2025年4月24日
Travel by Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus!Recommended Plan to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms, Snow Corridors, and the Dragon Eye
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Travel by Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus!
Recommended Plan to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms, Snow Corridors, and the Dragon Eye
Hachimantai: A premier National Park & hot spring destination in Tohoku
In spring, towering snow walls several meters high appear on both sides of the freshly cleared Hachimantai Aspite Line.
As the snow melts, a natural phenomenon called the “Hachimantai Dragon Eye” may appear — named because it looks like the eye of a dragon.
We also recommend enjoying famous and hidden hot springs while surrounded by beautiful nature!
Using the Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus direct from Morioka and local buses within the area, we introduce plans to fully enjoy Hachimantai, including day trips and overnight stays at hot spring resorts.
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*Images are for illustrative purposes only.
《Recommended Itineraries》
①Enjoy Both Spring and Winter at the Same Time!?Cherry Blossoms and Snow Corridors (until mid-May)
②Experience the Mysterious Natural Phenomenon “Hachimantai Dragon Eye” with a Guide (from May 10)
③Toshichi Onsen: Open-Air Hot Spring with Stunning Views and Lunch (from May 8)
《Access to Hachimantai Summit》
Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus dedicated tickets
《External Links》
Hachimantai City Tourism Association（←Cherry Blossoms, Snow Corridor, and Dragon Eye Info）
Links to nearby accommodation, experiences, and facilities
①Enjoy Both Spring and Winter at the Same Time!?
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*Images are for illustrative purposes only.
《Recommended Highlights》
▶ Snow walls several meters high appear on both sides of the freshly cleared Hachimantai Aspite Line, typically until mid-May.
▶ The winding snow corridors visible from the window offer an exhilarating view.
▶ Get off at the Hachimantai Summit bus stop and take a picture in front of the snow corridor—perfect for sharing on social media!
▶ At the foot of the mountain, cherry blossoms are in bloom, allowing you to enjoy both the snow corridor and cherry blossoms at the same time.
《Model Course ①: Day trip version》
＊Spring＊（From April 25 to mid-May）
JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal (Platform ③) 9:10 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus: Enjoy cherry blossoms and snow corridors from the window] — Hachimantai Summit 11:10
– Take photos in front of the snow corridor or enjoy shopping at the rest house-
[Weekdays] Hachimantai Summit 14:00 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 15:50
[Weekends & Holidays] Hachimantai Summit 14:55 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 17:20
《Model Course ②: Hachimantai Onsen Village or overnight version》
＊Spring＊（From April 25 to mid-May）
【Day 1】
JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal (Platform ③) 13:42 — [Local Bus（※1）] — Hachimantai Onsen Resort 15:08, etc. （※2）— Stay Overnight
【Day 2】
Hachimantai Onsen Resort 10:11, etc.（※2） — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus: Enjoy the snow corridor from the window] — Hachimantai Summit 11:10
– Take photos in front of the snow corridor or enjoy shopping at the rest house –
[Weekdays] Hachimantai Summit 14:00 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 15:50
[Weekends & Holidays] Hachimantai Summit 14:55 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 17:20
（※1）You can check the local bus timetable here. (Japanese only)
（※2）Please use the nearest bus stop to your accommodation.
《Model Course ③: Matsukawa Onsen overnight version》
＊Spring＊（From April 25 to mid-May）
【Day 1】
JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal (Platform ③) 13:42 — [Local Bus（※3）] — Hachimantai Onsen Resort 15:32. — Stay Overnight
【Day 2】
（※4）Matsukawa Onsen 9:45 — [Local Bus] — Hachimantai Mountain Hotel 10:05 (Transfer) 10:13 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus: Enjoy the snow corridor from the window] — Hachimantai Summit 11:10
– Take photos in front of the snow corridor or enjoy shopping at the rest house –
[Weekdays] Hachimantai Summit 14:00 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 15:50
[Weekends & Holidays] Hachimantai Summit 14:55 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 17:20
（※3）You can check the local bus timetable here. (Japanese only)
（※4）Due to the closure of the Hachimantai Jukai Line, you will need to take a local bus to Hachimantai Mountain Hotel and transfer there to board the Nature Walk Bus.
《Recommended Tickets》
〔Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus dedicated tickets:〕
One-way ticket/Same-day return ticket /Accommodation guest return ticket
②Experience the Mysterious Natural Phenomenon “Hachimantai Dragon Eye” with a Guide (from May 10)
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*Images are for illustrative purposes only.
《Recommended Highlights》
▶ The Hachimantai Dragon Eye is named for how the melting snow on Kagami-numa Pond looks like a dragon’s eye.
▶ This rare natural phenomenon appears only during a limited period, from mid-May to mid-June, when snowmelt and weather conditions align.
▶ Don’t miss the chance to take a photo perfect for social media!
▶ Includes a free guided tour by a walking guide (※5) starting May 10 (※6)
(※5) Normally, guided tours are charged, but are free only for Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus users.
(※6) No free guide service is available during April 25 to May 9.
《Notice》
※ During the Dragon Eye season (mid-May to mid-June), traffic congestion is expected around the Hachimantai Summit area, which may cause delays in arrival.
《Model Course ①: Day trip version》
＊Spring＊（May 10 to June 6）
JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal (Platform ③) 9:10 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — Hachimantai Summit 11:10
－Visit the Hachimantai Dragon Eye with a walking guide.（※7）－
[Weekdays] Hachimantai Summit 14:00 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 15:50
[Weekends & Holidays] Hachimantai Summit 14:55 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 17:20
（※7）As you will be walking on snow, we recommend bringing rubber boots.
《Model Course ②: Hachimantai Onsen Village or overnight version》
＊Spring＊（May 10 to June 6）
【Day 1】
JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal (Platform ③) 13:42 — [Local Bus（※8）] — Hachimantai Onsen Resort 15:08, etc. （※9）— Stay Overnight
【Day 2】
Hachimantai Onsen Resort 10:11, etc.（※8） — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — Hachimantai Summit 11:10
－Visit the Hachimantai Dragon Eye with a walking guide.（※10）－
[Weekdays] Hachimantai Summit 14:00 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 15:50
[Weekends & Holidays] Hachimantai Summit 14:55 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 17:20
（※8）You can check the local bus timetable here. (Japanese only)
（※9）Please use the nearest bus stop to your accommodation.
（※10）As you will be walking on snow, we recommend bringing rubber boots.
《Model Course ③: Matsukawa Onsen overnight version》
＊Spring＊（May 10 to June 6）
【Day 1】
JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal (Platform ③) 13:42 — [Local Bus（※11）] — Hachimantai Onsen Resort 15:32. — Stay Overnight
【Day 2】
（※12）Matsukawa Onsen 9:45 — [Local Bus] — Hachimantai Mountain Hotel 10:05 (Transfer) 10:13 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — Hachimantai Summit 11:10
－Visit the Hachimantai Dragon Eye with a walking guide.（※13）－
[Weekdays] Hachimantai Summit 14:00 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 15:50
[Weekends & Holidays] Hachimantai Summit 14:55 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 17:20
（※11）You can check the local bus timetable here. (Japanese only)
（※12）Due to the closure of the Hachimantai Jukai Line, you will need to take a local bus to Hachimantai Mountain Hotel and transfer there to board the Nature Walk Bus.
（※13）As you will be walking on snow, we recommend bringing rubber boots.
《Recommended Tickets》
〔Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus dedicated tickets:〕
One-way ticket/Same-day return ticket /Accommodation guest return ticket
③Toshichi Onsen: Open-Air Hot Spring with Stunning Views and Lunch (from May 8)
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*Images are for illustrative purposes only.
《Recommended Highlights》
▶ A natural hot spring located at 1,400 meters above sea level, the highest in Tohoku.
▶ Enjoy a natural mud pack while taking in the spectacular views of Hachimantai.
▶ Bathing while wrapped in a towel is allowed — making it comfortable and safe for women too.
▶ Day-use bathing is available when using the Nature Walk Bus departing from Morioka at 9:10.
《Model Course》
＊Spring＊（May 8 to June 6）
JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal (Platform ③) 9:10 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — Toshichi Onsen 11:24
－Enjoy lunch and an open-air hot spring with a spectacular view at Toshichi Onsen.－
[Weekdays] Toshichi Onsen 13:46 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 15:50
[Weekends & Holidays] Toshichi Onsen 14:41 — [Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus] — JR Morioka Station East Bus terminal 17:20
《Recommended Tickets》
〔Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus dedicated tickets:〕
One-way ticket/Same-day return ticket /Accommodation guest return ticket
〔Local Bus Travel Set Ticket〕
Toshichi Onsen Scenic Open-Air Bath & Lunch Course
About the Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus (Express Bus)
八
The Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus is a seasonal express bus service for those who wish to explore the Hachimantai area. It operates daily during the season.
By using this bus, visitors can enjoy a free guided walking tour around the Hachimantai summit (※14), making it easy and enjoyable even for first-time visitors.
Fares can be paid by cash or IC transportation cards, and special bus tickets are also available.
(※14) No free guide service is available from April 25 to May 9.
《Click here for timetables and route maps.》
《Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus dedicated tickets》
Please pay the fare and show your ticket when getting off the bus.
★One-way ticket Adult \1,700 / Child \850
Recommended for day-trippers from Morioka and includes outgoing and return ticket.
★From Morioka Station- Hachimantai Area accommodation guest one-way Adult \2,300 / Child \1,150
Recommended for those who depart from Morioka, explore the summit area, and then stay overnight at Matsukawa Onsen or Hachimantai Onsen Hot Spring Resort, or explore the summit area the day after your stay and then return to Morioka.
★Hachimantai Area Pass Adult \1,600 / Child \800
Valid for one day, allowing unlimited rides between Sakura Park ~ Hachimantai Summit ~ Gozaisho. Can also be used on regular route buses operating within the area and recommended for those touring within the area.
《How to Use》
Reservations are not required for the Hachimantai Nature Walk Bus. Please purchase the dedicated tickets at the Morioka Station Bus Information Center (near East Bus terminal, Bus Stop ⑦) before boarding, then proceed to the bus stop.
《Nearby Accommodation and Facilities》
