Two hours from
Tokyo
Located Northwest of
Mt. Fuji
with magnificent views of Japan’s iconic mountain
Surrounded by
South Japanese Alps & Yatsugatake Mountains
www.wattention.com
www.city.hokuto.yamanashi.jp
Lush Green Views and Crisp Fresh Air
All in Hokuto
Thum Trav
Hok
bs Up el in
uto
Day Trip from Tokyo that will Leave You in Awe Located northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, this secret garden is only a two hour train ride away from Tokyo. Surrounded by South Japanese Alps and the Yatsugatake Mountains, Hokuto has an abundance of breathtaking natural beauty, including fabulous views of Mount Fuji. Vegetables and dairy products here are exceptionally rich in flavor, thanks to clear spring water, nutritious soil and sufficient sunshine. Gourmet lovers will definitely be taken aback by how local cuisine embodies originality and style. For anyone who loves nature but lives in a metropolis, Hokuto is the perfect location for a getaway all year round.
Transportation: Hokuto Shinjuku Yamanashi Prefecture
Tokyo
Approximately 80 minutes by car: Take the Chuo Expressway from Hachioji IC and exit at Sutama IC. Approximately 2 hours by train: Take the JR Chuo Main Line from Shinjuku Station and get off at Kobuchizawa Station. Hokuto City: www.city.hokuto.yamanashi.jp/ Hokuto Tourism Association: www.hokuto-kanko.jp/visit_hokuto.html Yatsugatake Tourism: yatsugatake-ga.com/en/
e
Hokuto
West Area
Home to Clear Springs and Natural Water Since long ago, Hokuto has gained its fame as one of the few spots in Japan that have crystal clear spring water used for both farming and wine making. Sensational Flavor
Suntory Hakushu Distillery Built in 1973, the distillery is located at the foot of Mount Kaikomagatake, a large area of lush greenery with high quality pure water. Suntory produces a variety of distinctive whiskies that can be sampled during a guided tour (ÂĽ1,000). Access: Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line Address: 2913-1 Hakushucho Torihara, Hokuto Website: www.suntory. co.jp/factory/hakushu/ ( Japanese)
Branded Quality Water
Sanbuichi Spring
A four-hour trail from the historic Takeu Komagatake Shrine takes you along spectacular waterfalls, suspension bridges and breathtaking cliffs. The Jinja Waterfall has such a high drop that water falls in three different levels. The scenery is especially appealing in the autumn when leaves turn their colors.
The spring, full of minerals, was designated by the Japanese government as one of the top quality waters in the country. It is said that Takeda Shingen, a famous warlord in the 16th century, once solved water disputes by placing a triangle shaped stone in the center of the spring to divide the water into three channels. Hence its name Sanbuichi, or "one into three" in Japanese. Freshly picked vegetables and homemade soba noodles are sold in nearby shops.
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Nagasaka Station on the JR Chuo Main Line Website: www.city.hokuto.yamanashi.jp/genre/detail/1835/ ( Japanese)
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by foot from Kaikoizumi Station on the JR Koumi Line Address: 292-1 Nagasakacho Koarama, Hokuto Website: hokuto-kanko.jp/guide/sanbuichi ( Japanese)
Spiritual Hike
Ojiragawa Valley
Recommended Self-drive
Kayaga
Road Trips
Enjoy a self-drive holiday in Hokuto, where nature reigns supreme. The Flower Route cuts through Hokuto from south to north. Vast fields of golden sunflowers decorate the Kayagatake Koikinodo, with the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mount Fuji in the backdrop. Cosmos flowers of bright colors are in full bloom from autumn, a great season to get outdoors. Meanwhile, the Art and Nature Route connects the northeast and western parts of Hokuto. Roll down the car window for a majestic view of Yatsugatake before stopping by museums along the way.
Flower Route Art & Nature Route
ikino take Ko
do
Route
Route
a Yatsug
ikino take Ko
do
Sunshine and Endless Grassland East of Hokuto (the foot of Yatsugatake) is a plateau that measures 700 to 1,300 metres in height. Nature is everywhere one looks: warm sun, gentle breeze, pasture land and a carpet of bright, eye catching sunflowers.
Hokuto
East Area
Panoramic View
Koumi Line Plateau Train After leaving Kobuchizawa Station, the JR Koumi Line, or the Yatsugatake Plateau Train, takes passengers through Hokuto's rich offerings such as high rise mountains. Do not forget to press the shutter on your camera when the train makes a big turn at Kobuchizawa because the blue sky with clouds over green fields is a view you will not find anywhere else. JR East Japan Railway Website: www.jreast.co.jp/tc/routemaps/index.html
Fairytale World
Moeginomura
The theme park is tucked in the forests of Kiyosato Plateau. With more than 20 attractions, rest assured that you will never get bored. There are many entertaining and fun shops for adults and kids to spend the afternoon exploring. When tired, take a seat at the merry-go-round cafĂŠ for a hot meal or shop for pet accessories. Access: Approximately 12 minutes by foot from Kiyosato Station on the JR Koumi Line Address: 3545 Takanecho Kiyosato, Hokuto Website: www.moeginomura.co.jp/ ( Japanese)
Paradise on Earth Sun Meadows Ski Resort Lying down on a sofa overlooking Mount Fuji and the South Japanese Alps is a relaxing experience for the mind and the body. About 1,900 meters in altitude, the Kiyosato Terrace serves light meals and beverages. For those with a big appetite, there is a buffet restaurant at the foot of the mountain that uses locally grown ingredients. Terrace is open 10am-3pm (weekdays) 9.30am-3.30pm (weekends, holidays and summer) from late May to early November Access: 5 minutes by taxi from Kiyosato Station on the JR Koumi Line Address: Sun Meadows Ski Resort 8240-1 Oizumicho Nishiide, Hokuto Website: snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0018ens.htm
Su
fecture ashi Pre Yaman wer Center Flo
r Fields nflowe
e
20min
1min
isa f Fuijm View o
ka
e 6min
e
atake Yatsug South er Park Flow
a irayam Ikuo H Museum ad o R k il S
e 12min
ng ith Hari ura Ke NakamCollection
Goal
Goal
Best Sakura Tree in Japan
Yamataka Jindai Sakura
This 1,800-2,000 years old cherry blossom tree was said to be planted by ancient Japanese emperor Yamato Takeru-no-mikoto. It measures 10 meters in girth and has unique historical and cultural value. Each spring, the tree bursts into bloom, attracting scores of tourists. Access: Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Hinoharu Station on the JR Chuo Main Line Address: 2763 Mukawa Yamataka, Hokuto. Jissohji Temple Website: www.hokuto-kanko.jp/sp/sakura_ jindai ( Japanese)
Hokuto
Top Picks
Enjoy the Change of Seasons The change of seasons in Hokuto is fully reflected in its natural scenery, local cuisine, DIY courses, outdoor hot springs and pretty much everything. Here are some of our recommended must visits!
Picturesque Scenery
Higashizawa Bridge
The 90-meter red bridge spans gorgeously across Higashizawa Gorge, creating a photogenic contrast with the lush green surroundings. Leaves turn into bursts of brilliant red, orange and gold in autumn, a season that sees tourists rushing in from all over Japan. Summer Enjoyment
Akeno Sunflower Field
As many as 600,000 bright and majestic sunflowers spread across the fields in the summer. With Mount Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains and South Japanese Alps in the backdrop, the place sure makes a great photo spot. Access: Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Nirasaki Station on the JR Chuo Main Line Address: Akeno Sunflower Festival 5664 Akenocho Asao, Hokuto Website: www.hokuto-kanko.jp/event/ sunflowerfestival2016 ( Japanese)
Address: Oizumicho Nishiide, Hokuto Website: www.city.hokuto.yamanashi.jp/genre/ detail/1749/ ( Japanese)
Spectacular Fuji
Beautiful view of Mount Fuji from the Farm Park It is a dream come true for many to see the stunning Mount Fuji before their eyes. Hokuto has quite a few spots with an unblocked view of Mount Fuji, such as the Yamanashi Prefecture Farm Park. Website: www.city.hokuto.yamanashi.jp/photos/fuji (Japanese)
Fun for All Ages
Segway Experience Looking for a unique way to appreciate nature? Sign up for a Segway tour at Moeginomura. Do not worry if you are a beginner as there are professionals to teach you how to operate. Get ready to explore the rough tracks around the woods!
See
Try
d to see a So su rprise g pa st me! in nn deer ru
See
Kinseiken This hundred-yearold Japanese sweet shop specializes in Mizu Shingen Mochi, a confectionary that looks like a big drop of water. The innovative creation, made using top quality water from Hakushu, tastes sensational. Hours: 9am-6pm (Closed on Thu) *Mizu Shingen Mochi is sold from June to September during weekends (subject to change according to stock availability) Access: Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Nagasaka or Hinoharu Station on the JR Chuo Main Line Address: 2211 Hakushucho Daigahara, Hokuto Website: kinseiken.co.jp/news/3310
Hours: 9.30am-12pm / 1.30pm-4pm (The tour is about 2.5 hours. Closed on Wed and Thu with the exception of summer) Address: 3545 Takanecho Kiyosato, Hokuto (Inside Moeginomura in front of Yatsugatake Outdoor Activities Office) Website: www.y-outdoor.com/ ( Japanese)
Authentic Farm Experience
Eat
Drop of Sweet
Eat
See
Starry Starry Nights
Try
Yatsugatake Plateau Star Watching
Yamanashi Makibakoen Park
Many hotels in Hokuto, including Kiyosato Kogen Hotel, Yatsugatake Royal bo m ju m c T he 18 r y! Hotel and Star Party, t t s u m ger is a ha mbu r offer the brightest star watching opportunities on clear nights. Binoculars are available for rental so be sure to stay for one night and join astronomy enthusiasts in mapping Access: Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from Kaioizumi or the starry sky. Kiyosato Station on the JR Chuo Main Line The park is a family-friendly attraction where fun and farming go hand in hand. Enjoy a spectacular view of the South Japanese Alps while dining at the Makiba Restaurant. Recommended dishes include beef stew and jumbo pork hamburger, all made using quality local ingredients.
Address:8240-10 Oizumicho Nishiide,Hokuto Website: www.yatuboku.jp/makiba/ ( Japanese) www.kiyosato-okanokouen.com (Makiba Restaurant) ( Japanese)
Luxury Beyond Belief
See
★
Soak
★
★
Milk Heaven
Kaioizumi Hot Spring Panorama-no-yu
Seisenryo
Just as its name suggests, the hot spring offers an impeccable view of the grand Mount Fuji. Take your time in the outdoor bath to unwind after a long day of travel. There are separate baths for men and women.
Built in 1938, Seisenryo is loved by tourists as a destination for natural beauty and outdoor recreation. After enjoying a hearty meal at the restaurant, be sure to visit the souvenir shop and the bakery for some fresh milk and bread. The rich soft cream, made of Jersey milk, always attracts a long line of crowd.
Access: Approximately three minutes by foot from Kaioizumi Station on the JR Koumi Line Address: 8240-1 Oizumicho Nishiide, Hokuto Website: panoramanoyu.sakura.ne.jp/panorama.htm ( Japanese) Photos by : Momoko Oshita
★
★
See
Access: Approximately 5 minutes by taxi from Kiyosato Station on the JR Koumi Line Address: 3545 Takanecho Kiyosato, Hokuto Website: www.seisenryo.jp ( Japanese)
★
★
Eat
Try
Hokuto 1
AREA MAP
3
2 Hokuto
1 Sun Meadows Kiyosato Ski Resort
4
6
Kaikoizumi Stn.
7 8 9
Kobuchizawa Stn.
13
10
Yatsugatake PA
5 Moeginomura 6 Nakamura Keith Haring Collection 7 Sanbuichi Spring
Flower Route
8 Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum
Art and Nature Route
12
9 Fujimizaka 10 Kaioizumi Hot Spring Panorama-no-Yu
18
11 Yatsugatake Koikinodo
19 17
Hinoharu Stn.
15
4 Seisenryo
East Area
16
11
Nagasaka Stn.
14
3 Higashizawa Bridge
Hokuto
5
Kaioizumi Stn.
West Area
2 Yamanashi Makibakoen Park
Kiyosato Stn.
Sutama IC
12 Kinseiken 17 Yamanashi Prefecture Flower Center
13 Santory Hakushu Distillery 14 Ojiragawa Valley
18 Kayagatake Koikinodo
15 Yamataka Jindai Sakura
19 Akeno Sunflower Field
16 South Yatsugatake Flower Park
Hokuto
Tokyo
Mizunoyama Project Mascot Character
Mizukuma
JR Chuo Main Line
Chuo Expressway
JR Koumi Line
National Road
Nagoya
Yamanashi Prefecture Hokuto Travel App for Foreign Tourists
touch&talk
Mt. Fuji
Narita Airport
Haneda Airport
Hakone
Chubu Centrair Airport
×Yamanashi Prefecture Hokuto City (free for download)
This is a free app designed to help foreign tourists get around Yamanashi Prefecture’s Hokuto City. With Hokuto’s attractions categorized by areas and seasons, tourists will have no trouble finding things to do all year round. iOS version https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hokuto-city/id1083854146
Android version
JR Chuo Main Line (rapid) approximately 2 hours
Shinjuku
Chuo Expressway (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes)
Hokuto Tourism Association
Shinjuku
e
Hachioji IC
Sutama IC Kofu
Nirasaki
Nagasaka IC
Yatsugatake Tourism
Koumi Line
JR Chuo Main Line (rapid) approximately 2 hours 30minutes
Nagoya
Kiyosato
Kobuchizawa IC Hinoharu
Suwaminami IC
Kaioizumi
Kobuchizawa
Nirasaki
Koumi Line
Nagasaka
Kobuchizawa
Kaikoizumi
Chuo Expressway (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)
Kaikoizumi
e
Kaioizumi
Kiyosato
Nagoya
h t t p s: //p lay.go og le.com /s tore /app s /de t ails? id = com . yubisashi.hokuto.city
www.hokuto-kanko.jp/visit _hokuto.html
http://yatsugatake-ga.com/en/