Hakkoda

Hakkoda, or the Hakkōda Mountains, is a volcanic mountain range in Aomori Prefecture in northern Honshu, Japan. The range lies northeast of Aomori City and is associated with Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It is known for rugged terrain, dense forests, and heavy winter snowfall, which make the area a drawing card for hikers in summer and skiers in winter.

The Hakkoda Range encompasses several peaks, including Mount Odake, and features multiple trails and alpine scenery. The landscape is characterized by volcanic geology, with jagged ridges and white-impermeable snow fields that shape seasonal activities. Access is via roads and rail to Aomori, with seasonal transport options such as a ropeway to provide views of the range.

Historically, the area is best known for the Hakkōda incident of January 1902, when a blizzard trapped Imperial Japanese Army troops during a training ascent, resulting in numerous deaths. The disaster prompted changes in mountain safety practices and weather forecasting in Japan.

Today, the Hakkoda area remains a destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, snowshoeing, and ski touring, as well as sightseeing. Visitors should be aware of severe winter weather, avalanche risk, and rapidly changing conditions, and are advised to check current information before entering the mountains.