What to know
Matsukawa Onsen (松川温泉) is a tiny, secluded hot spring village on the Iwate side of Mount Hachimantai, inside Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It comprises only a few ryokan lining a river, with baths fed by the local sulfurous, slightly milky hot spring water. All ryokan allow day visitors to use their baths for a small fee.
A short walk upstream from the hot springs is the Matsukawa Geothermal Power Station. Built in 1966, it was Japan's first geothermal power plant, supplying clean energy and hot water to the area. The plant and its 45-meter cooling tower are not open to the public, but a small visitor center offers videos and exhibits about the facility.
Matsukawa Onsen is accessible by car from the north via a direct road near the summit of Mount Hachimantai, or by bus or car from the east. In winter, only the eastern route is open.
Year-round, Iwate Kenpoku Bus runs 3–4 buses daily between Morioka and Matsukawa Onsen. The one-way trip takes about two hours and costs 1,350 yen.
How to get to and around Hachimantai
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 16:00
- Closed
- Tuesdays, and from mid November to late April
- Admission
- Free
- English name
- Original name
- Matsukawa Onsen
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.