Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture. You can tour cattle barns designated as Important Cultural Properties, ride horses, and join programs that take you around the farm. It's about 35 minutes by bus from Morioka Station, or about 15 minutes by car from Morioka IC.
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Tohoku
Mountain & highland
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Temple🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Castle🍁 Typical peakTsurugajo Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle)
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakYamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Nov
✦ Illumination
Temple🍁 Typical peakPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05
