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Ski resort in Japan
Photo: Inazo1862, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Appi Kōgen (安比高原), or just Appi (安比), is a ski resort in Hachimantai, Iwate, Japan.
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白樺の湯
Spa complex featuring the largest outdoor tub (rotenburo) in Tohoku, indoor pool and sauna. Directly connected to the Holiday Inn, also served by the Area Shuttle.
丸大食堂
A time warp to the Showa era, this humble eatery in the no man's land between the village and the highway serves up freshly cut soba, with foraged mushrooms (in season) as well as ramen and rice bowls. Cash only, no English menu.
The only semi-reasonably priced option in the ski resort, this food court catering squarely to skiers has half a dozen stalls offering ramen, curry rice, Indian, pizza and more, with plenty of seating. The food is expensive and average for Japan, but at least the portions are generous. Packed at lunch, but most stalls close up shop by 4pm even on weekends, when it's theoretically still open for dinner.
Australian-style coffee, burgers, curry rice and craft beer. The only cafe in Appi that opens early and stays open late.
Bakery-cafe selling their own pastries, bread, salads and similar light fare. This is IHG's in-house supplier and you'll find their products at the cafe & restaurants at the resort as well.
あぶり亭
Izakaya specializing in robatayaki ("primitive grilling", per English menu). The menu is short but well selected, tasty, and not too extortionately priced if you avoid the wagyu.
A Colorado style microbrewery transplanted into Japan, this cozy pub has burgers, chili and ten beers on tap.
Eclectic inn spread across three themed buildings: the original Honkan, the retro-styled "Earth Color", and the colorful "Arts Color" annex (a few blocks away). Both Western and Japanese rooms offered. Shared cooking facilities.
Opened 2022, this is an understated low-rise 5-star resort. Offers refined service and spacious rooms. Features multiple restaurants and bars, onsen, spa, sauna, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. A premium option for a high-end stay.
Appi Grand Hotel
Huge 1980s era resort hotel in two canary yellow buildings including the "iconic" (hideous) 78 m Hotel Tower, with a wide range of dining options, indoor pool, gym, karaoke, amusement facilities, and a large public onsen. The building is showing its age but the rooms were renovated around 2021, with spacious Japanese/Western tatami-and-beds family rooms as well as luxury suites with private tubs available.
The most affordable of the IHG trio, this enormous 6-building, 677-room resort complex is split into two parts: the canary yellow "onsen building" (former Appi Kogen Onsen Hotel), directly connected to the Shirakaba-no-Yu spa complex (see #Do), and the brown "hills" buildings (formerly Appi Hills Shirakaba no Mori) down the road. Closed for renovations as of 2025.
安比高原 森のホテル
Japanese-style ryokan hotel with 28 guest rooms. Indoor and outdoor baths and a sauna. Some rooms come with private tubs.
This otherwise unremarkable convenience store near the station is notable as the only independent shop around. Sells the usual range of meals, snacks and liquor.
By plane
Most visitors fly into Tokyo and connect to the train.
By train
5 hrs from Odate), but you'll need to take a shuttle or taxi to get from the station to the resort area.
By bus
During the winter season only, Iwate Kenpoku Bus operates buses from Morioka station directly to Appi Kogen, no booking required.
By car
Take the Tohoku Expressway to Matsuo-Hachimantai IC (松尾八幡平), then Route 282 to Appi Kogen (35 min).
Appi is spread out: it's about 3 km from the station to the ski resort.
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Kitaakita · Regional · ONJ
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