Hachimantai Mountain Hotel & Spa
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 127 reviews
Hachimantai Mountain Hotel & Spa occupies a highland setting beside Towada‑Hachimantai National Park, with clear sightlines to both Mt. Iwate and Mt. Hachimantai. The property is set up as a mountain resort that supports year‑round outdoor programming — from alpine treks and summer wildflowers to autumn foliage and winter skiing — and provides direct slope access in season. Framed as a guest-focused lodging that blends modern comfort with traditional bathing culture, it presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in North Tohoku for visitors seeking restorative hot‑spring time after active days.
Accommodation choices include renovated mountain rooms, standard twin and family configurations, and larger premium suites, each designed to store outdoor gear and offer straightforward, functional comforts such as free Wi‑Fi and ensuite facilities. The bathing complex is fed by a natural spring drawn from nearby Matsukawa Onsen and comprises indoor baths, an outdoor open‑air bath with mountain views and a sauna; bathing here is primarily communal rather than centred on private in‑room onsen. Meals emphasize local seasonal produce, with a main dining room and an Ishigama dining option serving a mix of regional and international preparations, plus buffet service for breakfast and selected meals.
The resort operates an on‑site nature guide station that coordinates guided walks, birding and interpretive programs, and facilitates equipment rental and lift arrangements for skiers; staff can advise on trails, seasonal highlights and nearby cultural sites. Family amenities, a lounge and practical ski lockers make transitions between activities and relaxation straightforward, while the hotel’s road access — roughly a 40‑minute drive from Morioka Station — positions it as a practical base for exploring the highland plateau. For travelers prioritizing thermal bathing and mountain access, this ryokan with onsen in Iwate Prefecture offers a balanced, activity‑oriented stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hachimantai Mountain Hotel…
Positive Reviews
Excellent food and buffet options
Many guests praised the meals, highlighting a delicious buffet with a wide variety of dishes and very good breakfast and dinner selections; several comments specifically mentioned standout desserts and memorable dining by large windows with mountain views.
Friendly, attentive and helpful staff
Reviews repeatedly note very welcoming, accommodating service—staff were described as helpful despite language barriers and went out of their way to assist guests and provide local guidance.
Authentic sulfur onsen and spa experience
The geothermal (sulfur) onsen was frequently cited as a highlight — authentic, soothing and relaxing; guests also appreciated additional spa features such as saunas and outdoor bathhouses with mountain views.
Outstanding location and mountain/ski access
Guests valued the superb location: ski-in/ski-out convenience, immediate access to gentle slopes and lifts, gorgeous mountain views from rooms and dining areas, and easy access to hiking trails and nearby attractions.
Good facilities and comfortable public spaces
The hotel’s facilities were praised — clean, spacious common areas (lounge, shop, library), ski lockers, nature-guide resources, and generally comfortable rooms that offer good value for a mountain retreat.
Negative Reviews
Rooms feel dated and furnishings aging
Multiple guests mentioned that guest rooms seemed older or in need of refurbishment, with some pointing out worn furnishings and a dated interior compared with the nicely designed public areas.
Limited dinner variety, cost and repetition
Several reviews mentioned the dinner offering as expensive, limited in variety, or repetitive (notably on multi-night stays), and a few guests opted to dine off-site for better value.
Small bathrooms and limited shower fittings
Some guests reported compact bathrooms, a cramped shower area and non-adjustable shower head holders that reduce comfort and convenience.
Bedding comfort issues
A number of reviewers noted firm or uncomfortable pillows and mattresses that affected sleep quality for some guests.
Ventilation/sulfur odor in corridors and patchy Wi‑Fi
A few guests reported a strong sulfur smell from the onsen lingering in hallways (suggesting ventilation could be improved), and intermittent complaints about weak or patchy in-room Wi‑Fi coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers a range of room types for singles, doubles and families, including Western and Japanese–Western rooms; family rooms are available. Check the specific room description when booking for exact maximum occupancy.
Yes — the property uses a natural simple sulfur hot spring with an indoor public bath, an open‑air (rotenburo) bath with mountain views and a sauna.
The hotel advertises public and open‑air hot spring facilities but does not list a regular private onsen; contact the hotel directly to request any private‑use options or temporary reservations.
Public buses and trains are the normal links; some shuttle or seasonal transfer services may be offered or arranged by the hotel — contact reception to confirm and book transfers in advance.
Iwate‑Hanamaki Airport is the closest (about 70 km); typical travel is a bus to Morioka Station then train/bus or car to the hotel, generally taking roughly 1.5–2 hours depending on connections.
Staff and certified nature guides provide service in Japanese and can assist in English to support international guests; the concierge can help arrange activities and provide local information.
Ishigama Dining “Shirakaba” serves local and seasonal cuisine with a stone‑oven focus, offering a dinner buffet (dinner hours around 6:00–21:00, last orders near 20:00) and a buffet breakfast; special requests can be made at reservation.
The hotel sits inside Towada‑Hachimantai National Park area with hiking, guided nature tours, skiing at nearby Panorama and Shimokura/Appi Kogen resorts, the Yakehashiri lava flow, and local museums and scenic drives.
Free on‑site private parking is available for guests; pets are not permitted in the property.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is at 10:00; late arrivals are generally possible but you should notify the hotel in advance so reception can note your expected arrival time.