Hakkoda Mountains

The Hakkoda Mountains, together with Mt. Iwaki, are one of Aomori Prefecture’s signature mountain destinations and are selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Although the name "Hakkoda" sounds like it refers to a single peak, it actually describes the Hakkoda mountain range in a volcanic zone. That said, the peak most commonly associated with "Mt. Hakkoda" is Mt. Odake, which rises to 1,585 meters. The name "Hakkoda" is said to come from the many shield-like ridges ("hachi" meaning "many," and "ko" referring to armor/shields) and the numerous marshy plateaus (tashiro) found on the mountains. Highlights of the Hakkoda area include the "Hakkoda Gourd Line" walking course that begins from the Hakkoda Ropeway summit station; the Tsuta Seven Lakes and Suiren-numa, well known for autumn foliage; the arched Jogakura Ohashi Bridge with panoramic views of the Hakkoda range; and Kayano Plateau, where you can picnic while gazing at the mountains. At the Kayano Plateau teahouse, you can try a free cup of tea said to bring longevity—"one cup adds three years, two cups add six years, and three cups means you’ll live until you die." Near Tashirodai Marshland and Ryujin-numa Pond, there is also Hakkoda Onsen (closed in winter), where you can enjoy carbonated spring water that fizzes like ramune soda.