Hachimantai, Matsukawa Valley, Iwate: Spectacular views of the autumn foliage! Let's visit famous places for autumn foliage!

  • Iwate
  • Sightseeing
View from Morino Ohashi Bridge (Image courtesy of Hachimantai Tourist Association)

Drive along the Aspite Line and Jukai Line for spectacular autumn foliage.

The autumn foliage in Hachimantai begins around mid-September at the top of Mitsuishi Mountain, and is at its best around the foot of Hachimantai around mid-October. There are two sightseeing roads in Hachimantai where you can enjoy the spectacular autumn colors while driving. The Hachimantai Aspite Line connects Iwate and Akita prefectures, offering a panoramic view of the colorful autumn foliage, with the deep green of the ash trees, the yellow of the downy birch, and the red of the nanakamado (Betula maximowicziana). The Jukai Line is a road connecting Matsukawa Onsen and the Mibetsu Pass on the Hachimantai Aspite Line. There are some unique sightseeing points in Hachimantai, such as Horai border - Toshichi Onsen and a workshop where you can experience geothermal dyeing. The route passes through beech, maple, and other broad-leaved trees, and is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season. *The Hachimantai Jukai Line is closed to all traffic all day for the time being due to a road cave-in, effective July 3, 2024. For details, please check the official website of the Hachimantaira City Tourist Association.
For the official website of the Hachimantai Tourist Association, visit
Hachimantai Aspite Line (Image courtesy of Hachimantai Tourist Association)

The Hachimantai Nature Walking Bus is recommended for the autumn foliage in Hachimantai.

You can enjoy Hachimantai while taking a day trip or staying overnight at a hot spring resort by using the Hachimantai Nature Walking Bus, which goes directly from Morioka to Hachimantai, or a local bus that operates within the area!
The Hachimantai Jukai Line is closed to traffic all day long for the time being due to a road cave-in, effective July 3, 2024. Therefore, the Hachimantai Nature Walking Bus will be detoured. For details, please check the official website of Iwate Kenpoku Bus.
For more information about the Hachimantai Nature Walking Bus, visit
Matsukawa Valley Basalt (Image courtesy of Hachimantai City Tourist Association)
Matsukawa Valley is a representative autumn foliage spot in the Hachimantai area. In particular, the view from the Morino Ohashi Bridge on the prefectural road leading to Matsukawa Onsen Hot Spring and the autumn colors of the basalt rocks in Matsukawa Valley are spectacular. The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from mid-October to late October. Visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves while soaking in the open-air hot spring baths at Matsukawa Onsen Onsen.

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

You can create your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product available exclusively on the web at
that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation for both at once.
Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to get a discount. We also offer day trip plans! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and
objectives.

Click here for details

For train + accommodation reservations in the Iwate area, please visit [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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