Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Best trails in Towada-Hachimantai National Park

3.9(419 reviews)

·

Japan
: 
#13 of 29 national parks

All photos

Towada-Hachimantai National Park is known as a place where you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery all year round. The park has beautiful lakes and various hot springs surrounded by ancient volcanic counties and snow-capped mountains. In spring, the mountains are filled with alpine plants, and the lush green leaves of the forest are a sight to behold. In autumn, the colorful leaves create a breathtaking landscape. Towada-Hachimantai National Park is home to various so-called power spots, where visitors can visit historic ancient roads and shrines, and hear about the many folk tales and legends that exist in the area.

In the Towada/Hakkoda region, Nyuto Onsen is located in Oirase Gorge, Mt. Hakkoda, which is a nationally designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, and Lake Towada (ideal for cruises and sightseeing). Additionally, many people enjoy snowboarding and skiing during the winter season.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Oirase-Keiryu (Oirase Stream) Long Trail Course

    4.7 (98)·Moderate·8.9 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    This trail is the world-famous walk along the Oirase Stream. The stream and gorge are protected as a Special Natural Monument. The path is a stunning journey that follows the stream as it flows down from Lake Towada. The stream is renowned for its stunning cascades, including dozens of small waterfalls that cascade directly onto the path. You will be walking through a magnificent, ancient forest of native Japanese beech and Katsura trees.

  2. #2 - Hakkoda Mountains Loop

    4.3 (37)·Hard·7.3 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    This hike is a breathtaking journey through a volcanic wonderland. You will walk on wooden boardwalks through the famous Tamoyachi Marsh, a stunning high-altitude wetland dotted with alpine ponds. The path then climbs to the summit of Mount Odake, the highest peak in the range. The area is a treasure trove of alpine flowers in summer and is famous for its snow monsters in winter. The trail ends at Sukayu Onsen, a 300-year-old hot spring famous for its massive 1,000-person bath.

  3. #3 - Tsuta Onsen Loop

    4.6 (45)·Moderate·1.7 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr

  4. #4 - Mount Odake

    4.6 (25)·Hard·5 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Mount Otake / Mt. Odake (大岳) is the highest peak in the Hakkoda Mountains. This mountain has a 360-degree view overlooking the magnificent northern land from the mountains of Tohoku to Hokkaido. This trail starts from Sukayu Onsen and heads to Mount Odake, and this is also useful for winter climbing.

  5. #5 - Mount Akita-Komagatake

    4.7 (22)·Hard·3.6 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Mount Akita-Komagatake (秋田駒ヶ岳) The highest peak of Akita prefecture, which is located at the southern end of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Mount Akita-Komagatake is a general name of three peaks, Mount Onamedake, Mount Odake, and Mount Medake. The trail takes you through magnificent landscapes of Mount Chokai, Mount Iwate, and Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, and an abundance of alpine plants.

  6. #6 - Mount Iwate: Nanataki Course

    4.3 (32)·Hard·12 mi·Est. 8.5–9.5 hr
    Mount Iwate: Nanataki Course (岩手山: 七滝コース) This trail takes you to the summit of Mount Iwate which is volcanic mountain. You will be hiking through waterfalls, volcano valleys, wetlands and crater lakes.

  7. #7 - Lake Towada - Oirase Gorge - Matsumi Falls

    4.8 (18)·Hard·28.8 mi·Est. 13–14.5 hr
    Lake Towada - Oirase Gorge - Matsumi Falls (十和田湖 - 奥入瀬渓流 - 松見の滝) A two-day trekking course that takes you along two promenades to the beautiful Oirase Gorge and Matsumi Falls. The Oirase Gorge is designated as a special place of scenic beauty and a protected natural monument by the government. There are many places to see, including waterfalls, clear streams, and rocks in the area. The contrast of the deep moss-green forest and the multiple waterfalls are spectacular. This route stops at...

  8. #8 - Hachimantai Nature Observation Trail Course

    4.7 (15)·Moderate·2.5 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Hachimantai Nature Observation Trail Course (八幡平自然探勝路コース) This trail departs from Hachimantai Mountaintop Rest House and takes you through the magnificent nature of Hachimantai which include alpine flower fields, lakes and ponds created by volcanic activities.

  9. #9 - Mount Iwate: Yanagisawa Course (New Road)

    4.4 (24)·Hard·3.5 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    This trail ascends an active stratovolcano, navigating a landscape defined by past and present volcanism. The route begins in beech and birch forests but quickly emerges onto exposed fields of hardened, black andesitic lava from the 1719 eruption. The upper section of the trail is a steep climb over loose volcanic gravel and ash, requiring careful footing. Near the summit, the path skirts active fumaroles and sulfur vents, particularly within the Ohachi-daira caldera.

  10. #10 - Mount Hachimantai Loop

    4.7 (9)·Easy·1.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Mount Hachimantai Loop (八幡平山頂ループ) This course starts from Hachimantai Mountaintop Rest House and heads to the summit of Mount Hachimantai. The trail is well maintained, and you can enjoy the nature of Hachimantai, such as alpine flower fields, and the lakes created by volcanic activity.
Showing results 1–10 of 64
Explore more trails
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Towada-Hachimantai National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Towada-Hachimantai National Park is Oirase-Keiryu (Oirase Stream) Long Trail Course, which has a 4.7 star rating from 98 reviews. This trail is 8.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,381 ft.

What is the longest trail in Towada-Hachimantai National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Towada-Hachimantai National Park is Lake Towada Loop. This trail is estimated to be 29.6 mi long.

How many trails are in Towada-Hachimantai National Park?

There are 64 trails in Towada-Hachimantai National Park.These trails have an average 3.9-star ratingfrom 419 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Towada-Hachimantai National Park?

Mount Maemori - Mount Hachimantai - Mount Iwate has the most elevation gain with 8,005 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Yachi Onsen - Mount Takada-Odake - Mount Hinadake, which has 5,826 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Towada-Hachimantai National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 48 camping trails in Towada-Hachimantai National Park and the most popular is Hakkoda Mountains Loop with an average 4.3 star rating from 37 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Towada-Hachimantai National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Towada-Hachimantai National Park and the most popular is Oirase-Keiryu (Oirase Stream) Long Trail Course with an average 4.7 star rating from 98 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Towada-Hachimantai National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Towada-Hachimantai National Park which is Lake Towada Loop with an average 0.0 star rating from 0 community reviews.