Hachimantai CAT Snowmonster Snowshoe Tour

Join this exclusive snowshoe tour and head into the vast Hachimantai wilderness to see the magnificent ‘Snow Monsters.’
Ride the Hachimantai CAT (snowcat) to the upper reaches of the former Hachimantai Ski Resort, then trek toward the summit to witness the breathtaking rime ice formations.
The return journey follows the same route back to the snowcat station, where you’ll ride back down to the Gozaisho parking area.
This is our original tour, offering unique access from the Iwate side using the Hachimantai CAT.
As the tour involves a round-trip trek of approximately 10km, it is designed for those with experience in snowshoeing or winter mountaineering.
Participants are also welcome to use their own hike-up gear, such as telemark skis, splitboards, or snow hikes.
*Please note that there is no downhill skiing/riding, as the group follows the same walking course as the snowshoers.

Duration

Approx. 9 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty

Advanced Winter Mountaineers

Period

Saturday, March 6, 2027

Opening Hours

Hours: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Location

Hachimantai Gozaisho to Hachimantai Snow Monster Area, Iwate Prefecture

Pricing

Residents of Japan: 28,000 yen | International Visitors: 35,000 yen
*Please note that the fee differs for travelers to Japan and residents of Japan.
*Even if you live in Japan, if you do not speak Japanese, the fee will be the same as for travelers to Japan.
Please understand that the fee is different from the Japanese fee as the English interpreting staff will accompany the tour. (The interpreter is available in English only.)
◎ Included in the price: Rental fees for snowshoes, snow boots, poles, and beacons; Hachimantai CAT ride; round-trip shuttle service; and insurance.
*Gear suitable for hiking up (telemark skis, splitboards, snow hikes, etc.) is not included in the rental fee. Please bring your own if you wish to use these.

Capacity

3–9 persons
*If there are only 2 participants, the tour will be held at a rate of 42,000 yen per person. (The price difference will be collected on-site on the day of the tour.)
*If there is 1 participant, the tour will not run.

Target Audience

Ages 13–75 who are capable of walking 10km in snowy mountain conditions.

How to Participate

Web reservations (by 5:00 PM 3 days prior to the event date)

Equipment & Items

・Snowshoes or equipment suitable for hiking up
・Poles
・Winter wear
・Sunglasses or goggles
・Gloves
・Face mask
・Snow boots
• Beacon
・Lunch, trail snacks, and drinks

Inquiry

APPI Explore (ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Appi Kogen, 1F)
TEL 0195-73-6228 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
MAIL appiexplore@ihr.co.jp

Remarks

[Cancellation Policy]
Cancellations made after booking is complete will incur a fee based on our policy. Thank you for your understanding.
7 days prior: 20% | 1 day prior: 50% | Same day: 80% | No-show: 100%

Winter Season 2026–27
APPI ExPlore Equipment Rental Fees

Rental Items	Fees
Backcountry Snowshoes	Regular Price ￥3,500
Helmet	For Tour Participants Only ￥1,100
Beacon (Tracker) / Avalanche Transceiver	For Tour Participants Only ￥1,100 Regular Price ￥2,800
Shovel	For Tour Participants Only ￥1,100 Regular Price ￥1,800
Probe	For Tour Participants Only ￥1,100 Regular Price ￥1,800
Backpack (item only)	Regular Price ￥1,800
Backcountry Poles	Regular Price ￥1,100

Rental Items	Fees
Snowshoe 3-Item Set (Snowshoes, Boots, Poles)	Regular Price ￥3,000
Snowshoes	Regular Price ￥2,500
Snow Boots (Outside Program Use)	Regular Price ￥1,100
Snowshoe Poles	Regular Price ￥550