Japan’s snow monsters are formed by just the right combination of wind, humidity, and temperature at high elevations on Maries’ fir trees. Zao is the most famous place to see them, followed by Hakkoda and then Moriyoshi. Hachimantai, which has the largest area of snow monsters and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, is the only location without a ropeway or gondola to take you right there. It takes a good two hours of snowshoeing to reach them, preventing most people from visiting. When you do make the trek out, you’ve usually got the entire area all to yourself. It’s beyond spectacular.

We’ll start the hike from a small ski resort, and hike up to the summit area of Mount Hachimantai, which is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan (if you’re counting). The route is roughly 12km with 550 - 700 meters of elevation gain (depending on if we use the chair lift at the start). Depending on conditions and pace, it can take 4.5 to 6 hours in total including lunch and photo breaks.

If conditions are good, this hike is not too strenuous. There is only one rather short segment that is steep, the rest is quite gentle. In January it is more difficult, as walking through deep powder can be tiring. By late February and into March the snow is usually hard packed, making snowshoeing a breeze. On days with good visibility, the views are breathtaking. On days with poor visibility, it still can be quite beautiful in an otherworldly sense.

Snowshoes and poles are provided.

・Required Equipment: Waterproof shell jacket and pants, base layer, fleece layers, wool socks, gaiters, liner and outer gloves, warm hat Full leather Waterproof Hiking Boots or Mountaineering Boots

Pickup at Morioka Station. We’ll stop at a convenience store on the way there to get food and drinks for the day. Lunch will be amongst the snow monsters.