10 Recommended Tourist Spots in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture: Enjoy Scenic Views, Food, and Nature

Hokuto City is located in the northeastern part of Yamanashi Prefecture and can be reached in just two hours from Tokyo .

Surrounded by renowned mountains and beautiful nature, you can enjoy tranquility and clean air all year round.

It is full of diverse attractions, including natural sightseeing spots, cafes, shops, and restaurants.

It is also located on the "Golden Route" from Lake Kawaguchi to Matsumoto , making it the perfect destination for travelers looking for lesser-known beauty in Japan .

This time, we will introduce 10 popular spots in Hokuto City that can be enjoyed by everyone, from families and couples to outdoor enthusiasts.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort/Highland Park
• 2. Seisenryo Jersey Hat
• 3. Moegi Village
• 4. Heidi's Village
• 5. Yamanashi Prefectural Makiba Park
• 6. Mount Yatsugatake Club
• 7. Higashizawa Bridge
• 8. Mount Yatsugatake Takaharu Bridge
• 9. Shirakawa Valley
• 10. Toryu Falls
• summary

1. Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort/Highland Park

Ski resort in winter, flower fields and panoramic gondola rides in summer.

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the highest point in Hokuto City, at over 1,900 meters above sea level.

From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of beautiful mountains, including the majestic Mount Fuji .

In winter, it transforms into a vast ski resort covered in snow.

Meanwhile, from spring to autumn, it operates as Kiyosato Terrace , where you can enjoy the spectacular views from the cafe on the mountaintop.

The G Kart course, which can be enjoyed by the whole family, is also popular.

No matter what season you visit, it's sure to be an experience that will leave you with special memories.

Facility information

[Business hours]

Center House: 9:00-17:00

Panorama Lift: 9:00-16:30 (last ascent at 16:00)

Kiyosato Terrace: 9:30-16:20

G Cart: 9:30-17:00 (last entry 16:00)

Restaurant Sundance: 9:30-16:30 (food 10:30-15:00)

Kiyosato Cafe: 9:30-16:30 (L.O. 16:00) *Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays

[Business period]

Winter season: December 13th to April 5th

Green season: April 26th to May 6th, May 25th to November 3rd

Closed: November 4th to December 12th (to prepare for the ski resort's winter season)

Closed: April 6th to April 25th (to prepare for the green season)

【Official website】 http://www.sunmeadows.co.jp/

2. Seisenryo Jersey Hat

Famous for its fresh ice cream, dairy farm, and natural surroundings.

Takaharu is a cool and comfortable Takaharu sightseeing and rest spot all year Kiyosato .

You can feel the freshness even in summer.

The biggest highlight here is the rich Jersey milk soft serve ice cream .

It is made using milk from Jersey cows that are carefully raised on the same farm, and has an irresistible natural flavor and richness.

The premises also include a cafe where you can enjoy light meals, a bakery, a souvenir corner and a wide range of products for purchase.

On a clear day, you can see the top three highest mountains in Japan ( Mount Fuji, Mount Kitadake, and Mount Ainodake ) from the terrace.

In particular, in the winter when the air is crystal clear, the snow-capped Mount Fuji looks as beautiful as a painting.

Facility information

【Business hours】9:00-17:00

【Official website】 https://seisenryo.jp/spots/jerseyhut/

3. Moegi Village

European-style village with cafes, shops, and seasonal gardens.

This is one of the popular spots you cannot miss in Hokuto City.

The village has a charming and warm atmosphere , with European-style buildings, cafes, shops and restaurants surrounded by nature.

It's a must-see spot for photography enthusiasts , and every shot is picturesque.

The highlight is the vintage merry-go-round , imported from America in 1993 and an icon of the village.

You can also enjoy the beautiful sounds and romantic atmosphere at the Music Box Museum.

Also, be sure to try the rich curry, a long-standing favorite at restaurant ROCK , and the award-winning craft beer Touch Down .

Facility information

【Business hours】10:00-18:00

【Official website】 http://www.moeginomura.co.jp/

4. Heidi's Village

A Swiss-themed park inspired by the story of Heidi, Girl of the Alps.

This is a facility that recreates the world of Johanna Spyri's timeless masterpiece, "Heidi, Girl of the Alps."

Heidi's story was also a huge hit as a Japanese television anime.

This is a story about a girl who grows up in the beautiful Swiss Alps and her heartwarming interactions with small animals.

The village has shops, restaurants, museums, lookout points and a large playground, making it fun for the whole family .

Plus, seasonal flower gardens, European-style buildings, and a quiet, tranquil countryside atmosphere can be enjoyed all year round.

Facility information

【Business hours】9:00-18:00

【Official website】 http://www.haiji-no-mura.com/

5. Yamanashi Prefectural Makiba Park

A wide open farm park with grazing animals and Mt. Yatsugatake views.

This is a vast ranch park located on the southern foot of Mount Yatsugatake Yatsugatake, on a Takaharu at an altitude of 1,100 to 1,700 meters.

Not only can you enjoy the cool breeze and majestic mountain views, but it's also a relaxing spot where you can interact with adorable sheep, goats, and ponies .

Perfect for those who want to spend some relaxing time .

There is also a restaurant and a shop selling local specialties on the premises, so you can enjoy yourself all day long.

Another highlight is the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji from the observation point.

You can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season, from the fresh greenery of spring, the refreshing air of summer, to the snowy scenery of winter.

Facility information

[Business hours]

Makiba Restaurant 10:00-17:00 (meal time 11:00-last order 15:00)

Makiba Cafe 10:00-17:00

Shop 10:00-17:00

Park: 9:00-17:00 April 18th - November 10th (Every Monday)

【Official website】 http://www.yatuboku.jp/makiba/

6. Mount Yatsugatake Club

Experience the lush 1,360m-high forests of southern Yatsugatake, with restaurants, shops, galleries and stunning views of Mt. Fuji

Located at an altitude of 1,360 meters on the southern foot of Mount Yatsugatake, this lush Mori offers a space where nature and humans coexist in harmony.

This place has been developed over 35 years and is a true natural paradise, with cool, comfortable shade even in summer.

The premises include a restaurant, shop, and gallery, where you can purchase handmade goods, garden-related items, and ornamental plants.

There are also hiking trails so you can enjoy a stroll through nature to your heart's content.

On a clear day, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji , making it a spot worth visiting in any season .

Facility information

[Business hours] 10:00-17:30 (Closed every Wednesday)

【Official website】 https://yatsugatake-club.com/

7. Higashizawa Bridge

A panoramic bridge offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Mt. Yatsugatake.

The 90-meter-long bridge spanning the Kawamata River, commonly known as the " Red Bridge ," is a popular scenic spot in Hokuto City.

It stands majestically against the backdrop of Mount Yatsugatake Yatsugatake, and in autumn the valley is beautifully colored red by the autumn leaves .

This is a great place to take commemorative photos, and there is a large parking lot, so it is easy to access by car .

8. Mount Yatsugatake Takaharu Bridge

Also known as the "Yellow Bridge," it spans 490 meters across a deep valley and is a popular scenic spot, especially in fall and winter.

The 490-meter-long, 100-meter-high bridge, commonly known as the " Yellow Bridge ," is a scenic spot where you can enjoy the magnificent surrounding scenery.

From the bridge, you can see the Mount Yatsugatake to the north, the Minami Alps to the southwest, and Mount Fuji to the south.

It is especially popular in spring and autumn and is a must-see tourist spot in Hokuto City.

There is a parking lot nearby that can accommodate about 10 cars , so you can park your car and then walk across the bridge to enjoy the scenery at your leisure.

9. Shirakawa Valley

Famous for clear streams, waterfalls, and lush forest trails.

This beautiful natural valley, created by the Ojiragawa Shirakawa flowing from the famous Mine of Mount Komagatake in the Minami Alps , is like a jewel hidden in the mountains.

The source of the Shirakawa has been selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters .

Walk along the valley, pass Kai Shrine, revered by locals as the guardian deity of Mount Komagatake, and cross a suspension bridge to reach the crystal-clear beauty of Sengabuchi.

The water is so clear you can see the rocks on the bottom and it sparkles with a blue-green color.

The valley is surrounded by green trees all year round, and you can enjoy the sound of the river and cool air, making it a popular summer escape spot for Japanese people .

From late October to early November, the entire valley is colored with autumn leaves, creating a spectacular sight of Aka and gold .

10. Toryu Falls

Scenic waterfall flowing from Mt. Yatsugatake's underground streams.

This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Kawamata River Valley, located south of Mount Yatsugatake Yatsugatake.

It is approximately 15 meters wide and 10 meters high.

The water flows down the moss-covered rocks in several different ways, creating a gentle and cool landscape that is different from a powerful waterfall.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot along a Mori trail , and you can enjoy the quiet and beautiful nature along the way.

This is a recommended spot for lovers of silence and nature, and for those who want to take beautiful photos all year round .

summary

Hokuto City is full of diverse attractions, including natural tourist spots, cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Located on the "Golden Route," it is the perfect destination for travelers looking for the lesser-known beauty of Japan .

So why not take a trip to Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture in search of the undiscovered beauty of Japan?

Explore more tourist spots in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture