tales of travel

In our first blog about the Hachimantai Plateau, we encountered the ethereal “Dragon Eye” and the cooling summer breezes that characterize the highlands. We then delved into the region’s sophisticated luxury potential and the haunting industrial history of its volcanic ridges. Now, we expand our scope to the cultural crescendo of Northern Japan: the vibrant, rhythmic pulse of the summer festivals that surround the plateau.

To visit the Hachimantai Plateau in the summer is to be caught between two worlds: the profound, prehistoric silence of the mountains and the thunderous, vibrant energy of the Tohoku region’s world-famous festivals. This is a land where you can stand atop a volcanic peak in the morning and immerse yourself in an ancient drum parade by evening.

Morioka Sansa Odori Cultural Festival for a Summer Vacation Experience 

Descending from the quiet marshlands and high-moor ponds of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the city of Morioka (a 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from the plateau) offers a sensory explosion. This city is the stage for the Morioka Sansa Odori, recognized as one of Japan’s biggest drum festivals.

The festival is a Guinness World Record-holding spectacle where thousands of drummers and dancers move in unison through the streets. The sound is primal-a rhythmic thunder that echoes the volcanic power of the mountains you left behind. After a morning of “slow travel” among the alpine marshlands, witnessing the sea of vibrant yukatas and rhythmic chanting provides a striking, contemplative contrast to the pristine wilderness.

Akita Kanto Festival Not To Be Missed In Summer

To the west, in Akita Prefecture, the atmosphere shifts to a world-famous lantern-balancing spectacle. The Akita Kanto Festival is a masterclass in balance and strength. Performers hoist massive bamboo poles-reaching up to 12 meters in height and laden with dozens of glowing paper lanterns-using only their hips, shoulders, or foreheads.

The lanterns represent heavy ears of rice, glowing like a golden harvest against the night sky. This celebration of life and abundance is the perfect cultural companion to the “ethereal rebirth” of the region’s spring and the “fiery mastery” of its autumn foliage.

More Cultural Experiences for Your Summer Vacation in Northern Japan

While the festivals celebrate the “vibrant pulse of its artisanal present,” the region’s daily life is deeply tied to the earth’s energy. The volcanic power of the land is not merely for hot springs; it is a partner in the creative process.

Geothermal Art in the Matsuo Area

In the Matsuo area, a unique tradition of geothermal craft thrives. Local artisans utilize natural steam and geothermal heat for specialized woodworking and dyeing, producing colors and textures that are deeply tied to the earth’s energy. This process connects modern travelers to the literal heat of the planet, turning volcanic power into tangible art.

Jōmon Origins and Prehistoric Treasures

For those seeking the deepest roots of Japanese civilization, the nearby Kazuno area in Akita serves as a gateway to the past. The region is rich with Jōmon-era artifacts, connecting modern travelers to the ancient hunter-gatherer cultures that navigated these forests thousands of years ago. Visitors can explore regional museums that display these prehistoric treasures, offering a perspective on how humanity has coexisted with this volcanic landscape for millennia.

The Haunting Beauty of the Matsuo Mine

For a more contemplative cultural experience, one must visit the Matsuo Mine. Once a massive industrial operation, the remains of its ghost-town apartment blocks stand as silent, concrete monoliths against the verdant slopes. Exploring these ruins provides a striking window into the life of the people who once called this volcanic ridge home, offering a poignant contrast to the “Dragon Eye” explored in our first blog.

Where to Stay to Experience Tohoku in the Summer

To experience these cultural landmarks without sacrificing comfort, Hachimantai offers a range of sophisticated retreats that emphasize harmony with the environment.

A Sample 7-Day Northern Japan Itinerary

To fully capture the spirit of Northern Japan, we recommend an itinerary that moves from volcanic heights to spiritual valleys.

• Day 1: Arrive via Morioka and ascend into the highlands to see the Dragon Eye lake. Stay in a refined ryokan for a kaiseki dinner featuring Iwate wagyu.
• Day 2: Dedicate the morning to the Matsuo Mine before driving the scenic Aspite Line.
• Day 3: Visit local forest shrines and Shugendō sites near the Matsukawa valley—transition to the upscale Appi Kōgen resort zone.
• Day 4: Explore regional museums in Kazuno, featuring Jōmon artifacts. Learn how locals live in harmony with volcanic nature through guided nature walks.
• Day 5: Drive west to Nyūtō Onsenkyō, stopping to visit artisans in Kosaka en route.
• Day 6: Arrive in Morioka and explore the Nanshoso District, where you can enjoy local cuisine such as Wanko Soba, Jaja-men, and Morioka Raymen. Finish the day with a walk around Kiku no Tsukasa Brewery and enjoy a tasting.
• Day 7: Consider extending your stay to the samurai houses of Kakunodate or Lake Tazawa for kayaking and e-bike tours.

Planning Your 2026 Cultural Summer Retreat

The Hachimantai Plateau is a destination that rewards the curious and those willing to venture off the beaten path. Whether you are drawn by the haunting history of the Matsuo Mine or the impending opening of AZUMA FARM in 2026, the region demands a slower, more intentional pace.

A car is essential for this journey, providing the freedom to reach hidden onsens, trailheads, and the vibrant festival grounds spread across the highlands. As detailed in our guide to luxury stays, the plateau is large, and its best secrets are spread throughout the park. ATJ is your specialist for crafting unique Tohoku adventures, from securing a private bath at a secluded ryokan to reserving the ideal Morioka rental. Contact us to start planning your Northern Japan journey for a seamless, life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime summer vacation.

Reviewed by KIRSTEN LOUY-NASTY (December 2025)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & CO-OWNER

Kirsten was raised in our nation’s capital, where her curiosity about distant places first took root. Her passion for global exploration was solidified after traveling to Papua New Guinea to work with a grassroots organization focused on women and small businesses. She went on to establish and earn the first Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Studies at Keene State College in New Hampshire. Since then, Kirsten has traveled extensively across five continents, deepening her understanding of diverse cultures and communities.