Enjoy even beginners! 2 recommended winter activities in Mount Yatsugatake(skiing and skating)
Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture , about two hours from Tokyo , is a Highland area that is filled with beautiful snowy scenery in winter. We introduce Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort and Folkwood Skate Park Yatsugatake, perfect for families and those looking to experience snow for the first time. This is a guide to easy-to-enjoy winter activities.
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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.
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Table of Contents
- 1. Winter Activities to Enjoy in Mount Yatsugatake
- 2. 📍Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort
- 3.📍FOLKWOOD SKATE PARK Yatsugatake
- 4. Which to Choose? (Comparison Guide)
- 5. Summary
1. Winter Activities to Enjoy in Mount Yatsugatake
Although it is close to Tokyo , Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is a place where you can enjoy snowy scenery in the winter.
It is becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want to experience snow, even for a short time, or create winter memories with their family .
This winter, we especially recommend skiing and skating, which are easy even for beginners to try .
The Mount Yatsugatake is packed with attractions that are unique to the area, such as leisurely skating on a rink surrounded by nature and playing in the snow on slopes with spectacular views.
In this article, we will introduce in detail two spots that are safe and easy to visit.
2. 📍Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort
2-1. Characteristics of the slopes (80% sunny weather rate x Mount Yatsugatake Blue)
Yamanashi Prefecture is known nationwide for its high rate of sunny days , and Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort has one of the highest sunny days in Japan at approximately 80% .
Skiing while gazing at the cloudless "Mount Yatsugatake Blue" is an exhilarating experience that can only be enjoyed here .
The slopes are located at an altitude of 1,600 to 1,900 meters, and from the summit you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Kiyosato Takaharu .
The course is designed to feel open, making it a special location where just skiing will refresh your mind.
Ski resort operating period: Saturday, December 13, 2025 - Sunday, April 5, 2026
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
2-2. Reasons why beginners can enjoy it (extensive kids' school)
Sun Meadows Kiyosato is also popular as a " beginner-friendly slope ."
- A wide course makes it safe and easy to practice
- The snow quality is good and it's easy to control even for beginners.
- There are many types of lessons, and it's easy to match them to your level.
- Full rental equipment available so you can participate empty-handed
Additionally, Skidz Camp, one of Japan's largest schools exclusively for kids, is especially popular with families.
The resort has received high praise from word of mouth, with comments such as "I can trust my child to take their first time on the slopes" and "My child wants to come here every year," and offers a variety of programs to bring out the fun in children .
It's the perfect place for a family trip to experience skiing and snowboarding.
2-3. Restaurants & Cafes (Enjoy Mount Yatsugatake cuisine with a spectacular view)
Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort is committed to providing satisfying food as well as activities.
On the second floor of the center house, there is a restaurant and cafe that serves a menu that makes use of local Yamanashi ingredients , making it a popular space that can be enjoyed by both skiers and non-skiers alike.
Food: 10:30-15:00 LO
Drinks: 9:30-16:30 (last order)
- Main course: Mount Yatsugatake chicken curry, Mount Yatsugatake ramen, stewed hamburger steak, grilled Fuji pork spare ribs, etc.
- Sides: Fried chicken, French fries, etc.
- Drinks: Cola, orange juice, coffee, cocoa, draft beer, Yamanashi wine by the glass, Yamanashi Prefecture Mount Fuji highball, etc.
You can enjoy authentic dishes that will warm your body and soul while taking in the spectacular views from an altitude of 1,600 to 1,900 meters.
We offer an extensive lineup of drinks to enhance your enjoyment of the activity, featuring hot beverages perfect after skiing and wines unique to Yamanashi.
2-4. Access
- Approximately 23 minutes by car from Nagasaka IC on the Chuo
- Parking available
3.📍FOLKWOOD SKATE PARK Yatsugatake
3-1.Facility Features
"FOLKWOOD SKATE PARK Yatsugatake" is a complex skating facility located in a natural environment.
An ice skating rink is open in the winter, and a skateboard park and in-line skating rink are available year-round.
The rink is surrounded by Mori, giving it an open feel and making for great photos .
There is also a cafe on-site where you can relax and enjoy cafe menu items and hot drinks.
From December 7, 2025
Business hours: 9:00-17:30
3-2. Tips for beginners and children
It's a great spot for families and beginners.
- The link has handrails, so even beginners can feel safe.
- There is a small mini rink, making it suitable for children.
- Skate rental available
- There is an indoor space, making it easy to take a break even on cold days.
3-3. Cafe & Shop (A space to relax between skating)
At Folkwood Skate Park Mount Yatsugatake, there is a cafe space where you can take a break between skating sessions .
They offer hot coffee, marshmallow cocoa, and light snacks, so you can quickly warm up your cold body .
The large windows offer a view of the natural beauty of Mount Yatsugatake, allowing you to spend a comfortable time feeling the atmosphere of the Mori.
Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Food Last Order 4:00 PM / Drink Last Order 4:30 PM)
- Main course: curry, udon, hot dog
- Sides: Cheese fries, onion rings, fried chicken, corn soup
- Drinks: Cola, orange juice, coffee, marshmallow cocoa, etc.
It's easy for beginners and families with children to use, and is perfect for a short break between activities .
The attached shop is filled with original FOLKWOOD items , as well as other goods you'll want to take home as mementos of your trip .
It's perfect for skating enthusiasts, and also a great way to commemorate a family trip .
You may come across items that you can only get here.
Access
- Approximately 5 minutes by car from Kobuchizawa IC on the Chuo
- Parking available
4. Which to Choose? (Comparison Guide)
In Mount Yatsugatake, you can enjoy both skating and skiing depending on the length of your stay and the purpose of your trip.
If you want to fully enjoy playing in the snow, we recommend Sun Meadows Kiyosato, and if you want to experience winter casually in a short space of time, we recommend FOLKWOOD.
| Comparison items | Sun Meadows Kiyosato(skiing) | FOLKWOOD (skating) |
| Difficulty | ★★★ (Lessons recommended) | ★★ (Get used to it quickly) |
| Travel time | Half day ~ | 1-1.5 hours |
| For children | ◎ | ◎ |
| Required clothing | Ski wear recommended | Warm clothing and gloves |
| Features | Enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Yatsugatake | Enjoy casually in the Mori |
Who is Sun Meadows Kiyosato(skiing) suitable for?
- I want to enjoy the snow for more than half a day
- I want to take lessons and try skiing seriously (Comprehensive ski school)
- I want to ski in the spectacular scenery of "Mount Yatsugatake Blue"
- Enjoy the stable weather with an 80% chance of clear skies
- Enjoy the refreshing view from an altitude of 1,900m
- Enjoy a meal at a cafe or restaurant after skiing
Who is suitable for FOLKWOOD (skating)?
- I want to play for about 1 to 1.5 hours
- Even if it's your first time, you want to get used to it in a short amount of time.
- I want to experience it with my small children
- I want to wear clothes that are easy to move in and have fun.
- Enjoy taking photos on a rink in the Mori
- I'm worried about the cold, so I prefer an environment where I can quickly return indoors.
5. Summary
Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is an attractive Mount Yatsugatake area with a variety of activities perfect for your first winter experience .
At Sun Meadows Kiyosato, you can enjoy skiing in the magnificent snowy scenery, and at FOLKWOOD you can enjoy casual skating.
This winter, why not make some unforgettable snow memories in Hokuto City?
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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