The Hachimantai Dragon Eye is a mysterious sight caused by a natural phenomenon of Kagami-Numa Lake, located near the summit of Mt. Hachimantai from late May to early June. The snow falls and piles up over the lake during winter. When the spring comes and it starts to thaw, the snow in the middle creates a ring. Then the sunlight and the color of the sky shines on it, creating the Dragon Eye. Near Kagami-Numa Lake is the emerald-green Megane-Numa Lake, which has recently been dubbed the “Tears of Dragon” and is popular among tourists along with the Dragon Eye. The area around Kagami-Numa Lake, where you can easily take a stroll while straddling the border between prefectures, has many craters created by steam explosions, and you can see many swamps such as the Hachiman-Numa Lake and the Gama-Numa Lake, whose water accumulates in these craters. The view from the observatory is also recommended. Be sure to enjoy the vast panorama of nature when you visit.
After seeing the dragon eye, stop by some nearby places to eat and enjoy beautiful seasonal views.
The information center of Hachimantai Dragon Eye

A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Snowmelt

Toshichi Onsen is located 1,400m above sea level in Tohoku’s highest mountainous area. Nestled in the mountains, Saiunso hot spring is a hidden gem where visitors can enjoy a soak in a mountain lodge oozing with rustic charm. The Onsen features open air baths with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty. The hot spring features a popular mixed-gender open-air bath with milky-white sulphuric spring water bubbling up from below. The Onsen also has indoor baths for men and women and a separate open-air bath for women. Large bath towels are available at the on-site shop for visitors wanting to bathe in the mixed-gender hot spring.
The simple sulphuric water is said to be beneficial for high blood pressure, diabetes, arteriosclerosis and a range of other ailments. Toshichi Onsen also offers a unique mud bath utilising the spring’s natural salt-rich sediments. The natural mud mask leaves skin smooth and silky!
The view from the open-air baths takes in the popular snow walls of the Aspite Line and the Jukai Line in late April. The Onsen is refreshing with pleasant breezes even in summer thanks to its location. In October guests can enjoy the orange tint of the milky-white hot spring water’s morning glow thanks to the vibrant surrounding autumn foliage.
Please note that Toshichi Onsen opens from late April to late October and is closed during winter. Roads between Hachimantai Chojo and Toshichi Onsen are closed during the night-time throughout the year.
Enjoy sampling the local speciality “Seasoned Black Eggs”, eggs hard-boiled in the hot spring water and seasoned with salt, as part of your hot spring experience in the magnificent natural surroundings of Hachimantai!
A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Hot springs

Mount Hachimantai is a mountainous plateau rising 1,613m above sea level stretching over Iwate and Akita prefectures. The Hachimantai Aspite Line is a 27km driving route traversing Mount Hachimantai from the Gozaisho Wetlands to Toroko Onsen. The driving route is closed during winter (early November to mid-April) after which it is lined by snow walls, known as the Snow Corridor, formed by snowploughs cutting through the deep snow drifts.
Many people come here to enjoy the scenic drive when the line reopens in mid-April, when hoar frosts can also be seen. This unique scenic drive can be enjoyed until early May. Along the 27km Snow Corridor, the longest in Japan, the snow walls rise up to 8m as the road stretches up the mountain.
Visitors can also enjoy cherry blossom viewings at the foot of Mount Hachimantai after the unique drive along the Snow Corridor. The “Cherry Blossoms and Snow Corridor” sightseeing bus is available during the blossom season.
The rest house at the top of Mount Hachimantai offers splendid panoramic views.
The nearby Toshichi Onsen is the perfect place to have a relaxing break while driving in the mountains.

Appi Kogen is a 2,000-hectare stretch of highlands 800m to 900m above sea level. The highlands are home to a grove of white birches, grasslands and primeval forests of beeches and golden birches as well as a ski resort lined with chic hotels modelled on European ski resorts.
Appi Kogen Dairy Farm offers a range of dairy products including ice cream made with fresh milk, along with dog recreation areas and an animal petting zoo. The peaceful natural surroundings are refreshing for all the family!
For active holidaymakers, tennis and golf are available during spring and summer and trekking through the natural surroundings is widely enjoyed. Skiing is a very popular activity during winter and can be enjoyed until early May thanks to the excellent snow conditions.
Appi Kogen Onsen is the perfect place to relax after an active day of summer or winter sports. The mild alkaline water is said to promote beautiful skin.
Enjoy an active day out in these incredible natural surroundings and relax in a hot spring afterwards!

Mount Hachimantai is a mountainous plateau rising 1,613m above sea level stretching over Iwate and Akita prefectures. Thanks to its volcanic nature, Hachimantai Onsenkyo is home to a range of excellent hot springs including Tamagawa Onsen, Goshogake Onsen, Fukenoyu Onsen, Obuka Onsen and Onuma Onsen in Akita and Toshichi Onsen in Iwate.
These Onsen are popular with people coming for hot spring treatments. Among them, Tamagawa Onsen is especially popular as its water has been said since ancient times to be beneficial for all kinds of ailments. Goshogake Onsen features seven different hot spring baths including a mud bath and unique wooden-box steam baths, while Toshichi Onsen at the highest point of Tohoku offers an open-air bath with stunning panoramic views of the natural surroundings as well as the chance to have a fantastic soak under the starry night sky.
Located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, visitors can enjoy trekking in the natural surroundings and then refresh in a hot spring afterwards.
Close to the Hachimantai Aspite Line, Hachimantai Onsenkyo is the perfect place to have a rest while enjoying a scenic drive. The driving route features the famous Snow Corridor, with incredible snow walls as high as eight metres on either side of the road.

Saikaen is one of the best farms in Hachimantai for tasting strawberries and enjoying flowers. From January to the end of June, five varieties can be picked and eaten allowing you to enjoy the ripe, sweet taste that can only be experienced on the farm. (The strawberries are not sold offsite and must be consumed at the farm.)
* Reservation is not required for strawberry picking, however, you may inquire as to availability by phone.* Condensed milk (for eating with the strawberries) is sold onsite; you may also bring your own.* Entry to the strawberry farm is limited to those who have paid the entry fee.* The temperature inside the greenhouses can be high, so please wear clothing that you can easily adjust.

With a history stretching back over 120 years, Koiwai Farm is an important local landmark with part of its vast 3,000-hectare grounds, known as “Makiba-en”, open to the public. Visitors can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings, learn about the production of a range of dairy products and visit some of the 21 buildings on the farm designated Important Cultural Properties.
The precious buildings include the farm’s original head office referenced in the work of the acclaimed poet Kenji Miyazawa, along with a number of cattle barns and silos. Most of the functioning buildings were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A number of guided tours are available, those that take a look inside these buildings not generally open to the public are particularly popular. The forest rejuvenation tour is another favourite with visitors. The tour travels around the farm’s private forest area on a special tractor-pulled carriage and includes a guided walk in the woodlands.
A wide range of activities is available including horseback riding, butter churning, trampolining and shepherding performances.
Visitors can enjoy sampling a number of dishes and sweets made with fresh farm produce. Their ice cream made with fresh milk produced on the farm in particular is a must-try!
On winter evenings the farm transforms into a magical wonderland of colourful illuminated displays, one of the most popular winter attractions in Tohoku, fascinating its many visitors.
The farm’s famous lone cherry blossom tree, standing alone in a field with Mount Iwate in the background, is simply beautiful when in full bloom.
A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Outdoor activities