Hachimantai driving guide: Aspite Line, hot springs and Lake Tazawa

Hachimantai straddles the Iwate–Akita border, covering Hachimantai City in Iwate and Kazuno and Semboku in Akita. From the Iwate side, the Hachimantai Aspite Line climbs to Mikaeri Pass near the summit, then descends into Akita toward Onuma and Goshogake Onsen. National Route 341 continues past Tamagawa Onsen to Lake Tazawa. On the eastern side of the area is Mount Iwate's Yakehashiri Lava Flow.

This guide sets out a one-day drive from Nishine over Hachimantai to Lake Tazawa, with lists of roads and places to stop.

Map of the Hachimantai area

The map line shows the route under “A first day: Nishine over Hachimantai to Lake Tazawa” below. Numbered stops are green for sights and nature, and blue for roadside stations. Tap a number to see its name.

Recommended drives

A first day: Nishine over Hachimantai to Lake Tazawa

Start at Nishine roadside station, visit Yakehashiri Lava Flow, then climb the Hachimantai Aspite Line to Mikaeri Pass and the Hachimantai Summit Rest House. Descend into Akita for Onuma and Goshogake Onsen, then follow National Route 341 past Tamagawa Onsen to Lake Tazawa.

The route is about 105km, with roughly 1 hour 45 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude traffic.

From October 16, the Aspite Line closes every night from 17:00 to 8:30 the next morning. Its winter closure begins at 17:00 on November 4, with reopening planned for April 15, 2027. Cross the summit after 8:30 and be outside the closure gates by 17:00.

The Jukai Line does not connect through to Matsukawa Onsen

The Hachimantai Jukai Line, Prefectural Route 318, is closed all day between the section below Toshichi Onsen and the section above Matsukawa Onsen because of a July 2024 landslide. You cannot drive through from the summit to Matsukawa Onsen. Toshichi Onsen is accessible only from the Mikaeri Pass side.

The spring snow corridor

When the Aspite Line reopens in mid-April, walls of snow line both sides of the road. It reopened on April 15 in 2026.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

Sunset in Morioka is at 16:35 on October 31 and 16:20 on November 15.

Closures and restrictions as of October 27

• The Aspite Line closes nightly from 17:00 to 8:30, with its winter closure beginning at 17:00 on November 4.
• The Jukai Line is closed all day from below Toshichi Onsen to above Matsukawa Onsen.
• Mount Iwate is at volcanic alert level 1, but access restrictions remain at the Nanataki trailhead. Akita-Yakeyama is also at level 1, with some trails closed because of volcanic gas.
• National Route 46 has alternating one-way traffic for roadworks on the Iwate side until November 27.

Getting there and fuel

Tokyo-bound Hanawa SA on the Tohoku Expressway has a fuel station open 8:00–20:00. Fill up in Morioka, Nishine or Kazuno before heading into the mountains.

Fit winter tires if you plan to cross Hachimantai at this time of year.

If you don't have a car

Find providers in the Iwate car rental list. Read the guides to driving permits for Japan and airport car rental pickup before booking. For a cold-season trip, see the guide to winter road closures.

Frequently asked questions

Until when can I drive the Hachimantai Aspite Line?

In 2026, the winter closure starts at 17:00 on November 4, with reopening planned for April 15, 2027. Until then, the road is still closed every night from 17:00 to 8:30.

Where should I drive for a first day in Hachimantai?

Start at Nishine, visit Yakehashiri Lava Flow, then take the Aspite Line over Mikaeri Pass. Continue via Onuma, Goshogake Onsen and Tamagawa Onsen to Lake Tazawa. The route covers about 105km and 1 hour 45 minutes of driving.

Can I drive from the summit through to Matsukawa Onsen?

No. The Jukai Line between the section below Toshichi Onsen and the section above Matsukawa Onsen has been closed since the July 2024 landslide.

Is there parking at the Hachimantai summit?

Hachimantai Observatory car park is at Mikaeri Pass. Passenger cars cost ¥500, or ¥1,000 for passenger cars at least 5m long.

Can I visit Hachimantai in winter?

The Aspite and Jukai lines close from November 4. Matsukawa Onsen remains open in winter. To reach Kyounso by car from November to April, you need studless winter tires and four-wheel drive.

Nearby areas and guides

• Iwate driving and travel guide