[Spring 2026] Top 10 things to do in spring in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture , recommended by locals!

Hokuto Cityis a town rich in nature, surrounded by the Mount Yatsugatake, the Minami Alps, and Mount Fuji . Because of its high altitude, spring arrives a little later than in Tokyo, and the charm of this place is that you can enjoy spring for a long time , from late March to late April .

The clear air, the murmuring of melting snow, the flowers beginning to bloom, and the local ingredients. If you're going to visit, why not try experiencing the local way of life rather than just touring the tourist spots ?

This time, we will introduce 10 things you should definitely experience in Hokuto City in spring , from a local perspective.

Explore more of the charms of Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture !

• Table of Contents
• 1. I want to go to a cherry blossom spot | Yamataka Jindai Sakura
• 2. I want to eat sweets | Doma Cafe
• 3. For those who want to go hiking or mountain climbing | Shojinga Falls
• 4. I want to go camping | Folkwood Village Mount Yatsugatake
• 5. For those who want to do something in the morning | Hakushu Albero
• 6. I want to visit a power spot | Otaki Yusui
• 7. I want to go for a drive | Mount Yatsugatake Takaharu Bridge (Yellow Bridge)
• 8. I want to go strawberry picking | Heidi's Village
• 9. Buy seasonal ingredients | Akeno Farmers Market
• 10. I want to have a picnic | Minami Mount Yatsugatake Flower Mori Park
• Check before you go | Hokuto City Spring Outing Q&A
• summary

1. I want to go to a cherry blossom spot | Yamataka Jindai Sakura

It is said to be about 2,000 years old and is one of Japan's three most famous cherry trees.
Its presence in the temple grounds is overwhelming, and you can sense the power of having lived for so many years.
It is a famous spring spot representing Hokuto City, visited by many people every year.

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2. I want to eat sweets | Doma Cafe

*The strawberry parfait photo shown was taken in 2025.
The contents and presentation may change depending on the season and availability.

A cafe where you can enjoy dishes made with local vegetables and fruits, as well as the rare Takekawa 48 rice.
In spring, parfaits made with plenty of strawberries are popular , with an exquisite balance of sweet and sour strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and light fresh cream.
The meringue sweets, whose designs change every month, are also something to look forward to , and are so cute you'll want to take photos .
It's perfect not only for lunch but also as a cafe break during your trip.

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3. For those who want to go hiking or mountain climbing | Shojinga Falls

The promenade leading to Shojinga Falls, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls, is a hiking course that is approximately 3.5 km long one way and takes about an hour and a half .
While walking through the Mori, you can enjoy a little adventure , visiting suspension bridges, valleys, and several waterfalls.
The 121m waterfall that appears at the end of the walk is very impressive , and is especially beautiful in the spring when the new green leaves are in full bloom, making it a spot where you can feel nature with your whole body .

4. I want to go camping | Folkwood Village Mount Yatsugatake

An outdoor complex located in the Mori surrounded by the Mount Yatsugatake and the Minami Alps .
In addition to the auto camping site, there is also a full-scale wood-fired sauna, cafe, shop, workation lounge and more, making it enjoyable for everyone from beginners to outdoor enthusiasts.
There are plans for people to come empty-handed, and showers and toilets are also available, making it a safe option for women traveling together or for first-time campers .
You can enjoy a relaxing holiday in nature.

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5. For those who want to do something in the morning | Hakushu Albero

A restaurant cafe that is open from 8am .
For breakfast, freshly baked bread, a salad bar, and a drink bar are included, allowing you to start your day in a relaxed manner.
On clear mornings, you can enjoy the view of Kai Mount Komagatake in the clear air, a special experience only available to those who get up early .

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6. I want to visit a power spot | Otaki Yusui

A spot of pure water springing up near the shrine grounds .
Water flows constantly from the canals carved into the trees, and you are enveloped in cool air.
The "Mount Yatsugatake Southern Takaharu Yusui" have been selected as one of Japan's 100 famous springs, and are a sacred place that has been carefully protected since ancient times .
This is a quiet power spot where , when you hold your hands over it, the pure air calms your mind.

7. I want to go for a drive | Mount Yatsugatake Takaharu Bridge (Yellow Bridge)

This 490m-long bridge spans the Kawamata River Valley and is a scenic spot affectionately known as the " Yellow Bridge ."
From the bridge and observation deck, you can see the Mount Yatsugatake, the Minami Alps, and even Mount Fuji.
Just by stopping here during your Takaharu drive, you can be greeted with a magnificent panoramic view that is typical of Hokuto City .

8. I want to go strawberry picking | Heidi's Village

A strawberry picking facility where you can enjoy strawberry picking inside a greenhouse.
It is also available with toppings such as condensed milk and chocolate sauce, so you can enjoy your spring outing without worrying about the weather, even on rainy days .
If you make a reservation in advance, you can also experience making strawberry daifuku , making it a popular trip for friends and couples.

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9. Buy seasonal ingredients | Akeno Farmers Market

A direct sales store in Akeno Town, which boasts the longest hours of sunshine in Japan .
Starting with tomatoes, fresh vegetables from nearby farms and rare varieties of vegetables are lined up.
Vegetables that have been exposed to plenty of light have a rich flavor, and there is a particularly Toyotomi selection available in the morning .
It's also recommended to stop by during your drive.

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10. I want to have a picnic | Minami Mount Yatsugatake Flower Mori Park

A garden park with flowers and lawns spread across a vast area.
The park is open only from spring to autumn (it is closed from December to March for the winter) , and admission is free , so you can spend your time relaxing here.
You can spread a sheet on the grass and have a picnic, or take part in an experience program and enjoy a relaxing time with friends and family.

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Check before you go | Hokuto City Spring Outing Q&A

summary

Spring in Hokuto City is not just about visiting tourist spots, it's also a place where you can "spend your time however you want ." From scenic hikes and cherry blossom viewing to strawberry picking, cafe hopping, and relaxing in the crisp morning air, there are plenty of experiences that can only be enjoyed in the midst of nature .

Whether you're visiting for a day trip or staying overnight, why not head to Hokuto City on your next day off to feel the spring breeze of the Mount Yatsugatake ?