A 2025 Iwate "Hachimantai-Matsugawa Valley" Spectacular View of the Autumn Foliage at its Best! Let's visit famous places for autumn foliage at its best!

  • Iwate
  • Sightseeing
Hachimantai Aspite Line
With the arrival of autumn, the Hachimantai area of Iwate Prefecture is enveloped in colorful autumn foliage, and the natural beauty of the area reaches its peak. The gradation of colors created by the difference in elevation and topography, as well as the view from the observatory, will surely make for a wonderful autumn foliage viewing memory. Why not take an exciting trip to Hachimantai City in Iwate Prefecture for a spectacular view in harmony with nature?

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

The autumn foliage in Hachimantai starts from the top of Mitsuishi Mountain around mid-September, and the best time to view the leaves is 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 colors of the dark 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 a workshop where visitors can experience geothermal dyeing, in which fabrics are vividly dyed with high-temperature geothermal steam. The route passes among beech, maple, and other broadleaf trees, and the scenery is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season.
The Hachimantai Jukai Line is open to traffic between the Migaritoge Pass and the Horai border. The section from Horai border to Matsukawa Onsen is still under investigation for a road cave-in that occurred in July 2024, so the opening date has not yet been determined. For details, please check the official website of the Hachimantaira City Tourist Association.
Hachimantai Aspite Line (image courtesy of Hachimantai Tourist Association)
For the official website of Hachimantai Tourist Association, visit

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

You can enjoy Hachimantai on a day trip or while staying at a hot spring resort by using the Hachimantai Nature Walking Bus, which goes directly from Morioka to Hachimantai, or by using a local bus that operates within the area!
Due to the closure of the Hachimantai Jukai Line last season, the Hachimantai Nature Walking Bus has been rerouted. Please check the official Iwate Kenpoku Bus website for details.
For details on the Hachimantai Nature Walking Bus, visit

Matsukawa Valley, a representative autumn foliage spot in the Hachimantai area

The best time to see the leaves is from mid to late October!

Matsukawa Valley is a representative autumn foliage spot in the Hachimantai area. The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from mid to late October. The highlight of Matsukawa Valley is the "Matsukawa Valley Basalt," a columnar jointed rock wall formed by columnar cracks of cooled lava. The sight of the columnar basalt towering 25 meters high and 60 meters long is breathtaking. The contrast between the bluish flow of the Matsukawa River and the colors of the autumn leaves is beautiful, and is sure to be a good photo opportunity!
Matsukawa Valley Basalt (Image courtesy of Hachimantai City Tourist Association)

Morino Ohashi Bridge overlooking Matsukawa Valley

Morino Ohashi Bridge, located near the Matsukawa Gorge Basalt Rock, is an observation point from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley. From the top of the Morino Ohashi Bridge, you can get a bird's-eye view of the basalt rock walls, mountain stream, and the expanse of autumn leaves, and in the evening, the slanting light creates a fantastic scene. From the Morino Ohashi Bridge, a boardwalk allows visitors to descend to the riverbanks for a close-up look at the rock surfaces.
View from the Mori no Ohashi Bridge

Take a hot spring bath at Matsukawa Onsen Hot Spring to get poka-poka!

Near the Matsukawa Valley basalt rocks and the Morino Ohashi Bridge is Matsukawa Onsen, a hot spring located in a quiet mountainous area. Three inns scattered along the mountain stream welcome travelers with their hot spring baths. The history of Matsukawa Onsen dates back about 250 years, and it has long been popular among the locals. The spring is characterized by its simple hydrogen sulfide spring water, which warms the body from deep within even in the cold season.

Each inn has its own unique open-air baths, and enjoying a hot-spring tour is a luxurious experience that is unique to Matsukawa Onsen.

Autumn foliage, hot springs, and a drive with a spectacular view. Enjoy a luxurious holiday in Hachimantai in autumn!

What did you think? The Hachimantai area is full of photo-worthy spots that are both healing and inspiring. Why not take a relaxing break at Matsukawa Onsen and go on an autumn trip surrounded by the beauty of nature?

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.
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles