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https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/midtown-summer

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Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi has put up an outdoor art park for the summer

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Tokyo Midtown has a packed programme of summer fun this year. If you want to take it easy, cool down at Midtown Garden's Ashimizu area. The stream here has been

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https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/nogi-shrine-wind-chime-corridor

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Nogi Shrine Wind Chime Corridor | Nogi Shrine | Things to do in Tokyo

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Come summer, Nogi Shrine in Akasaka hangs up approximately 200 fuurin wind chimes in various shapes and colours along the corridor leading to the shrine's main

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https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/minatomirai-dai-bon-odori

Saturday 3PM-8.30PM
Fri 4.30pm-8.30pm

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Minatomirai Dai Bon Odori | Rinko Park | Things to do in Tokyo

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Head straight to Rinko Park in Yokohama’s Minatomirai area for this annual Bon Odori festival by the sea. Festivities begin at 4.30pm on Friday and 3pm on Satur

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https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/yaesu-night-market

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Yaesu Night Market | Tokyo Midtown Yaesu | Things to do in Tokyo

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Tokyo Midtown Yaesu is hosting a summer soiree at its first-floor outdoor plaza with matsuri-themed festivities. You won’t miss the cheerful entrance decked out

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手打そば睦 東中野店
+81 3-5389-1450
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vLJKKbgea2vim4LY6?g_st=ic

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https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/shimokitazawa-ichibangai-awa-odori-1

Saturday 6.30PM-8.30PM

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Time Out says

Shimokitazawa's take on the famed dancing-in-the-streets festival (originally from Tokushima) has a unique charm of its own. Now held for the 55th time after a four-year break from the pandemic, the annual Shimokitazawa Awa-Odori sees teams of dancers parade along the neighbourhood's main shopping streets in the evening and dazzle the crowds with their special routines. Be sure to hang around afterwards, when the area is engulfed in a joyous party mood.

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Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Awa-Odori | Shimokitazawa area | Things to do in Tokyo

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Shimokitazawa's take on the famed dancing-in-the-streets festival (originally from Tokushima) has a unique charm of its own. Now held for the 55th time after a

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A secret hot spring is here. You’ll take this hot spring with many genders. It must be very hot but it’s placed outside, so the temperature is just good!

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You can enjoy hiking there seeing amazing nature!

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You can eat soba with chopstick-like green onion! Also you can see very nice view not only in summer but also other seasons!

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会津さざえ堂 (円通三匝堂)
0242-22-3163
https://maps.app.goo.gl/keFveM7zxwUE2FKs9?g_st=ic

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銀山温泉案内所
0237-28-3933
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4FYrBZaHYT6iiTSA6?g_st=ic

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三内丸山遺跡
017-766-8282
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XPnbz7DEzkYFVsWb9?g_st=ic

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喫茶マロン
017-722-4575
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BetvHz5uDNFa6Gi67?g_st=ic

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恐山温泉 薬師の湯（男湯）
0175-22-3825
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rW94DDYxTWu4VRpM8?g_st=ic

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https://goo.gl/maps/uLXEfzHy6BBM2gE47

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Sendai Morning Market (open until evening)

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Ryoshi no Kaisendon:
https://goo.gl/maps/GWzGqVP1By47p8nz8

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Ryoshi no Kaisendon · Chonai-29-5 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan

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Ryoshi no Kaisendon · Chonai-29-5 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan

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https://goo.gl/maps/b71XdKv35L8QVapZ8

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https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3780.html

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Mount Hakkoda (八甲田山, Hakkōdasan) is a set of volcanic peaks in Aomori Prefecture located between Aomori City and Lake Towada. Included among Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, Mount Hakkoda is known for its seasonal beauty which includes nature, hiking and famous hot springs. In addition, the 1585 meter high mountain is one of the first places in the Tohoku Region to develop autumn colors each year. The colors usually start appearing at the summit around late September and reach the base of the mountain by mid October.

The mountain is also famous for its deep snowfall, and, together with Zao ski resort in Yamagata Prefecture, is one of the only places in Japan that has the right conditions to form snow monsters (frozen trees). Mount Hakkoda's heavy winters are also well known due to a 1902 training accident in which nearly 200 Japanese Imperial Army soldiers died when caught on the mountain during a blizzard.

These days, Mount Hakkoda's snow has earned it a reputation as a snow paradise heralded by ski fanatics as one of the last undiscovered ski destinations left in Japan. A small resort, aptly named the Hakkoda Ski Resort, covers a good portion of Mount Hakkoda's northern range and is known for its deep powder and ungroomed, mostly off-piste trails that are sought after by the hardcore powderhounds.

The slopes of Mount Hakkoda are also a popular outdoor destination outside of winter. The mountain's uppermost slopes are easily accessible via the Hakkoda Ropeway, which travels to the top of Tamoyachidake, one of multiple peaks that make up Mount Hakkoda. A circular hiking trail leads from the upper ropeway station to a small marshland near the peak in about 45-60 minutes (round trip).

Additional hiking trails branch off the circular trail to Mount Hakkoda's other peaks and down to its base. One popular trail leads down the mountain via Kenashitai, two marshlands connected by a steep set of stairs. From early to mid October, the shrubs and grasses of these marshes provide some outstanding autumn scenery.

The trail through Kenashitai eventually continues down the mountain to a trailhead behind Sukayu Onsen, a solitary ryokan, which is known for its sulfuric hot spring waters and one of Japan's most atmospheric, old-fashioned indoor baths. The large, wooden bath is mixed-gender, yet each pool is segregated by a white line at its middle to separate the sexes. During the day, the bath is open to non-staying visitors for a small fee.

Near the ryokan is a volcanically active zone with a sulfuric pond next to the main street. On the opposite side of the road is a botanical garden of Tohoku University which visitors can freely explore along a small trail network that also leads to a stream fed by hot spring water. About half a dozen other isolated onsen can also be found along the road that cuts south across Mount Hakkoda toward Lake Towada.

Other sites of natural beauty include Suirennuma Pond, a lovely, small pond surrounded by a marshland at the southern base of Mount Hakkoda, which can be reached in just a few steps from the main road. To the west of Sukayu Onsen is the towering Jogakura Bridge that provides spectacular views over the colorful forested slopes during the autumn foliage season that usually peaks there in mid to late October.

At the northern base of Mount Hakkoda is the Tashirotai Marshland, a former caldera lake that has turned into a marsh. Visitors can explore the area along a network of aging elevated boardwalks and see a variety of swamp vegetation including bog rosemary, day lilies and azalea bushes.

Along the northern foothills of Mount Hakkoda stands the Aomori Contemporary Art Centre, a special facility of the Aomori Public College that invites talented artists from around the world to participate in three month long residence programs on campus. The facility is set among the trees and serves as residence, workshop and exhibition space. Visitors are free to explore the grounds and admire several permanent and temporary art installations set along the walking paths that lead through the trees.

The Aomori Contemporary Art Centre also periodically holds temporary special exhibitions. Entrance to the grounds is free, however opening times and eventual admission fees for the special exhibitions vary.

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About Mount Hakkoda (Hakkodasan), a volcanic mountain in Aomori Prefecture.

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https://goo.gl/maps/GLBRu9WcRdyF6Gym9

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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https://goo.gl/maps/eoAbACXDfV9xtfzs9

Cruise: https://goo.gl/maps/AWTxi2yDGCp2eM2DA

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https://goo.gl/maps/VYCfu6vmocX7gcNYA

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Hiraizumi, Nishiiwai District, Iwate, Japan

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https://goo.gl/maps/fcsQqA5GF8ZshUcx5

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Kisaku · 6-9 Sakanacho, Morioka, Iwate 020-0878, Japan

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Kisaku · 6-9 Sakanacho, Morioka, Iwate 020-0878, Japan

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https://goo.gl/maps/2HTQ2JmEid7HEZrp8

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https://goo.gl/maps/peWgNJxCHUCbaN3T9

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https://hikinginjapan.com/2014/07/11/anmon/

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Anmon falls is part of Shirakami Sanchi, a World Heritage beech forest located in western Aomori Prefecture. The 3-tiered waterfall is well worth a visit if you're looking for a quick half-day escape from the crowds in nearby Hirosaki city.

The hike: From the bus stop, the trailhead is a bit tricky to find. Walk out to the main road and turn left, crossing the metal bridge that spans the river. Just after crossing, you'll see signs pointing the way to 暗門の滝歩道 ( Anmon no taki hodou) Turn right and follow the asphalt past a toilet and a concrete dam to the start of the trail. There's a water source here, so fill up your water for the walk. You'll see a trail leading into the forest directly to the left of the water source. Ignore this trail, as you'll use it to complete your hike. Follow the concrete trail along the river instead, which will lead directly to the waterfalls. The initial part of the path climbs past a concrete dam, but don't fret: the rest of the way, though on a concrete trail most of the time, follows a natural river. The route is incredibly easy to follow but can be incredibly slippery in wet weather, so use extra caution in the areas with metal staircases and wooden planks. The trail has been washed out in several places, so boardwalks have been installed, which make the area look like one big construction zone in parts. After a couple of minutes, you'll cross the river a couple of times and see a junction with a trail leading off to the left. Ignore this trail for the time being and head to the right, following the sign reading 暗門の滝へ. The path alternates between the left and right banks of the river, with some areas that can become real traffic jams if hiking on the weekend. Follow the 順路 signs as much as you can, as they can help alleviate some of the tight spots. After about 40 minutes or so, you'll reach the first of the 3 waterfalls. When you reach the junction, turn left and descend to the base of the falls (the sign says 第3の滝はこちら). The first fall makes a great place to take your first break and soak up the scenery. Once satisfied, retrace your steps and continue climbing towards the remaining two waterfalls. The path actually climbs up to the left and over the first fall before ascending to the second fall, which should take about 10 minutes or so. Just before reaching the second fall you'll see a trail branching off on the left that climbs to a small shrine. The shrine itself isn't much to look at but it might be worth a visit to pray to the mountain kami for good weather. Between the second and first falls you'll pass through a tunnel burrowed into the rock before reaching the final fall and the end of the trail. After sufficient photography time, retrace your steps all the way back to that first junction. At the junction, instead of turning left to cross the river, head straight on the trail marked 散策道へ. The trail climbs into a wonderful virgin beech forest, which, unfortunately, has been victim to people scrawling graffiti in the bark of some of the trees. Regardless, it's still a nice place for a stroll and a great way to end the hike. The route is very well-marked and about halfway on you'll see a junction on your right that follows a small stream. Take this trail as it meanders through the forest. Eventually it'll meet back up with the main trail. When it does, take a right and continue towards the start of the trail. A short while later, you'll see another trail branching off to the right. This loop is shorter and somewhat diminished by the cedar trees planted along the route! You can take this trail if you'd like, or simply ignore it and continue on the trail back to the parking lot. At the parking lot you'll find a restaurant, as well as a hot spring bath. Both make a great place to kill some time if you find yourself with extra time before the next bus.

When to go: This hike can be done between early July and early November, when the buses to the trailhead are running. If you have your own transport, then you can consider going a little earlier in the season. Just confirm that the road is open before you go, as the road is closed in the winter.

Access: From bus stop #6 at Hirosaki (弘前) station, take a bus bound for Tsugaru touge (津軽峠) and get off at Aqua Green Village Anmon (アクアグリーンビレッジANMON) bus stop. The buses only run from July 1 to November 4, and there are only two buses per day for the 70 minute journey to the trailhead. Click here for the bus schedule. The tourist information centers at both Aomori and Hirosaki stations have a flyer with the bus schedule and a simple map. Pick it up before getting on the bus, as it has the return bus times as well.

Level of difficulty: 2 out of 5 (elevation change ~200m)

Total round-trip distance: 8km (2 to 3 hours)

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Anmon falls is part of Shirakami Sanchi, a World Heritage beech forest located in western Aomori Prefecture. The 3-tiered waterfall is well worth a visit if you're looking for a quick half-day escape from the crowds in nearby Hirosaki city. The hike: From the bus stop, the trailhead is a bit tricky to find.

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https://goo.gl/maps/kZVVNZtPsFwsjyNCA

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Minato Shokudō · Kubo-45-1 Minatomachi, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0812, Japan

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Minato Shokudō · Kubo-45-1 Minatomachi, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0812, Japan

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https://hikinginjapan.com/2008/10/18/hachimantai/

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Rather than viewing Hachimantai as a mountain, think of it as a series of rolling marshlands, with excellent views out to its volcanic neighbor, Mt. Iwate. Avoid the weekends if you want to escape the crowds.

The hike: From the bus stop, follow the trail up to the summit of Mt. Chausu, which has excellent views across the valley to Mt. Iwate and over to Mt. Chokai on a clear day. The 200m vertical ascent should take about 20 minutes or so. There's a hut near the summit which I think is free to stay in. Continue on the main trail towards Kuroyachi Shitsugen (黒谷地湿原), a wonderful marshland area. The trail is relatively flat and very easy to follow. You'll reach a trail junction, with a trail branching off to the left. Ignore this trail because it leads back down to the road. If you're in need of drinking water however, walk a short distance on this trail and you'll find 熊の泉, the bear's spring. Anyway, keep traversing west towards the summit of Hachimantai, and you'll reach another trail junction marked 安比岳分岐 (Appidake-bunki). The trail to the right leads to the summit of Mt. Appi, which will take about a half an hour to reach. You can actually take this trail, soak at Appi hot spring, and return to Mt. Chausu by turning right at the only trail junction you find. This would make for an interesting detour if you're staying at Chausu hut. Otherwise, just ignore this trail and head towards 源太森 (Genta-mori), which has nice views over the marshlands. Stay on the same path, and a little further along you'll come across yet another trail junction. You can actually go either way. but I recommend staying straight, on the northern edge of the lake until reaching Ryoun Hut (陵雲荘). This is another mountain hut which I also think is free to stay in (most people just use Hachimantai as a day hike area except in the winter when they stay in the huts). Soon after passing the hut you'll find yet another trail junction (Hachimantai does not have a lack of hiking options!) Stay to the right for the easy stroll up to the summit. This is the only mountain in Japan that has a wooden viewing platform built right on top of the summit - otherwise you'd have no views! From the top, turn left and follow the paved path past a couple of small lakes until reaching the massive parking lot. Enjoy some curry and rice in the huge rest house while waiting for the bus back to Morioka. Alternatively, you can easily hitchhike back to the city on the road.

When to go: This hike can be done from Golden Week to early November, when the road to the summit is open. Alternatively, a winter snowshoe trek is also possible via Hachimantai Ski Resort. A trail leads off towards Mt. Chausu from the top of the final chairlift.

Access: From bus stop #3 of the east exit of Morioka (盛岡) station, take a bus bound for Hachimantai (八幡平) and get off at Chausuguchi (茶臼口). As of 2011, there are 3 buses a day, running from Golden Week until the beginning of November. Click here for the schedule.

Level of difficulty: 1 out of 5 (elevation change ~250m).

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Rather than viewing Hachimantai as a mountain, think of it as a series of rolling marshlands, with excellent views out to its volcanic neighbor, Mt. Iwate. Avoid the weekends if you want to escape the crowds. The hike: From the bus stop, follow the trail up to the summit of Mt.

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https://hikinginjapan.com/2013/10/23/oirase/

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Oirase stream is one of the most popular places in Japan to view autumn foliage. The flat 14km walk along the entire gorge is filled with soothing rapids and a couple of majestic waterfalls. The only downside is the paved road, which runs the entire length of the walk.

The hike: From Yakeyama bus stop, walk out to the main road and walk away from the post office and gas station towards the gorge. Walk past Oirase Keiryu hotel and you'll see a big signpost for 奥入瀬湧水館. The trail starts just to the left of this signpost. Your first target on the long walk will be Ishigedo (石ヶ戸), about 4.6km away on a well-marked path. The trail soon reaches a paved road, where you should turn right and walk towards Deai-bashi. Before crossing the metal bridge over the river, you'll see the path dive back into the forest on your left. About 2km in, you'll reach a small hut that houses a public toilet. Use the facilities now, because the next toilet isn't until Ishigedo. The path alternates between the beautiful forest and the ugly paved road. This is one hike where you really need to worry about being hit by a car or tour bus! At the 4km mark you'll reach a paved road. Cross the road and duck back into the forest, following the wonderful rapids of the swiftly moving stream. Eventually you'll reach Ishigedo, which is marked by a toilet hut and small restaurant. It should take about 90 minutes from Yakeyama to this point. This is where the majority of people start the hike, so be prepared for a large increase in numbers of tourists. If you're short of time then you can consider starting from here and skipping the section from Yakeyama, but the first part is a nice warm-up and you'll appreciate the lack of people. The next signposted landmark is Kumoi falls, which should take about 45 minutes or so to reach. The trail passes through some areas of photogenic swift-moving rapids before passing by some rock formations known as Makadoiwa (馬門岩). There's a bus stop here if you're feeling lazy or the legs are starting to give out. Soon after passing by the rocks, you'll cross over the stream on the concrete bridge and follow the right bank of the river for a while. (up to this time you will have been on the left bank the entire time) You'll pass through another area of rapids (signposted as 飛金の流れ) before reaching a small waterfall marked 千筋の滝, which is little more than a trickle. Soon you'll cross over the road and be back on the left bank of the stream, arriving at Kumoi falls after about 100 meters. Take the path on the left that crosses the main road and leads up to the falls. It's definitely worth the short side trip, as this is the biggest waterfall in the entire gorge. After sufficient photos snapped, retrace your steps back to the main trail and turn left, where you'll soon reach another waterfall named 白布の滝. This is a nice waterfall on the other side of the river on your right that drops straight off a cliff. After passing through another area of rapids, you'll see your first signposts indicating the distance to Tamadare falls. After passing by the bus stop for Kumoi no nagare, you'll reach a public toilet at Tamadare falls. The waterfall itself is on the opposite side of the road and is nothing more than an unimpressive trickle, so don't waste your time climbing up to the main road to see it. Stay on the main path and you'll pass by another trickle of a waterfall (白絹の滝) before reaching Shiraito no taki (白糸の滝), which is very impressive but unfortunately on the other side of the river. Soon after you'll reach Furou falls (不老の滝), which is also nice but kind of difficult to see through the trees on the right bank of the stream. After passing by more rapids, you'll reach another unimpressive trickle of a fall called 姉妹の滝, before crossing over the river on a wooden bridge. A few minutes after crossing, you'll see a signpost for 九段の滝, which is accessible via a spur trail on your right. This waterfall is really nice since you can get relatively close to it. Retreat back to the main route and turn right. After crossing over the river again, you'll reach the largest and most popular waterfall in the entire park (Choshi falls).

The waterfall is actually reminiscent of a concrete fall, but I've been told that it is completely natural. Climb the stairs just to the left of the fall and continue walking upstream. The next part of the route is closed, which means you'll have to walk on the main road for a little while. On the right side of the road, you'll see a signpost for 五両の滝, accessible via a small trail that dives into the forest on your right. After checking out the fall, retrace your steps and continue on the main road for a short time until reaching the continuation of the trail on your right. From here to the end you'll stay in the forest, where you'll soon pass by a concrete dam! This is used for hydroelectric power and flood control, and the water just behind the dam is incredibly clear and beautiful. From here it's a straight shot to the main road, where you should turn right and cross over the concrete bridge and arrive at the bus station and ferry terminal of Nenokuchi (子の口). There's a restaurant here that serves tasty food on the 2nd floor, with a souvenir shop below. You can either catch a bus out to Aomori, Hachinohe, or to Lake Towada. A more scenic option for those heading to the lake is to take the sightseeing boat, which takes 50 minutes (1400 yen) to reach Yasumiya, the main tourist village of the lake. The boat is great because you can see scenery that you would otherwise miss.

When to go: As this is an extremely popular walk, aim to go on weekdays between early June and late September. Oirase is one of the most popular places in Japan for autumn leaves, so avoid the peak season in October at all costs (unless you want to share the the trail with hundreds of other people). Winter is also an option if you've got snowshoes.

Access: From either Aomori or Hachinohe stations, take a JR bus bound for Lake Towada and get off at Yakeyama (焼山) bus stop. The bus from Hachinohe takes about an hour and a half. Another option would be to base yourself at Lake Towada (staying at Lake Towada Backpackers) and take a bus from Lake Towada (40 minutes, 1210 yen). Click here for the bus schedule

Level of difficulty: 1 out of 5 (elevation change ~100m)

Distance: 14km ( 4 to 5 hours)

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Oirase stream is one of the most popular places in Japan to view autumn foliage. The flat 14km walk along the entire gorge is filled with soothing rapids and a couple of majestic waterfalls. The only downside is the paved road, which runs the entire length of the walk.

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https://hikinginjapan.com/2008/03/25/mt-bandai/

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Mt. Bandai is an active volcano located on the shores of Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture. The views are splendid, the rock formations colorful, and the volcanic scenery picturesque.

The hike: From the bottom of the lifts, follow the tozan michi (登山道) signs toward Mt. Bandai. Initally, the trail will climb on the left-hand side of the ski resort. There aren't any switchbacks here. You'll basically be hiking through the grassy ski fields. After about an hour of steep slogging, you'll reach the ridge line, which turns to the right. It's rocky at first, but it will flatten out as you approach the top of Mt. Akahani (赤埴山). There's a short spur trail to the summit on the right-hand side. Head up here for a break if you'd like, or continue to the majestically splendid Numanotaira (沼ノ平) for a more scenic rest. This flat area features some beautiful marshes, alpine flowers, and stinky sulfurous gases. It should take about a half hour of easy hiking to reach the ridge line of Mt. Bandai. This is where the real hike begins, as the peak becomes very rocky. Follow the paint marks carefully if the cloud is in, because the drops to the right are huge. Eventually you'll reach a series of 2 mountain huts, 2 water sources, and a trail junction. Take a break here, fill up your bottles, and prepare for the final ascent, which will take about 20 minutes or so. The views from the rocky summit are superb if the weather co-operates. Head back down to the junction and either head back the same way you came, all the way back to Inawashiro station, or take the trail to the left for a shorter, alternative way off the mountain.

When to go: This hike can be done between late April and early November. Although not impossible, a winter ascent is only for the really advanced climbers willing to deal with the frequent avalanches, because this peak gets a ton of snow in the winter. Click here for a report of a hiker who scaled during Golden Week to get an idea of the amount of snow.

Access: From Koriyama station (郡山駅), take a train on the JR Banetsu-sai Line (JR磐越西線) to Inawashiro station (猪苗代駅). From there, it's a 1 hour walk to the trailhead at Inawashiro Ski Resort. (猪苗代スキー場) Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around 2000 yen that takes about 15 minutes.

Level of difficulty: 3 out of 5 (elevation change ~1200m)

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Mt. Bandai is an active volcano located on the shores of Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture. The views are splendid, the rock formations colorful, and the volcanic scenery picturesque. The hike: From the bottom of the lifts, follow the tozan michi (登山道) signs toward Mt. Bandai.

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https://hikinginjapan.com/2008/07/16/mt-zao/

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Mt. Zao is one of the most popular ski resorts in Japan, and home of the famous 'snow monsters'. In summer, it's an easy stroll via a picturesque volcanic lake, and the hot springs at the base of the mountain are an added bonus to help rejuvenate tired muscles.

The hike: There's no doubt about it. The ease of access will bring huge swaths of crowds in the summer months, but with a little timing you can have some peace and solitude. My advice would be to arrive at Katta-toge in the early evening and stay at the stone emergency hut at the summit of Mt. Katta (刈田岳). The hut is unmanned and completely free to stay in. Bring your own water and be prepared for a 10 minute walk to use the toilets at the parking lot. This way, you can wake up at the break of dawn and enjoy a wonderful stroll without a soul in sight. From the huge parking lot, follow the well-marked trail towards Mt. Kumano (熊野岳). Along the way, you'll pass by a stunning volcanic lake on your right, named Okama (御釜). The emerald green colors are breathtakingly beautiful (or so I'm told - I was unfortunate because the lake was completely hidden in thick fog!) Click here to get an idea of the scenery in good weather. Continue on the same trail for a gentle climb, taking a left at the only junction you'll find. You'll be on the summit of Mt. Kumano in about 20 minutes, where the views are stunning in nice weather. Yamagata city stretches out directly below you, framed in the distance by Mt. Iide, Mt. Asahi, and Gassan. From the summit, you can either retrace your steps back to Katta-toge, or descend down to Zao Onsen via the long ski resort. I recommend the latter option as the only bus from Katta-toge doesn't leave until 1pm. The path through the ski resort is well-marked, and just before you take the final descent toward the very bottom of the lift, look for a bridge branching off to the right, which will take you to the 'big bath' (大露天風呂), a fantastic outdoor bath with milky white water. Unfortunately it's not open in the winter, because there were problems with peeping Toms from the ski runs above. It's definitely one of the highlights of Zao hot spring, so don't miss this chance! Click here for more info.

When to go: This hike can be done year round if you've got some snowshoes. In fact, I'd recommend combining this hike with a weekend on the ski slopes. If the weather is good, then you can take the gondola up to JIzo-sancho (地蔵山頂) and hike for one hour via a route marked with huge poles to the summit of Mt. Kumano (熊野岳). Otherwise, you can opt for an easy stroll from the trailhead at Katta-toge.

Access: From Yamagata (山形) station, take a bus bound for Zao Onsen (蔵王温泉) and get off at the Zao Onsen bus terminal (蔵王温泉ターミナル). The bus takes about 30 minutes and leaves once an hour. Click here for the schedule. There's only one bus a day going directly to the trailhead at Katta-toge (刈田峠). It leaves Yamagata station at 9:30am. If you miss this bus, then just take a bus to Zao Onsen and hitchhike from there (or start your hike from there for the 1000m vertical ascent to the summit).

Level of difficulty: 1 out of 5 (elevation change ~200m).

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Mt. Zao is one of the most popular ski resorts in Japan, and home of the famous 'snow monsters'. In summer, it's an easy stroll via a picturesque volcanic lake, and the hot springs at the base of the mountain are an added bonus to help rejuvenate tired muscles.

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Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building · 1 Chome-2-20 Nakanohashidori, Morioka, Iwate 020-0871, Japan

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Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building · 1 Chome-2-20 Nakanohashidori, Morioka, Iwate 020-0871, Japan

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Zunda Shake Express · Japan, 〒980-0021 Miyagi, Sendai, Aoba Ward, Central, 1 Chome−1−1 仙台駅 2F

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Zunda Shake Express · Japan, 〒980-0021 Miyagi, Sendai, Aoba Ward, Central, 1 Chome−1−1 仙台駅 2F

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https://goo.gl/maps/VjXZEtKrbBRowUUx7

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https://visithachinohe.com/en/stories/prince-cocktail-bar/

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Stepping into the Prince Cocktail Bar is like momentarily stepping into a time warp and not exactly knowing where or when you have ended up. The entrance is unassuming, located down the nagayokocho alleyway, and only marked by a sign with its name in Japanese and the English word 'DEEP'. But once found, you will be quickly rewarded upon opening the door with a captivating sight: a dazzling but small bar that is covered in business cards on the ceiling, endless posters of Marlyn Monroe on the walls, and fake flowers scattered as decorations here and there.

Prince is the oldest cocktail bar in the city of Hachinohe; it has been in business since 1957. True to the style of the city, the bar is a family affair, it is run by the owner, his wife, and their son. It is one of the most beloved, most popular places to finish or start the night in the city for those in the know, and as almost all cocktails are only 500 yen, it is quite economical. The bar's lively but homey, almost nostalgic atmosphere, has ensured its enduring popularity across the generations of the city, and customers from all different jobs and strata of society come to the bar to relax, chat and enjoy one of the bar's cocktails.

Although more classic cocktails like mojitos are available, the biggest draw for most of the bar's patrons are its unique creations. The owner has created a line of original cocktails that are all named after different famous places or things in the city. For example, there is the Kabushima cocktail, named after the Kabushima Shrine, a local Shinto shrine that sits above the ocean on a small peninsula that juts out into the city's port. In 2015, the Kabushima shrine burned down and the owner decided to donate 100 yen (a little over a dollar) to the shrine's reconstruction fund every time the cocktail was ordered. By the time the shrine had been rebuilt and officially re-opened in March 2020, the bar had sold over 23,000 of the cocktails. The cocktail is a bright blue, representing the beautiful ocean that surrounds the shrine. It is topped with a slice of lemon, the yellow of which represents the canola flowers that cover the shrine grounds in spring, and a bright red cocktail cherry, which represents the vermilion gates of Japan's Shinto shrines.

Another specialty of the Prince Bar is a set of four cocktails known as the Jinja-Ale Cocktails. Jinja is the Japanese word for a Shinto shrine, and the cocktails' name is a play from the word "jinja" and the English word 'ginger ale'. The cocktails were made to support a local festival called the Sansha Taisai, or 'Three Shrine Festival' that takes place every summer in the city. During the festival, 27 festival floats that can reach over 30 feet in height are pulled through the streets of Hachinohe. Whenever a customer buys one of the Jinja-Ale Cocktails, a 100-yen donation goes to the managing organization that ensures the preservation of this local festival. The floats that are used in the festival are decorated with four different themes: Iwa (rock), Nami (wave), Tatemono (building), Kouran (crimson bridge). The owner of the Prince Bar made a set of cocktails to represent each of these four themes.

There are several other great original cocktails at the bar but whichever you choose, you are sure to have a unique, local, and great time whenever you visit Prince.

Information

Address:

18 Nagayokocho, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0089

Phone:

0178-44-1827

Open:

17:00~24:00 (No Set Closed Days)

Access:

By Foot: 15 min walk from Hon-Hachinohe JR Station, 3 min walk from the main downtown area

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Prince Cocktail Bar | Visit Hachinohe ｜The Offical Guide to Hachinohe, Japan

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Stepping into the Prince Cocktail Bar is like momentarily stepping into a time warp and not exactly knowing where or when you have ended up. The entrance is unassuming, located down the nagayokocho alleyway, and only marked by a sign with its name in Japanese and the English word 'DEEP'.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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BEER PUB BAEREN Zaimokucho · 7-31 Zaimokucho, Morioka, Iwate 020-0063, Japan

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BEER PUB BAEREN Zaimokucho · 7-31 Zaimokucho, Morioka, Iwate 020-0063, Japan

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Umi cafe Tanesashi · Tanakubo-14-167 Samemachi, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0841, Japan

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Umi cafe Tanesashi · Tanakubo-14-167 Samemachi, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0841, Japan

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https://visithachinohe.com/en/park/

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sanriku+Fukk%C5%8D+National+Park/@38.9823108,141.2744429,7.96z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x5f88ed43399da44d:0xb7c8cff739d0372a!8m2!3d38.8280775!4d141.6022455!16s%2Fm%2F0yp1cd4?entry=tts&shorturl=1

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What is the Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park

Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park was established to support the recovery of the Sanriku region, devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Stretching approximately 250 km, from Aomori Prefecture in the north to Miyagi Prefecture in the south, the northern region features majestic cliffs, while the southern region offers a ria coastline characterized by its intricate topography. Tanesashi Coast Mt. Hashikami region is located on the northern end known for its diverse topography, from the rocky reefs, sandy beaches, and coastline with marine erosion. It offers a rich and diverse coastal scenery with a wide variety of coastal vegetation and blooming flowers, natural lawns, and black pine forests. The highlight of walking along the coast is that you can experience not only its nature but also the livelihood of the local people. At an altitude of approximately 740 meters, Mt. Hashikami is well known by the locals, and trekking can be enjoyed throughout the year. The area around the summit is home to a cluster of wild rhododendron azaleas and offers a panoramic view of Hachinohe City, the Hakkoda mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean.

The following are some of the best places to visit around the Tanesashi Coast Mt. Hashikami region of the Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park.

Giant trees nurtured by
forest culture

How to enjoy the Tanesashi Coast Mt. Hashikami region of the Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park ① Walk

Kabushima Island is the start and end point of the "Michinoku Coastal Trail", a long-distance nature trail that offers an easy walk along the coast with little difference in elevation. The "Michinoku Coastal Trail" is over 1,000 kilometers long and stretches from Aomori Prefecture to Fukushima Prefecture. You can of course complete the entire trail but you can just walk the section that you like. Depending on the pace of your walk, you can enjoy the changing scenery and interact with the locals. The following is an introduction to the Tanesashi Coast Mt. Hashikami region and how to enjoy it on foot.

Walk × Food

Walk × People

Walk × Culture

Walk × Sea

Walk × Mountain

How to walk the trail

Decide on which sections to walk, taking into account your fitness and experience levels, the distance to be walked, and the elevation difference. A trail map is useful in your decision-making.
A map of the trail route is available on the " Michinoku Trail Club" website. A more detailed "Michinoku Coastal Trail Hiking Map Book" can be purchased online or at the site.
With the map in hand, check in advance how to get to the starting point, the route distance, time required, and plan where to eat and when to rest. Remember to check the latest information regarding any hazardous areas.
What to pack will vary depending on your purpose, the section you are walking, and the season. The following is an example.

<Things to pack >

How to enjoy the Tanesashi Coast Mt. Hashikami region of the Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park ② Other ways to have fun

Besides walking, you can also enjoy the unique natural environment of this region through various activities. Follow the rules and etiquette, and enjoy the Tanesashi Coast Mt. Hashikami region.

Access to "Tanesashi Natural Lawn"

Approximately 36 minutes from JR "Hachinohe Station" to JR "Tanesashi Kaigan Station" on "JR Hachinohe Line". Approximately 3-minute walk from "Tanesashi Kaigan Station".

Approximately 26 minutes from JR "Same Station" to "Tanesashi Coast Information Center" on "One Coin Bus Umineko-go". A short walk from the "Tanesashi Coast Information Center".

Access to "Mt. Hashikami"

Approximately 8 minutes from JR "Hachinohe Station" to JR "Hon-Hachinohe Station" on "JR Hachinohe Line". Approximately 55 minutes from JR "Hon-Hachinohe Station" to "Tozanguchi" (trailhead) on "Nanbu Bus". Approximately 10-minute walk from "Tozanguchi" (trailhead) to the mountain trail.

[Related sites]

Information on Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park
▶︎ Ministry of the Environment - Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park

Information on Tanesashi Coast and Mt. Hashikami
▶︎ "Tanesashi Coast Information Center"
▶︎ 種差海岸インフォメーションセンター発行「TANECHAN」
※「TANECHAN」は当地域ならではの楽しみ方が凝縮された情報誌です！

Information on Michinoku Coastal Trail
▶︎ みちのくトレイルクラブ
▶︎ Michinoku Coastal Trail Natori Trail Center

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Special Feature: A National Park That Has The World's Attention! "Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park" conveys the blessings and threats of nature and the symbiosis between people and nature | Visit Hachinohe ｜The Offical Guide to Hachinohe, Japan

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What is the Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park was established to support the recovery of the Sanriku region, devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Stretching approximately 250 km, from Aomori Prefecture in the north to Miyagi Prefecture in the south, the northern region features majestic cliffs, while the southern region offers a ria coastline characterized by its intricate topography.

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3am-12pm everyday except sunday

https://visithachinohe.com/en/stories/mutsuminato-ekimae-asaichi/

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Breakfast at the Mutsuminato Morning Market | Visit Hachinohe ｜The Offical Guide to Hachinohe, Japan

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This article is about the Mutsuminato Station Morning Market, which is open on weekdays. For more information about Japan's largest morning market, the Sunday Morning Market at Tatehana Wharf, click hereHachinohe's KitchenThe Mutsuminato Station Morning Market has been a fixture and beloved gathering space for the people of Hachinohe since the post-WWII era.

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https://visithachinohe.com/en/

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VISIT HACHINOHE is a DMO representing and promoting the Hachinohe Area, focusing on the sustainable and progressive development of the community. With the very real problems of depopulation and subsequent economic hardships faced by rural communities, our organization is committed to facing these difficulties head-on. Starting from April 2018 our organization has committed to projects that will continue to develop the Hachinohe Area's tourism, local industries and business in order to positively grow the community and increase its competitiveness as a culturally and opportunity rich city, not just on a regional scale, but on a national and international scale as well.

Our organization aims for simple goals: to raise awareness about the unique and amazing attributes of the Hachinohe Area on a domestic and international level, to establish Hachinohe as a brand known for its quality and excellence, to increase the number and satisfaction of both visitors related to tourism and business, to continue to support the growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs, and to work towards increasing the residential population of the area as a whole.

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Visit Hachinohe ｜The Offical Guide to Hachinohe, Japan

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Visit Hachinohe provides all the information you need to enjoy the Hachinohe Area: Japan's Northern Frontier. Come trek along the dynamic Tanesashi Coast, explore the history of a famous Samurai clan, or just kick back, eat & drink your way through Hachinohe's famous bar alleys.