AugustWinter Scenery · Tohoku
Hachimantai Aspite Line Snow Corridor
Hachimantai, IwateSnow corridor❄ Best season: Mid Apr – Late Apr
Overview
Overview
The Hachimantai Aspite Line, a mountain road of about 27 km spanning Iwate and Akita prefectures, is closed in winter. Right after it reopens in spring, walls of snow several meters high remain on both sides, and you can drive through this snow corridor.
- Address
- Hachimantai Aspite Line, Hachimantai, Iwate
- Closures & winter suspensions
- Closed in winter (open from mid-April to early November). Even after opening, the road closes when there is a risk of ice
- Time needed
- About 1–2 hours to drive the snow corridor
- Official website
- https://www.hachimantai.or.jp/
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonUsually mid- to late April (right after the winter closure is lifted)
December
January
February
March
April
The opening date can change depending on the weather. Check the official announcement for the 2027 opening date
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
The biggest highlight is driving a road lined on both sides with several meters of snow around mid-April, when the winter closure is lifted. Near the summit is the Hachimantai Summit Rest House, which opens on the same day as the road.
📷 Best views
Along the Aspite Line
A snow corridor with walls of snow several meters high on both sides
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The Horaikyo–Matsukawa Onsen section remains under investigation for road surface damage and its reopening date is undecided (as of 2026). Check your route in advance
- ✓Roads can be icy even in spring, so driving on winter tires is the safer choice
Access
Getting there
- Driving & winter roads
- As a mountain road, access is basically by car. Even after opening, the road may close when icy
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- April normals for Morioka: high 14.4°C, low 3.2°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The snow corridor is on a high-altitude mountain road and much colder than central Morioka
- What to wear & bring
- Midwinter-level warm clothing, gloves and waterproof shoes you can walk on snow in
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.
Winter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Tohoku
CastleTsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle) in Snow
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
❄ Best season: Mid Nov – Mid Mar
✦ Illumination
CastleHirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle) in Winter
Tohoku ・ Hirosaki
❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Gorge
TempleYamadera (Hojusan Risshakuji Temple) in Snow
Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Mar
Hot spring town
Snowy village
Rime ice
Frozen waterfall & icicles
Old townKakunodate Samurai District in Snow
Tohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
❄ Best season: Late Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Lake
Frozen waterfall & iciclesSeasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
