The Hachimantai mountains on the border of Iwate and Akita prefectures offer day trippers that perfect combination of gorgeous alpine scenery with easy-to-access trails. Boasting slightly cooler climes than the base of the mountain experiences in summer, this is the place to escape to when the heat is too much. The two-hour, relaxing ramble along the Lake Onuma Nature Trail is an ideal way to get a taste of the region. Hundreds of species of flora and fauna make their home in the alpine highlands so keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready!
- 1 min read
Summer in the Hachimantai Mountains
Verdant marshland and alpine flowers

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

A butterfly lands on a flower along the Lake Onuma trail

August is a good time to catch several species of wildflowers in bloom

As the trail is comprised mostly of boardwalks, hikers need not worry about trampling delicate alpine flora

A reflective lake near the end of the loop

An eye-catching alpine flower

The scenery is mostly marshland and lakes, with mountains forming the backdrop

The stunning orange flowers dotted the hillsides near the trail
Information
Hachimantai City Tourism Association 1-28 Kashiwadai, Hachimantai-shi, Iwate-ken 028-7303 (Directions)
Join the discussion
Olga
9 years ago
Such a great selection of pictures with beautiful nature!
Thank you, Olga! This are reminded me very much of the wetland in Oita I recently visited.
Justin Velgus
9 years ago
Wonderful introduction. A stroll along the plank-covered walkways looks fun.
Thank you, Justin! I like to hike paths that are slightly more challenging but this nature walk was perfect to do with my daughter and friends.
4 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
2
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
3
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
4
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
5
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
6
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
7
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
8
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
9
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
10
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
5
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
6
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
7
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
9
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
10
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture