Close to Tokyo ! 8 recommended summer escape spots in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture
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Do you think the Japanese summer is hot? Here are 8 recommended summer escape spots in Hokuto City Yamanashi Prefecture, which is about 2 hours by train from Tokyo . Located at a high altitude and surrounded by mountains, it is a cool and comfortable summer escape. Why not visit Hokuto City, known as a summer escape spot, this summer?
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It is located in the northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, on the border with Nagano Prefecture. It is a vast area surrounded by 3,000m-class mountains such as the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Southern Alps, and Mt. Kinpu, and overlooking Mt. Fuji to the south. It is about a two-hour drive from Tokyo, about an hour from Mt. Fuji, and about an hour from Matsumoto, and is easily accessible, so many tourists visit throughout the year. It is also known as a "village of famous water," and three places have been selected as one of Japan's 100 famous water sources. This bounty of water is loved as natural water, and the area boasts one of the largest production volumes of mineral water in Japan. Sake is also produced from the pure water, and you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and rich food.
8 recommended summer escape spots in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture
Mount Yatsugatake Crosswalk
"I want to travel in the summer, but I don't like the heat."
If so, Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is the answer!
Hokuto City is a small town in the north of the prefecture, surrounded by the Mount Yatsugatake and the Minami Alps . The average temperature is a comfortable 20-25°C, so it doesn't feel oppressively hot.
It boasts a cool climate and beautiful nature all year round.
The traditional Japanese tranquility remains,
"I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and visit a new place, but I'd prefer it to be somewhere close to Tokyo ."
This is recommended for those who:
You can feel close to nature with beautiful flower fields, majestic mountains, and cool waterfalls.
What's more, you can also see Mount Fuji from this town.
This time, we will introduce 8 recommended summer escape spots in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture !
This summer, why not escape the heat and refresh your body and mind in the naturally rich Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture ?
- Table of Contents
- [Shirakawa Valley] A natural cooler for summer! A paradise of cool water
- [Doryu Falls] A beautiful waterfall hidden Oku in the Mori that resembles a dragon spewing water.
- [Beautiful Mori] A spectacular view that will blow away the heat!
- [Makiba Park] Interact with animals at the foot of the Mount Yatsugatake!
- [Heidi's Village] It's like the world of the Alps! Come and meet Heidi from the anime
- [Hara Branch] The first shop in the world to make "Mizu Shingen Mochi"
- [Mount Yatsugatake Outdoor Activities] Enjoy the great outdoors on a kayak or Segway!
- [Mount Yatsugatake Club] A cafe where you can relax in the cool Mori
- [Summary] Why is Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture recommended for summer travel?
[Shirakawa Valley] A natural cooler for summer! A paradise of cool water
If you come to Hokuto City in the summer, you can't miss the Shirakawa Valley .
The promenade along the clear stream is dotted with small waterfalls, and the cold water from the mountains is so clear that you can even see the stones on the riverbed.
It's a great place to stroll, cool off with your feet, and take some nature photos.
Comments from Thai visitors
- It was very relaxing. I was able to take in a lot of fresh air and feel a lot of negative ions.
- The walk to the falls is not too far and you can wear regular sneakers , but if you are interested in hiking or mountain climbing you can go further in. The time varies depending on the mountain you go to.
- The nature is so beautiful that you will be truly glad you went. I'm sure you will be satisfied.
[Doryu Falls] A beautiful waterfall hidden Oku in the Mori that resembles a dragon spewing water.
Toryu Falls is said to be the most beautiful waterfall in the Kawamata River Valley at the southern foot of the Mount Yatsugatake .
It is about 15 meters wide and 10 meters high, and can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot from the parking lot along the promenade .
You can enjoy a stroll while taking in the quiet and beautiful nature.
Comments from Thai visitors
- The entrance is a little narrow, so please be careful if you go by car . The parking lot is not very large and can only accommodate about 15 cars. Buses cannot be parked there.
- From the parking lot to the falls, you have to walk, but along the way you can enjoy the beautiful nature that changes with the seasons. It doesn't take long to reach the falls, and once you arrive, a great photo spot awaits you.
[Beautiful Mori] A spectacular view that will blow away the heat!
About 10 minutes' walk up the beautiful promenade and stairs from the parking lot will take you to a spectacular view of the Kiyosato Takaharu, Mount Fuji , and the Minami Alps.
You can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season.
Comments from Thai visitors
- Anyone can enjoy this place, from children to adults. The path is not too steep and there are several rest spots along the way, so you can easily stroll around.
- Tourists can also climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city, Mt. Fuji , and the surrounding nature. If you like hiking, you can go even Oku.
- This is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Hokuto City.
- There is an information center near the parking lot that provides tourist information. There are also souvenir shops and a delicious grape soft serve ice cream.
[Makiba Park] Interact with animals at the foot of the Mount Yatsugatake!
Makiba Park covers a vast area and is surrounded by beautiful mountains, offering views of Mount Fuji.
You can interact with animals such as sheep, goats and ponies, and there is also a restaurant, shop and cafe on site.
It's a popular spot in the summer.
Official website: http://www.yatuboku.jp/makiba/
Comments from Thai visitors
- It's a great spot for the whole family, especially on a nice day , when the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the clear, crisp air make it a very pleasant experience.
- Located on a Takaharu, it is cool and comfortable. You can also interact with sheep and goats, which is very relaxing. Taking photos with the animals is also fun and will be a memorable experience.
- The facility is equipped with restaurants, souvenir shops, cafes, and more, making it a place you can enjoy all day long. The "Cow Soft Serve" is especially recommended , a milk-flavored soft serve ice cream served in a cup that you can decorate with your own cow's face. It's fun and delicious, and definitely something you should try!
For more information:
[Heidi's Village] It's like the world of the Alps! Come and meet Heidi from the anime
This theme park recreates the Swiss Alps and is based on Johanna Spyri's children's book "Heidi, Girl of the Alps."
With shops, restaurants, children's playgrounds, flower gardens and observation points, it's a place the whole family can enjoy.
Official website: http://www.haiji-no-mura.com/
Comments from Thai visitors
- It's a very spacious place with many spots to take photos, the buildings are beautiful, the flowers and trees are well-maintained and there is something fascinating everywhere you look.
- It's a great place for families too, with a large playground on-site.
- You can enjoy it in any season, but the best time to visit is in the summer , when tulips, roses, sunflowers and other flowers bloom, creating a gorgeous and beautiful landscape.
- If you love flowers, this is a must-visit spot.
For more information:
[Hara Branch] The first shop in the world to make "Mizu Shingen Mochi"
This is a long-established Japanese sweets store that is well-known among locals. You can enjoy Japanese sweets made with various kinds of bean paste.
It is also famous as the first shop in the world to serve Mizu Shingen Mochi , and uses water from the Minami Alps.
Mizu Shingen Mochi is only available during the summer (June to September).
Official website: https://kinseiken.co.jp/
Comments from Thai visitors
- Mizu Shingen Mochi is a very special sweet, and it's not something you can easily find just anywhere. This is the original shop , and you can enjoy a special experience unlike any other from the first bite.
- The moment you put it in your mouth, the pureness and lightness of the water spreads, and you can feel the refreshing taste and freshness. It is a truly special dish.
- If you're visiting Japan in the summer, Mizu Shingen Mochi is one sweet you definitely want to try. It's easily accessible, about a two-hour drive from Tokyo , and you're sure to have an experience you won't find anywhere else.
- In addition to Mizu Shingen Mochi , there are many other delicious products available that make perfect souvenirs.
Opening times
9:00-17:00 (open every day)
[Mount Yatsugatake Outdoor Activities] Enjoy the great outdoors on a kayak or Segway!
This is a fun and relaxing outdoor activity surrounded by the beautiful nature of Hokuto City.
Segways are two-wheeled electric vehicles that are controlled by shifting your body weight and can be driven through the beautiful nature around Moegi-no-Mura (mid-March to late December).
Kayaking can be enjoyed on Lake Mizugaki in the World Heritage area of Kobuchisawa (May to November).
Official website: https://y-outdoor.com/
Comments from Thai visitors
- When I first found out that such an activity could be experienced within the city, I was surprised and excited, thinking, "Wow, you can do something like this?!" It's really nice to know that you can enjoy it right in the city without having to go far.
- I actually tried out two activities, kayaking and Segway! The staff gave me detailed instructions for both activities, so even beginners can enjoy them with peace of mind (I was a complete beginner myself!).
- [Kayaking] I slowly paddled through the dam in Hokuto City. The cool breeze on my face felt so good, and I was able to truly relax in nature. Before I knew it, time had flown by.
- [Segway] It was so much fun! At first, it was a little difficult to balance, but as I got used to it, I wanted to ride more and more, and I felt like going further and further away. Riding on the roads surrounded by nature in Moegi Village was really refreshing and relaxing.
- I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great summer activity!
For more information:
[Mount Yatsugatake Club] A cafe where you can relax in the cool Mori
It is located in the southern foot of the Mount Yatsugatake, surrounded by abundant nature at an altitude of 1,360 meters.
There are restaurants, shops and galleries where you can purchase handcrafted goods and miscellaneous items.
You can relax and unwind in the cool, fresh air.
Comments from Thai visitors
- The atmosphere is the best! It is surrounded by trees, so it is shady and cool, and I had a very comfortable time. The food is also really delicious, and every photo looks great!
- The fruit tea is a must-try ! You can eat all the fruit in the cup, and it's rich and fruity. The cakes are also delicious, and there are plenty of other food options.
- After your meal, you can take a walk in the adjacent Mori; the air is very clear and pleasant.
- There is also a shop where you can enjoy souvenirs and miscellaneous goods. It's a perfect place! If you come to Hokuto City, this is a spot you definitely can't miss!
Opening hours:
10:00〜17:30
Closed Day
Every Wednesday
Want to know more?
[Summary] Why is Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture recommended for summer travel?
In this article, we introduced 8 recommended summer escape spots in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture .
- Cool weather to beat the heat
- Beautiful traditional Japanese natural scenery
- A variety of activities, but not noisy
- Perfect for relaxation and photography enthusiasts
- Easy to access, just 2 hours by train from Tokyo
If you want to have fun and recharge your energy in nature this summer without feeling too hot or tired, be sure to visit Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture .
I'm sure you'll love it and want to come back again!
Explore more tourist spots in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture
It is located in the northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, on the border with Nagano Prefecture. It is a vast area surrounded by 3,000m-class mountains such as the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Southern Alps, and Mt. Kinpu, and overlooking Mt. Fuji to the south. It is about a two-hour drive from Tokyo, about an hour from Mt. Fuji, and about an hour from Matsumoto, and is easily accessible, so many tourists visit throughout the year. It is also known as a "village of famous water," and three places have been selected as one of Japan's 100 famous water sources. This bounty of water is loved as natural water, and the area boasts one of the largest production volumes of mineral water in Japan. Sake is also produced from the pure water, and you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and rich food.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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