In this excursion we’ll visit several of the best spots in the southern section of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, focusing on areas bursting with volcanic activity. Most locations will involve a little walking, but usually no more than an hour in any one place, so it’s a casual activity appropriate for all ages and levels of physical fitness.

I customize this tour based on the season, but from 4/15 through 11/5 the tour will include the following:

1. Walk through a massive field of hardened lava from a 1732 eruption with a stunning view of Mt. Iwate.
2. Make a brief stop along the Matsukawa River to view basalt columns from earlier volcanic activity.
3. Casual hike around the summit of Hachimantai, an alpine wetland with numerous ponds formed by volcanic activity, and gorgeous alpine flora including 3 varieties of carnivorous plant.
4. Visit two active volcanic areas on the Akita side of the park, with bubbling geysers, mud volcanoes, dramatically gushing sulfur vents, and the most acidic river in all Japan, boiling bright blue and yellow.
5. (OPTIONAL): Visit a small local museum detailing the history of the Matsuo Sulfur Mine and the environmental impacts it still causes to this day, and learn about the famous ruined apartment complex above the clouds.
6. (SEASONAL): In May and early June, we can also visit the sunken forest of Akita, where two dams form a lake leaving just the tops of dozens of trees poking out of stunning beautiful blue waters.
7. (OPTIONAL): When time allows, we also can stop at Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan (423m deep!) and visit a shrine dedicated to a dragon goddess that was once a mortal woman – and learn her story.

What to bring:

1. Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
2. A wind-breaker or something a bit warmer, as the summit area of Hachimantai is always much cooler than lower areas.
3. A backpack
4. Your camera!

This is an all-day tour that will start in the morning and have us back in Morioka by late afternoon or early evening. We’ll stop at a convenience store on the way out of town to buy food for lunch, as there aren’t any restaurants in the areas that we’ll be.

Cost:

The cost of this tour varies based on the season and number of participants, but the total will be in the ballpark of 40,000 yen. Inquire directly via the contact form for more details!