4 Photogenic Christmas Spots to Enjoy in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture
Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture , southern foot of Mount Yatsugatake . In winter, the air becomes clear and the Mori and Takaharu townscapes are bathed in soft lights. In this article, we will introduce some photogenic Christmas spots to visit in Hokuto City. We will introduce the area from the perspective of its atmosphere, how to spend time there, and model routes.
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Table of Contents
- Moegi Village (Kiyosato)
- Seisen Ryo (Kiyosato )
- Hoshino Resorts Risonare Mount Yatsugatake(Kobuchizawa)
- Heidi's Village (Akeno)
- Model Route
- summary
Moegi Village (Kiyosato)

The warmth of wood lights up the Mori
At night, the entire area is lit up with soft lights, and the nostalgic merry-go-round shines.
In winter, Kiyosato is filled with the warmth of a wood stove and the scent of trees.
It warms the hearts of all who visit.
Atmosphere and way of living
- Take a break at craft shops and cafes nestled in the natural surroundings.
- The warm light in the clear winter air is soothing to the soul.
- On a snowy night, the illuminated merry-go-round creates a fantastical light. If you capture the whole scene from a little distance, it becomes a photo that is almost like a story.
Seisen Ryo (Kiyosato )

A Takaharu Christmas in a quiet Mori
The charm of this place is the peaceful time you can spend in the Mori .
At night, the lights of the chapel and lodge come on, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a mountain resort overseas.
Spending Christmas quietly surrounded by nature is a special time that helps you forget the hustle and bustle of the city .
Atmosphere and way of living
- The warmth of the fireplace and the starry sky outside the window are impressive.
- You can enjoy your stay however you like, whether it's staying overnight or just visiting the cafe for the day.
Photography Tips
- By focusing on the lights from the buildings and including the sky and silhouettes of the trees, you can create a photo that looks like it belongs in the Takaharu.
Hoshino Resorts Risonare Mount Yatsugatake(Kobuchizawa)

A vibrant Christmas street lit by wine bottles
The illuminations, made from upcycled bottles actually used at a winery in Yamanashi, are a fantastical and environmentally friendly display .
There are cafes and shops on both sides of the street, and you can enjoy a stroll while savoring limited edition sweets.
The "Kids Studio" for children also offers the opportunity to experience making Christmas sweets, making it perfect for a family trip.
Atmosphere and way of living
- A photogenic space where the nature of Mount Yatsugatake and the modern cityscape are in harmony.
- You can enjoy it with anyone, whether you're visiting with family, friends, or as a couple.
Photography Tips
- This photo was taken at dusk, focusing on the contrast between the blue sky and the lights. Making use of the reflection makes it even more impressive.
Heidi's Village (Akeno)
A garden of light immersed in the Swiss worldview

In winter, the park is enveloped in approximately 800,000 lights, and a giant 12-meter tree and a tunnel of light appear .
During the day, you can experience the Swiss atmosphere in the Alpine houses and flower greenhouses, and at night you can enjoy the sparkling illuminations.
This is the perfect winter spot for a family trip, exciting for both adults and children.
Atmosphere and way of living
- A spot that looks completely different during the day and at night.
- Whether you're with your family or a couple, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Photography Tips
- The lights on the tree and buildings look their softest immediately after they are turned on.
Model Route
In the order of daytime → evening → night ,
Heidi's Village (daytime) → Moegi Village (evening) → RISONARE Mount Yatsugatake or Seisenryo (night)
This tour allows you to fully enjoy the nature, lights, and food of Hokuto in one day.
summary
The charm of Christmas in Hokuto City lies in its warmth that blends in with nature rather than flashiness.
Why not spend some time surrounded by gentle lights and human warmth in the crisp winter air?
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.
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