A superb view! Let's go see the "Shichidaki Ice Fall", a 30-meter waterfall frozen over [Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture

  • Iwate
  • Experience Gifu
Icefalls are formed when water from a waterfall freezes due to the cold outside air in winter.
It is an art of nature unique to northern Japan and limited to areas where temperatures remain below freezing.
Here are some spots in the Hachimantai area of Iwate Prefecture where you can easily go to see such seasonal spectacular scenery.

Iwate Prefectural Forest "Shichidaki Ice Fall

The Iwate Prefectural Forest is located near Hachimantai Onsenkyo in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture.
There, you will find the powerful "Shichidaki Ice Falls," where "Shichidaki Falls" with a drop of 30 meters form giant icicles.
The ice usually begins to freeze in late December and is at its peak from late January to early February.
The sight of the giant waterfalls gradually freezing over is a beautiful work of ice art that attracts visitors many times during the season, with new encounters to be had every time they visit.
Snowshoeing through the snowy forests, you can see the footprints of rabbits, squirrels, Japanese serows, and other wild animals left on the snow, or observe mistletoe at almost arm's length.
It is also a great place to observe nature in a way that is not possible during the green season.
Moreover, walking with a local guide doubles the fun!
Snowshoe rentals are available for those who join a guided tour, so even those without equipment can easily participate.

Iwate Prefectural Forest "Shichidaki Ice Fall Tour

The Shichidaki Ice Fall Tour is organized by Forest Eye, the Iwate Prefectural Citizens' Forest Management Office.
The 3-kilometer one-way route from the Shichidaki trailhead is a leisurely walk while observing the winter forest.
Private guides are also available, so please contact the Iwate Prefectural Forest for more details.
In the forest in midwinter, the snow cover makes the eye level higher. Mistletoe, which is usually found in a high position, can be seen up close.
Squirrel tracks on the snow. Can you tell which way it is going?
For the HP of Iwate Kenmin-no Mori (Iwate Prefectural Forest), visit

Hachimantai Mountain Hotel "Shichidaki Ice Fall Snowshoe Tour

Hachimantai Mountain Hotel, which has the Hachimantai Resort Panorama Ski Area, is located right next to the Iwate Kenmin-no Mori.
The Nanadaki Ice Fall Snowshoe Tour offered by this hotel uses the ski lifts to gain altitude, crosses a valley, and traverses through the forest to reach Nanadaki Ice Fall.
For more information, please contact Hachimantai Mountain Hotel.
For the HP of Hachimantai Mountain Hotel, visit

After the tour, you can indulge in Hachimantai's food!

After exercising on a snowshoe tour, you can enjoy local food at a nearby restaurant.
Located about 1 km from the Iwate Kenmin-no Mori (Iwate Prefecture Citizens' Forest), where the Nanadaki Icefall is located, the Northern Grande Hachimantai is a restaurant that uses a variety of ingredients from Iwate Hachimantai.
The popular menu item, "Iwate Shorthorn Beef Stewed in Red Wine," is paired with an original wine made from mountain grapes from Hachimantai City.
Be sure to try this as well!
Shorthorn beef stewed in red wine (3,500 yen for a single dish. + 4,050 yen for a set including salad, cup of soup, and bread)
For the HP of Northern Grande Hachimantai, visit
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