Hachimannuma Pond and the Hachimantai Summit 八幡沼と八幡平山頂

Official explanation

The Hachimantai highland has a plateau-like summit at 1,613 meters above sea level that is home to tranquil ponds, expansive wetlands, and vast forests of Maries’ fir. The largest of the ponds, and a symbol of the area, is Hachimannuma Pond.

This crater lake, formed approximately 7,300 years ago, has a circumference of roughly 1.5 kilometers. An encircling boardwalk trail provides access to the surrounding wetlands, which are brightened by blooming Amur daylilies, avens, watasuge cottongrass and other alpine plants from midsummer through early fall.

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Nearby Kagaminuma Pond is nicknamed “Hachimantai Dragon Eye” because of a natural phenomenon that occurs in late spring. As the edges of the pond thaw, opening a ring of water, the center of the remaining ice also begins to melt. When seen from above, the pond resembles a giant eye. While beautiful, the pond can be dangerous while it thaws, so visitors should keep away from the edge.

Mikaeri Pass is located at the border between Akita and Iwate prefectures. The pass offers panoramic views of Hachimantai and its ponds and wetlands to the east, as well as Mt. Iwate, Mt. Hayachine, Mt. Akita-Komagatake, and other mountains to the south. Visitors can also take advantage of the Hachimantai Mountaintop Rest House and parking at the pass.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.