Hachimantai Plateau — Volcanic Highlands & Dragon's Eye

Hachimantai Plateau (八幡平) is a volcanic highland straddling the Akita-Iwate border, part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The plateau sits at 1,400-1,600 meters elevation, with alpine meadows, volcanic peaks, crater lakes, and hot springs. The area is famous for the 'Dragon's Eye' (八幡平ドラゴンアイ) — a seasonal phenomenon (late May-early June) where Kagami-numa pond's ice melts from the center outward, forming a blue eye-shaped opening surrounded by white ice, resembling a dragon's iris.

Beyond the Dragon's Eye, Hachimantai offers hiking trails through moorlands dotted with wildflowers (June-August), sulfur fumaroles venting steam, and autumn foliage (late September). The Aspite Line scenic road (アスピーテライン, 27km) crosses the plateau, connecting Akita and Iwate prefectures with sweeping mountain vistas. The road is only open mid-April to early November (closed in winter due to heavy snow).