[ Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ] Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Limited Express Azusa! Autumn foliage and recommended sightseeing spots.

[ Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ] Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Limited Express Azusa! Autumn foliage and recommended sightseeing spots.

2026.07.29

In autumn, Hokuto City is a popular area where you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage for an extended period, thanks to its varying elevations. It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station by Limited Express Azusa train. Once you arrive at JR Kobuchizawa Station, rent a car from the rental car service located directly connected to the station and head out for a drive to explore the magnificent natural scenery of the Mount Yatsugatake and Oku Chichibu.

Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture

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Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture

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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We rented a car at Kobuchizawa Station and set off!

Once you arrive at Kobuchizawa Station, rent a car at the Kobuchizawa branch of the station's rental car office, which is right next to the station.

Even autumn foliage spots that are difficult to access by public transport can be freely visited at your own pace with a rental car . Our rental offices are located right next to the station ticket gates, allowing for a smooth departure upon arrival.

Let's explore more of the charms of Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture !

Fujimi Observatory

A magnificent view of larch trees dyed golden and Mount Fuji.

[ Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ] Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Limited Express Azusa! Autumn foliage and recommended sightseeing spots.

As the name suggests, this is a spectacular viewpoint where you can see Mount Fuji directly in front of you without anything obstructing your view .

During the autumn foliage season, the surrounding larch trees turn golden, creating a beautiful contrast with the majestic Mount Fuji. The scenery viewed in the crisp autumn air is exceptional, so beautiful that you can't help but stop and admire it.

The best time to see them is usually from mid-October to early November .
If you stop by during your drive, you can enjoy the spectacular autumn scenery unique to Hokuto City.

[Spot Information]
Fujimi Observatory: Best viewing time: Mid-October to early November
* Please note that the forest road is closed during the winter season (late November to late April).


Mizugaki Mountain Nature Park

A grand panorama of Mount Mizugaki, bathed in autumn colors.

[ Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ] Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Limited Express Azusa! Autumn foliage and recommended sightseeing spots.

Located at the foot of Mount Mizugaki Mizugaki, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, this nature-rich park attracts many visitors in autumn as one of Hokuto City 's most representative spots for viewing autumn foliage.

During the autumn foliage season, a beautiful landscape unfolds with the imposing rocky Mine of Mount Mizugaki trees and crimson maple leaves. The vivid contrast created by nature is breathtaking, a spectacular sight that will make you want to point your camera at it.

The best time to see them is usually from mid-October to early November .
You can enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery while taking a leisurely stroll through the park.

[Spot Information]
📍Mizugaki Mountain Nature Park Best viewing period: Mid-October to early November
*Please note that the forest road is closed during the winter season (early December to late April).


Recommended spots to visit in conjunction with the autumn foliage

Koshu Udon Sawamura

[ Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ] Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Limited Express Azusa! Autumn foliage and recommended sightseeing spots.

After enjoying a stroll amidst the autumn foliage, a place you'll want to stop by is Sawamura, a Koshu udon restaurant.
You can enjoy a bowl of "Ozara," a local dish from Yamanashi, prepared with the unique techniques of Sawamura, a renowned Musashino udon restaurant .

Our homemade flat noodles, made fresh daily in-house and containing wheat germ, boast a rich wheat aroma, a chewy texture, and a firm bite . When dipped in our specially crafted dipping sauce, the delicious flavors of the ingredients fill your mouth.

Adding condiments gradually changes the flavor, making it enjoyable to eat without getting bored until the very last bite.

[Spot Information]
Koshu Udon Sawamura Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00-16:00 (Last Order 15:30)
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last order 3:30 PM) / 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Last order 8:30 PM)
Closed on irregular days. Payment methods: Cash, credit card, electronic payment (PayPay).

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Le Plaisir Du Pain

[ Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ] Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Limited Express Azusa! Autumn foliage and recommended sightseeing spots.

This shop offers authentic French bread made by a French chef .
We use homemade natural yeast and adhere to traditional French baking methods, carefully baking each item one by one.

The bread is made without additives, using carefully selected ingredients, including wheat, resulting in a wholesome and delicious taste .
The outside is crispy and fragrant, while the inside has a chewy texture, and the rich, natural flavor of wheat spreads with every bite.
Perfect for breakfast the next day or as a souvenir from your trip.

[Spot Information]
📍Le Plaisir Du Pain
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (or until sold out)
Closed: Tuesday to Thursday Payment methods: Cash and electronic payment (PayPay)

Hakushu Roadside Station

[ Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ] Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by Limited Express Azusa! Autumn foliage and recommended sightseeing spots.

The market features a wide variety of specialty products that showcase the charm of Hokuto City , including fresh Takaharu vegetables and seasonal fruits unique to Hakushu, a region known for its pristine water, as well as local processed goods, sweets, and local sake.

Within the grounds, there's a spot where you can freely draw natural spring water from the Minami Alps, making it perfect for a break during your drive . You can enjoy creating travel memories and searching for souvenirs while taking home the unique flavors of Hokuto City.

[Spot Information]
📍Hakushu Roadside Station Opening Hours: Farmers Market 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Kamoshika Shokudo: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last order 5:00 PM)
Cafe corner: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on Wednesdays (open every day from March to November) and during the New Year holidays.

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Recommended itinerary for enjoying stunning scenery and delicious food

10:00 Arrive at JR Kobuchizawa Station and depart from rental car.

↓ Approximately 13 minutes

10:13 Fujimi Observatory

↓ Approximately 11 minutes

11:00 Koshu Udon Sawamura

↓ Approximately 16 minutes

12:30 Le Plaisir du pain

↓ Approximately 43 minutes

13:45 Mizugaki Mountain Nature Park

↓ Approximately 51 minutes

16:00 Hakushu Roadside Station

↓ Approximately 13 minutes

17:00 Return rental car at Kobuchizawa Station

Enjoy a memorable scenic drive in Hokuto City this autumn.

Hokuto City boasts abundant nature that is hard to believe is only about two hours from the city center.

With a rental car, you can freely visit autumn foliage spots that are difficult to reach by public transport .

Enjoy the vibrant autumn scenery, delicious local cuisine, and unique local souvenirs while fully experiencing the charm of Hokuto City .

Let's explore more of the charms of Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture !

Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Written by

Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Yamanashi

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.

more
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