Mount Hakkoda (八甲田山) is a volcanic mountain range located in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The range is known for its beautiful scenery, hot springs, and winter sports.
The highest peak in the range is Mount Odake, which rises to 1,584 meters (5,200 feet). Mount Hakkoda is covered in dense forests of beech and other deciduous trees, which transform into a brilliant display of colors during autumn.
During winter, Mount Hakkoda is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with deep snow and steep slopes attracting both beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts. The mountain range is also famous for its “snow monsters,” or “juhyo” in Japanese, formed when snow and wind create unique, eerie shapes on the trees.
In warmer months, Mount Hakkoda is a popular hiking and trekking destination, with various trails and routes offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. One of the most scenic spots is the view from the Hakkoda Ropeway.
The mountain range is also home to several hot springs, notably Sukayu Onsen, one of the oldest and most traditional hot spring resorts in Japan, renowned for its large, acidic mixed-gender outdoor bath called the “Seninnburo” (thousand-person bath). The breathtaking view from Jogakura Bridge is another highlight of the area.
Getting there
By Bus
From Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station:
- Take the JR Tohoku Bus to Hakkoda Ropeway Station
- Journey time: About 60-80 minutes
- Cost: 1,290 yen one way
- Operates year-round, but winter schedule may differ
By Taxi
From Aomori Station:
- Fixed-price taxi to Hakkoda Ropeway Sanroku Station
- Cost: 6,000 yen for a regular car (4 people), 7,500 yen for a jumbo taxi (9 people)
- Journey time: About 50 minutes
By Car
- About 45-50 minutes drive from Aomori Station
- Parking available at the Hakkoda Ropeway base station for about 350 cars
Hakkoda Ropeway
| Hours | March – early November / 9:00 AM – 4:20 PM Mid-November to February / 9:00 AM – 3:40 PM |
| Fare | One way Adults: 1,400 yen Children: 450 yen Round trip Adults: 2,200 yen Children: 700 yen |
| Phone | 0177380343 |
| Address | Kansuizawa-1-12 Arakawa, Aomori, 030-0111 |
| Official Website | http://www.hakkoda-ropeway.jp/service |
