Kazuno City Things to Do: Towada, Hachimantai & Local Attractions

Why Visit Kazuno City in Northern Akita

Kazuno City (鹿角市) sits in the northeastern corner of Akita Prefecture, wedged between volcanic mountains and deep river valleys. It is a quiet, rural city that most international visitors pass through without stopping — but it holds two nationally significant attractions and serves as one of the most practical gateways to the Towada-Hachimantai National Park.

The first draw is the Oyu Stone Circles (大湯環状列石), a pair of Jomon-period ritual sites dating to approximately 2000 BCE and part of the UNESCO tentative World Heritage Jomon Prehistoric Sites. The second is the Hanawa Bayashi festival (花輪ばやし), a traditional float procession recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Between these two attractions, a day trip or overnight stay in Kazuno offers a concentrated introduction to the cultural depth of inland Tohoku.

Kazuno is one of several cities covered in our Akita city guides, each offering a different side of the prefecture — from coastal Namahage traditions to samurai districts and snow festivals.

Oyu Stone Circles: Jomon Heritage Site

The Oyu Stone Circles are among the most intact Jomon-period archaeological sites in northern Japan. Two concentric stone arrangements — the larger Nonakado circle and the smaller Manza circle — sit on a plateau about 15 minutes by car from Kazuno-Hanawa Station. These circles were constructed roughly 4,000 years ago as ritual or ceremonial spaces, though their exact purpose remains debated by archaeologists.

What makes the site distinctive is its scale and preservation. The stones are arranged in clear geometric patterns with central standing stones, and the entire area has been maintained as an open-air site that visitors can walk through freely. An adjacent visitor center provides context on the Jomon culture and displays artifacts excavated from the site.

According to the Kazuno City official site, the stone circles are open 24 hours and admission is free. The visitor center operates from 9:00 to 17:00. There is no reservation required.

The site is best visited with a car — public bus service from Kazuno-Hanawa Station exists but runs on limited schedules. Driving from the station takes about 15 minutes, or 5 minutes from Hanawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

Hanawa Bayashi Festival: UNESCO Intangible Heritage

The Hanawa Bayashi is Kazuno's signature cultural event, held annually on August 19-20 in the Hanawa district. Ten ornate golden floats (屋台) are pulled through the streets accompanied by distinctive flute (笛) and drum (太鼓) music that builds into a competitive crescendo as the evening progresses.

The festival has a history spanning several centuries and was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. According to the official Hanawa Bayashi website, the main events take place in the evening, with float parades converging near the station area for the climactic competitions.

For visitors, the atmosphere is the main draw. The combination of firelight reflecting off the gilded floats, the escalating drum battles between competing neighborhoods, and the relatively small crowd size (compared to major city festivals) creates an intense, intimate experience.

If you are planning around the festival, arrive by late afternoon on August 19 to secure a good viewing spot. For deeper coverage of Kazuno's festivals and hot spring culture, see our dedicated travel guide.

Gateway to Towada and Hachimantai

Lake Towada Access from Kazuno

Kazuno provides a southern approach to Lake Towada (十和田湖), the famous caldera lake straddling the Akita-Aomori border. The lake is celebrated for its deep blue water and surrounding forests, which turn vivid shades of red and gold during autumn — typically peaking in mid to late October.

Driving from Kazuno to the southern shore of Lake Towada takes approximately 40-50 minutes. Public bus service exists but is limited in frequency, making a rental car the practical choice for this route. The Oirase Gorge, one of Tohoku's most scenic stream walks, extends from the lake's eastern outlet and is accessible from the same road network.

Hachimantai Plateau Hiking

Hachimantai (八幡平) is a volcanic plateau in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, accessible from the western side via Kazuno. The plateau sits at approximately 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) and offers relatively gentle hiking trails through alpine wetlands, volcanic ponds, and wildflower meadows.

The Hachimantai Aspite Line, a scenic mountain road, connects Kazuno to the plateau summit area. The road is open from mid-April to early November, with the exact dates depending on snow conditions.

For seasonal planning and local cuisine recommendations in the Kazuno area, see our visitor guide.

Getting to Kazuno from Morioka and Beyond

Kazuno-Hanawa Station (花輪駅) is the city's main rail stop, served by the JR Hanawa Line. From Morioka Station — the nearest shinkansen hub — the journey takes approximately 1 hour by local train. By car, Morioka to Kazuno is also about 1 hour via the Tohoku Expressway.

From Tokyo, the fastest route is the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka (about 2 hours 15 minutes), then transfer to the JR Hanawa Line. The total journey takes roughly 3.5 hours.

Within Kazuno, a rental car is strongly recommended. The city is spread out, and key attractions like the Oyu Stone Circles and the Towada-Hachimantai gateways are not walkable from the station. Limited local buses serve some routes, but schedules are infrequent.

Destination	From Kazuno-Hanawa	Transport
Oyu Stone Circles	~15 min	Car (recommended)
Lake Towada (south shore)	~40-50 min	Car
Hachimantai Plateau	~60 min (seasonal road)	Car
Morioka Station	~1 hour	JR Hanawa Line or car

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kazuno City from Morioka?

Take the JR Hanawa Line from Morioka Station to Kazuno-Hanawa Station — the journey takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, drive via the Tohoku Expressway, also about 1 hour. From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka (2 hours 15 minutes) and transfer to the Hanawa Line.

Is Oyu Stone Circles worth visiting?

Yes. The Oyu Stone Circles are a well-preserved Jomon-period archaeological site dating to approximately 2000 BCE, part of the UNESCO tentative World Heritage list. Admission is free, the site is open 24 hours, and the visitor center operates 9:00-17:00. Allow 30-60 minutes for a visit. It is a 15-minute drive from Kazuno-Hanawa Station.

When is the Hanawa Bayashi festival?

The Hanawa Bayashi festival is held annually on August 19-20. The main float parades and drum competitions take place in the evening in the Hanawa district near the station. Ten golden floats participate. The festival is recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Can I visit Lake Towada from Kazuno as a day trip?

Yes. Kazuno serves as a southern gateway to Lake Towada, with the drive to the south shore taking approximately 40-50 minutes. A rental car is recommended as public bus service is limited. Autumn foliage season (mid to late October) is the most popular time to visit.