Travel to Hachimantai with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Hachimantai is a small ski and snowboard resort to the north of Tokyo in northern Honshu. Situated between Akita and Iwate prefectures, the resort is set on a large volcanic plateau at a mile above sea level. There are a range of slopes here suitable for skiers and snowboarders of intermediate ability and above; beginners may find the slopes a little steep.

Hachimantai ski resort has all essential ski and snowboard facilities at the resort base, but not to the extent of Japan’s mega resorts of Appi Kogen and Furano. There are ski and snowboard rentals available here as well as lockers and food options; however, the coffee is somewhat expensive. You will also find a lodge situated mid-mountain.

There are several runs at Hachimantai ski resort, with plenty of powder and steep ditches as well as a huge jump that is great for snowboarders. The best aspect of Hachimantai is the excellent off-piste and out-of-bounds terrain, wooded runs between trails and the interesting valley skiing available outside the ski area. For slope access, three ski lifts traverse the mountain.

Hachimantai ski resort has the well-equipped Hachimantai Kanko Hotel, which is extremely convenient, but also very expensive. If money is a concern, the nearby town of Ryokan has a choice of lodgings at more affordable prices as well as having more in the way of après-ski entertainment. Apart from the hotel restaurants, the mid-mountain lodge has a good noodle shop.

For alternative skiing and snowboarding, nearby Appi Kogen ski resort is one of the best winter destinations in Japan and the largest in Tohoku, with numerous quality pistes as well as a snowboard park. There are also plenty of alternative winter activities here and après-ski entertainment. Away from the slopes, the Towada-Hachimantai National Park is thronged with beautiful mountains, lakes and hot-spring spas.

The ski season at Hachimantai ski resort runs from late November until May and cheaper deals are available on weekdays and at the beginning and the end of the season. For convenience, bullet trains run to Morioka, from where buses depart for Hachimantai ski resort.

Skiing in Hachimantai

Located in northern Honshu, Hachimantai ski resort is suitable for skiers and snowboarders who are above beginner level and prefer uncrowded slopes and lots of off-piste action. This lofty resort has a very long ski season and is particularly good for snowboarders, with its huge jump and awesome out-of-bounds powder.

There is very little easy terrain at Hachimantai ski resort, with lots of steeps and deeps to be had and 100 per cent being available to intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders and above. The most interesting part of the resort is its range of off-piste, which runs down the valley and through wooded terrain.

Apart from the pisted runs at Hachimantai ski resort there is also back country ski tour skiing available, while the Hachimantai Kanko Hotel has good wellness facilities for its guests. The hotel also provides entertainment at its bars and restaurants and for those staying in nearby Ryokan, there is even more of a choice including a couple of discos.

Resort facilities include ski and snowboard rentals and a ski school, while a mid-mountain lodge provides snacks and drinks. Hachimantai ski resort’s bed base is the swanky Hachimantai Kanko Hotel, while cheaper options exist in the nearby town of Ryokan.

Hachimantai ski resort has a long ski season from November to May, with its best snow conditions being from January to March and cheaper deals are available on weekdays. By far the easiest way to get to Hachimantai is to take the bullet train from Tokyo to Morioka and then take a bus to the resort.

Transportation to Hachimantai

Hachimantai ski resort is located 400 miles north of Tokyo in the northwest of Iwate Prefecture and can be reached quickly from Tokyo by a train and bus combination. You can also drive to Hachimantai from Tokyo, a straightforward route via the Tohoku expressway.

The Tohoku expressway is an excellent motorway running right up the centre of Honshu from Tokyo and it provides good access to the ski resorts of Iwate and Akita prefectures. Hachimantai is only about seven or eight miles from the expressway and located near the town of Matsuo, a 7-hour drive from Tokyo.

Taking the high-speed bullet train from Tokyo to Morioka is a fast option, rivalling flying to Hanamaki and ensuring your arrival at Morioka in less than 3 hours. The bus ride to the resort from Morioka takes less than 2 hours.

The nearest airport is at Hanamaki, about 60 miles south of Hachimantai ski resort. Flights here depart from Osaka and take about 90 minutes. If you hire a car at Hachimantai Airport, you will be at the resort within another 90 minutes, making the journey a total of about 3 hours.

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