Hakkoda Mountains
Explore the Beauty of Mt Hakkoda
Located in south-central Aomori Prefecture, Hakkoda is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. The Hakkoda Mountain are an active volcano complex, part of the Ou Mountains and a segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The mountain range is popular year round, with many tourists and locals coming to trek the famous area in the summer, and avid snowboarders & skiers coming to experience the beauty of its mountains in the winter. It’s close proximity to Sukayu Onsen, Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada are also a favourite to visit.
Discover where we based ourselves for a few nights here.
Hakkoda’s average snow base is about 4m+ each year with runs as long as 7kms following true to the mountain’s form. During the winter, the breathtaking snow monsters form as the snow blasts the local Aomori Todomatsu (Maries’ fir) sculpting the subsequent precipitation into the stunning shapes.
However we went to experience its natural beauty in summer, and it doesn’t disappoint. We only had a short time, and hubby had injured his back, so we caught the ropeway up, did the general trek around Hakkoda then went to relax in Sukayu Onsen. Would love to come back to trek further across the mountain range in the future.
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Wandering the Main “Trek”
a 30 min or 1 hour route around the top of Hakkoda, quite easy with beautiful views of the mountain range, and natural surroundings. There are longer duckboard paths to explore but unfortunately we didn’t have the time.
When we reached the marsh area, unfortunately we missed the wildflowers of Spring, but the tiny blooms of yellow were still very pretty
Travel the Hakkoda Ropeway
If you’re not a skier/snowboarder, catch the ropeway to see the snow monsters in winter.
I loved how picturesque the mountain ranges are, the stunning foliage and beautiful views. This first time in Aomori Prefecture had us falling in love with it all, even to the point of seeing if we could one day have a mountain home up here!
OTHER PLACES TO STAY / THINGS TO DO
Aomori City - explore this metropolitan city at the top of Japan’s main island and it delicious regional flavours
Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada- immerse yourself in nature through this lush gorge & wide lake.
Hirosaki City - meander slowly in this charming city with its historic castle and famed apple pies
Sukayu Onsen - soak in this historic onsen, beloved for its senninburo (1000 people onsen bath)
Aoni Onsen - travel off the grid into a deep mountain valley to bathe in some restorative onsen waters
Nonahana Yakeyamaso - rest a night in this charming family onsen ryokan near Oirase Gorge with traditional tatami rooms & delicious regional kaiseki
TRAVEL FURTHER
Akita Prefecture - love beautiful rotenburo onsen in nature, make time to visit Akita
Iwate Prefecture - known as the last frontier of a wild Japan
Fukushima Prefecture - the 3rd largest prefecture in Japan has many onsen to enjoy
Yamagata Prefecture- spend a couple nights exploring the beloved Ginzan Onsen
