Hachimantai Mikaeri Pass

The Hachimantai Mikaeri Pass is a scenic viewing spot on the Hachimantai Aspite Line, a mountain driving road that stretches for 27 kilometers from Iwate to Akita. The road lies within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, and it is famous for its “corridors of snow”; during winter, walls of snow that can reach up to 9 meters high completely enclose the road.
From the Hachimantai Aspite Line, there is a walking path that leads from the parking lot to the top of the pass. Partway up, there is an observation deck where visitors can gaze out on the view of Mt. Iwatesan and the vast lands surrounding it. At the summit, there is a rest house equipped with a snack store, a local specialty shop, and a nature information booth.
At an elevation of 1,541 meters at the summit, the Hachimantai Mikaeri pass is the highest point on the Hachimantai Aspite Line. Due to its height, with a bit of luck visitors might be able to witness a dynamic sea of clouds covering the scenery. The sea of clouds can appear at any time during the year, but it is most commonly seen between spring and autumn.