You can enjoy the tour until spring! Enjoy "Hakkouda no Juhyo" and "Sangayu Onsen" in Aomori!

  • Aomori
  • Sightseeing
Hakkoda in Winter
Do you know Mt. Hakkoda in Aomori City? It is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, and while you can enjoy climbing the mountain in lush greenery in summer and viewing the autumn leaves in fall, it is also a spot where you can enjoy the spectacular view of fluffy powder snow and snow from winter to spring. In this issue, we will show you the charms of Hakkoda, which can be reached by a single bus from Aomori Station, the base for sightseeing, or Shin-Aomori Station, the arrival station of the Shinkansen bullet train!

Visit Hakkouda in the snow with spectacular views

Hakkoda is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan and is located at the northern end of the Ou Mountains, roughly in the center of Aomori Prefecture. The 10 peaks, including the 1,584-meter high main peak (Oodake), Takada-Oodake, Idodake, Akakura-dake, and Mae-dake, are called "North Hakkoda" and the 6 peaks, including Kushigamine, are called "South Hakkoda," collectively called the "Hakkoda mountain range. The Hakkoda mountain range is called the "Hakkoda mountain range.

After about 1 to 1.5 hours by JR bus from Aomori or Shin-Aomori Stations, you will arrive at "Hakkoda Ropeway Station". Purchase a ticket at the nearby ropeway station building at the foot of the mountain, board the ropeway, and in about 10 minutes, you will see a spectacular winter view unfold before your eyes! The all-white world is breathtakingly beautiful.
JR buses to Hakkoda accept Suica, PASMO, and other transportation system IC cards.
All-white world

How to enjoy the "snow monster" ice formation?

In addition to the ice on Mt. Hakkoda, there are the ice on Mt. Zao, located on the border between Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures, and the ice on Mt. The ice and snow cover and grow on the many Abies sachalinensis trees that grow in Hakkoda, completely covering the trees and giving them the name "Snow Monster. The snow monster can be seen within walking distance from the ropeway terminal in Hakkoda, so even those who are not good at winter sports can visit the area.
The otherworldly atmosphere of the juhyō (frost covered trees) spreading out
Monster-like ice formations walking in one direction
Juhyō is a rare phenomenon that can only be seen in a very limited number of places around the world, so be sure to see it with your own eyes and feel its size and power. It makes quite an impact and is sure to be a memorable part of your trip. The best time to see the juhyo is usually by February, but depending on the snowfall after that, you may be able to see it even in March. However, it is quite cold at the top of the ropeway, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
Fluffy icebergs we came across while backcountry skiing
Aomori city can be seen through the juhyo

Backcountry skiing is available until mid-May!

Hakkoda is one of the snowiest areas in the world, so you can enjoy the popular backcountry activities until spring (usually around mid-May). Let's go out with snowshoes and other equipment with an expert mountain guide! You can enjoy the snow to your heart's content, walking along the trails while enjoying the surrounding scenery, and finally sliding down the slopes on skis or snowboards. With a guide, you can take a route that would be difficult to take alone, giving you a special experience.

Please experience one of Japan's three most famous tree ice formations, "Hakkouda Juhyo," up close and personal.â
A snow-monster mountain lodge we came across while backcountry skiing (center photo)
Hakkouda ropeway official website is here

When your body gets cold, go to Sangayu Onsen (hot spring).

After enjoying Mt. Hakkoda, head to Sukagayu Onsen (hot spring) to warm up your cold body, a 15-minute ride by JR bus from the ropeway station. The snow-covered hot springs of Sukagayu are quite atmospheric. (Please note that buses are infrequent.)

Sukayu Onsen is a famous hot spring known as a therapeutic bath since the Edo period. Located at an altitude of approximately 925 m in the Hakkouda Mountains, it is crowded with tourists all year round, not only as a hot-spring cure but also as a base for mountain climbing and mountain skiing in the Hakkouda Mountains. It was designated as "National Recreational Hot Spring Resort No. 1" in 1954 as an excellent hot spring resort with a well-developed environment, thanks to its various therapeutic effects, abundant water flow, and accommodation facilities that can accommodate approximately 260 people.
Sukagayu Onsen standing in the snow
One of the most famous features of Sourgayu Onsen is the "Hiba Senninburo," a large, historic, mixed bathing facility. The baths are made of hiba (cypress) and boast an area of 160 tatami mats, and four different sources can be enjoyed: "hot water," "cold water," "quarter hot water," and "hot waterfall. The "hot water" stays warm for a long time and warms the body afterwards. Shiwenrokubun-no-yu" feels hotter than "hot water of heat," but its warmth lasts shorter than that of "hot water of heat," and it is said to warm from four to six minutes, hence its name. In the "Shiwen-rokubun-no-yu," there is a "tsukidate" that leads from the women's changing room to the middle of the bath, so that visitors can bathe without the eyes of the opposite sex. If you are still concerned, you can rent a bathing suit made of a solid fabric from the Acugayu Onsen store.
Hiba Senjinburo (hiba) bath in Sakagayu Onsen (courtesy of Sakagayu Onsen)
If you are not comfortable with mixed bathing, head to "Tama-no-yu," a separate bathhouse for men and women. The bathtubs are smaller than those in the Senninburo baths, but the water is of similar quality. Both men's and women's baths are equipped with showers, so it is a good idea to relax in the Tama-no-yu after enjoying the atmosphere of the Hiba Senninburo for a while.
Tama-no-yu (female)

After bathing, relax at the "Mitaka Salon

After warming up in the hot spring, relax in the "Ontakatakataka Salon. This is a rest area that can be used by day-trip bathers, and you can relax in a space with a wood-burning stove and rocking chairs. Inside the salon, there is a replica of a work by Munakata Shiko, the printmaker who gave the salon its name, so you can feel the history of this spot.
On the left: Ontakatakatakataka Salon
Window space for relaxing after taking a bath

Acagayu Onsen" is being introduced in the series of "Chi/onsen" (hot springs)!

Sourgayu Onsen official website is here

Hakkoda is recommended in any season!

What do you think of Hakkouda's charms? We recommend visiting in the summer to feel the freshness of the trees and the spectacular autumn foliage, but there is also the wintertime enjoyment of the ice formed by the trees. Hakkouda has its own charm no matter what time of year you visit.

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
Information as of November 2025.
The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
All images are for reference only.
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles