Hike, Ski and Revel in Nature at Mount Hakkoda

About Mount Hakkoda

Fall foliage at Mount Hakkoda

Mount Hakkoda is a mountain range of over a dozen volcanoes. The range is divided into two areas, Northern Hakkoda and Southern Hakkoda. Northern Hakkoda consists of 10 mountains, including the tallest of the range, Mount Odake (大岳). Southern Hakkoda is made up of 6 mountains.

Mount Odake measures at 1585 meters high, which is not too tall compared to other mountains throughout Japan. Still, the entire range experiences heavy snowfall, due to its northern up location. The snowfall provides the perfect powder snow, creating the perfect ski scenario. Nature can be observed year-round at Mount Hakkoda, including the fall foliage and summer’s lush greens.

Hakkoda Ropeway

Hakkoda Ropeway

The Hakkoda Ropeway is the main way of traveling up the mountain. Even the trekking routes don’t begin at the bottom of the mountain, but on the final stop of the Hakkoda Ropeway. The Ropeway connects the foot of the mountain, Sanroku Station (山麓駅), to Sancho-koen Station (山頂公園駅), and from there you can explore the rest of the mountains.

Fees

〈Round-trip〉
General: ¥1850
Children: ¥870

〈One-way〉
General: ¥1180
Children: ¥570

Trekking Mount Hakkoda

Trekking Mount Hakkoda during winter

After taking the ropeway to Sancho-koen Station, you can finally begin exploring Mount Hakkoda on foot. If you want to hike, here are three routes you can choose from.

Hakkoda Gourd Line – 八甲田ゴードライン

As you might be able to tell from the name, the Hakkoda Gourd Line is a loop course in the shape of a gourd. The course is a comfortable walk on a man-made path, making it accessible for beginner trekkers. You can choose from the 1-kilometer 30-minute course or the 1.8-kilometer 1-hour course. Throughout the course are many high-altitude plants, making it an enjoyable stroll.

Kenashi Paradise Line – 毛無パラダイスライン

The Kenashi Paradise Line is a hike through Kenashi Hill. The hike begins near the top and is a beginner-friendly downward route. The route is on a natural path, so be sure to wear appropriate sneakers for your hike. This 2.5-hour course is especially recommended during the autumn, when you can walk through the fall foliage.

Mt. Odake Course – 大岳登山コース

The Mt. Odake Course is for advanced trekkers. This 4-hour course is a serious hike to the pinnacle of Mt. Odake from Sancho-koen Station. After reaching the top and seeing the spectacular view, you can head down to Sukayu Onsen for a relaxing post-hike bath.

Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort

Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort

Mount Hakkoda is well known in Japan and worldwide for its amazing powder snow. The Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resorts is home to all kinds of slopes for skiers of all levels to enjoy. The ski season at Hakkoda is longer than normal, and is open between mid December and mid May.

<img src="https://s3-ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/thegate/2019/06/12/13/57/19/Mount-Hakkoda-Sanow-Monster.jpg" alt="A "snow monster" at Hakkoda Ropeway Ski Resort" />

A "snow monster"

One Hakkoda winter specialty is the “snow monsters”. These “monsters” are essentially trees covered in snow, but this sight can only be seen in a few places in Japan. You can find these “snow monsters” in January and February.

Sukayu Onsen – 酸ヶ湯温泉

Sukayu Onsen

After a long day of skiing or hiking, relax at Sukayu Onsen’s baths! Sukayu Onsen locates on Mount Hakkoda, and has a history of over 300 years. Its most famous bath, Sennin-buro (千人風呂), literally translates to 1000 people’s bath, referring to its spacious 248㎡ size.

Jigoku-Numa

Right outside the hot springs resort, you can find Jigoku-numa (地獄沼), meaning “Hell Swamp”. Due to the volcanic activity in the surrounding area, the swamp is gassy and high in acidity. The acidity allows for the swamp to transform into various stunning shades of turquoise.

Autumn at Mount Hakkoda

Breathtaking fall foliage at Mount Hakkoda

Autumn is amazing at Mt. Hakkoda. The mountain is covered in autumn leaves of maples and beeches and more. You can either enjoy a hike under the fall foliage, or enjoy it from above by riding on the ropeway.

Events

Hakkoda Walk – 雪の回廊と温泉ウォーク (End of Mar.)

The snow corridors on Route 103

The Hakkoda Walk is a special event held right before the opening of National Route 103, which is closed during the winter months. The route is also named the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line, and opens in April. The sides of the route become covered with snow, with some places having snow piled up as high as 9 meters. Participants walk through the 8-kilometer snowy corridor to reach their final destination of Sukayu Onsen.

Registration is necessary.

〈Fees〉
General: ¥5000
Children: ¥3500
*Bus rides and hot springs fees included

Sunset Ropeway – 夕焼けロープウェー (Mid Aug.)

Sunset at Mount Hakkoda

Spend a romantic summer night on the Hakkoda Ropeway! The Sunset Ropeway Event is a special 9 days to enjoy the summer sunset from Mt. Hakkoda. In mid-August, the ropeways are open for an extra 2 hours so visitors can admire the fiery summer sky. There are no extra fees to participate in this event.

Access

Nearest station: Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae 八甲田ロープウェー駅前 (Bus Stop)

From Aomori Station 青森駅

【Aomori Sta.】JR Bus / for Towadako
→【Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae】

From Hachinohe Station 八戸駅

【Hachinohe Sta.】Shinkansen (Hayabusa) / for Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto
→【Shin-Aomori Sta.】JR Bus / for Towadako
→【Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae】

From Aomori Airport 青森空港

【Aomori Airport】Aomori Airport Line / for Aomori Station
【Aomori Sta.】JR Bus / for Towadako
→【Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae】

Nearby Destinations

Oirase Gorge – 奥入瀬渓流

Oirase Gorge’s waters are absolutely mesmerizing. The 14-kilometer gorge is surrounded by rich nature, and is a beauty all year-round. Hike by the gorge and find many waterfalls and rapids waiting. The gorge begins at the very base of Mount Hakkoda and continues into Lake Towada in southern Aomori.