[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

2026.08.18

"I want to go see the autumn leaves, but it seems difficult without a car..." If that sounds like you, then we recommend the Kiyosato area in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture . It's about a 2-hour ride from Tokyo on the Limited Express Azusa. By using the JR Koumi and local buses, you can easily visit famous autumn foliage spots and scenic locations using only public transportation.

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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Enjoy an Kiyosato trip to Kiyosato using public transportation.

Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is a naturally rich area surrounded by the majestic Mount Yatsugatake and the Minami Alps . In autumn, the mountains turn vibrant colors, and spectacular scenery unique to the highlands unfolds, including waterfalls, valleys, and Takaharu.

While Kiyosato is often perceived as a place where sightseeing is difficult without a car, you can efficiently visit popular spots in the area by using the JR Koumi and the Kiyosato Picnic Bus . This time, we'll introduce a itinerary that can be enjoyed from Tokyo using only public transportation.

This autumn, why not take a leisurely and carefree trip to Kiyosato , exploring the area by train and bus?

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

Check before you travel! How to use the Kiyosato Picnic Bus

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

[Operating period] April 25, 2026 (Sat) - November 16, 2026 (Mon)
[Fares] Single ride: Adult 600 yen / Child 300 yen 1-day pass: Adult 1,200 yen / Child 600 yen 2-day pass: Adult 2,000 yen / Child 1,000 yen

• Passes can also be purchased online. • Advance purchase is possible with a credit card (membership registration required).
Please check the official website for the latest timetable and operating dates.

Check out the website now!

A itinerary using public transport

time Travel section means of transportation Places to stop by
Around 7:00-9:30 Tokyo/Shinjuku Station → JR Kobuchizawa Station Limited Express Azusa Happy Medium Club
Around 10:30-11:00 JR Kobuchizawa → JR Kiyosato Station JR Koumi A stroll around Kiyosato Station
Around 11:25-14:00 JR Kiyosato Station → Seisenryo Kiyosato Picnic Bus Seisen dormitory
Around 14:25-15:20 Seisenryo → Toryu Waterfall Entrance Kiyosato Picnic Bus / Approximately 25 minutes on foot Toryu Falls
Around 16:00-17:15 JR Kiyosato Station → Moegi no Mura Approximately 10 minutes on foot Moegi Village
Around 17:30-18:00 JR Kiyosato Station → JR Kobuchizawa Station JR Koumi Purchased souvenirs at Kobuchizawa Station.
Around 18:00-20:00 JR Kobuchizawa → Tokyo/Shinjuku Station Limited Express Azusa

*The times listed are approximate for the itinerary.
Train and bus schedules are subject to change, so please check the latest timetable before you go.

Arrived at JR Kobuchizawa Station around 9:30.

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

If you take the Limited Express Azusa from Tokyo, it takes about 2 hours to get to Kobuchizawa Station.
Since you'll have some time before heading to Kiyosato, I recommend taking a break at the cafe right in front of the station.

Places to stop by

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

Located right in front of JR Kobuchizawa Station, "Happy Medium Club" is a dining cafe where you can enjoy authentic espresso and carefully prepared meals . It's the perfect place to relax before heading to Kiyosato.

This complex spans from the first basement floor to the third floor, and the first basement floor features unique art pieces, local products from Hokuto City, and local sake from Yamanashi. It's also a great place to find souvenirs.

From the rooftop on the third floor, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji, the Mount Yatsugatake, and the Minami Alps on a clear day. Spending time admiring this magnificent scenery at the start of your trip is a luxurious moment unique to Hokuto City .

If you're visiting Kobuchizawa Station, this is a spot where you can discover a new charm of Hokuto City , and a must-visit before heading to Kiyosato .

[Spot Information]
📍Happy Medium Club
Address: 1020-1 Kobuchizawa-cho , Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00-18:30 (Last order 18:00)
Closed on Wednesdays. Payment methods: Cash / Credit card / QR code payment / Electronic money


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We arrived at JR Kiyosato Station around 11:00 AM, left our luggage, and started sightseeing unencumbered.

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

From JR Kobuchizawa Station, take the JR Koumi for about 30 minutes to arrive at JR Kiyosato Station.
Before enjoying sightseeing in Kiyosato, it's recommended to leave any luggage you won't need during your stroll in the coin lockers at the station . Three types of lockers are available to suit the size of your luggage.

JR Kiyosato Station Coin Locker Information

Fee Interior dimensions Number of installations
¥400 Height 41cm x Depth 57cm x Width 36cm 40 pieces
¥500 Height 57cm x Depth 57cm x Width 37cm 18 pcs
¥700 Height 84cm x Depth 57cm x Width 36cm 8 pieces

*Locker availability varies depending on the season and time of day.

Around 11:25 AM, we enjoyed a stroll among the autumn leaves and a well-deserved treat at Seisenryo.

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

It takes about 5 minutes by Kiyosato Picnic Bus from JR Kiyosato Station to Seisenryo.

First, we had lunch at the "Milk Bar" located inside the Seisenryo Jersey Hut.
You can enjoy popular burgers and other dishes made with Jersey milk . There are eat-in spaces both inside and on the terrace, allowing you to enjoy your meal while taking in the magnificent scenery.

After lunch, take a stroll around Seisenryo, where vast pastures stretch out. In autumn, the colorful trees and the majestic scenery of the Mount Yatsugatake create a breathtaking view, and on a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji and the Minami Alps.

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

After enjoying the scenery in the refreshing Takaharu air, take a break with Seisenryo's famous Jersey soft-serve ice cream. It's rich and creamy yet has a clean aftertaste, making it a popular treat that you should definitely try when visiting Kiyosato .

[Spot Information]
📍Seisenryo Jersey Hat Address: Kiyosato Kiyosato, Takane-cho, Hokuto Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Food service available from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Soft serve ice cream is sold from 9:00 to 17:00.
Closed days: Open every day (Bakery closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Payment methods: Credit card (tap-to-pay, insert) / Various barcode payments / Various transportation IC cards / Rakuten Edy / iD
*QuickPay and UnionPay are not accepted.

*Please check the official website for the latest information on business hours and closing days.

Places to stop by

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

You can buy souvenirs at the Seisenryo Jersey Hat, but another place you should definitely visit is "ANNE OF KIYOSATO," located inside Seisenryo.
This shop features stylish and adorable goods and sweets inspired by "Anne of Green Gables," making it the perfect place to find souvenirs and mementos of your trip .

[Spot Information]
📍ANNE OF KIYOSATO
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:00
Closed: Open every day during the season. Payment methods: Credit card (tap-to-pay, insert) / various barcode payments / various transportation IC cards / Rakuten Edy / iD
*QuickPay and UnionPay are not accepted.

*Please check the official website for the latest information on business hours and closing days.


Check out the website now!

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Around 14:25, we enjoyed the autumn foliage and the beauty of the gorge at Doryu Falls.

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

It takes about 20 minutes by Kiyosato Picnic Bus from Seisenryo to the entrance of Toryu Falls.

It's about a 25-minute walk along the trail from the entrance to Doryu Falls.
As you make your way through the Mori, where sunlight filters through the trees, you will arrive at "Toryu Falls," where numerous streams of water cascade down the rock face.

Named for its resemblance to a dragon spitting water, the waterfall is surrounded by trees dyed Aka and yellow during the autumn foliage season, creating a fantastical landscape.

[Spot Information]
📍Doryu Falls Address: Nishiide , Oizumi Town Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture Best time to see autumn leaves: Late October to late November


Around 4:00 PM, enjoy a walk through the Mori and savor local cuisine at Moegi Village.

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

Located about a 10-minute walk from JR Kiyosato Station, Moegi no Mura is a popular tourist spot surrounded by lush, natural Mori.

We went to "ROCK," a restaurant representative of Kiyosato . Their signature beef curry, which has been loved since the restaurant's founding , is seasoned with a secret blend of spices and features a rich flavor from plenty of vegetables that are simmered slowly until they break down.

For a perfect accompaniment to your curry, we recommend " Mount Yatsugatake Beer Touchdown," brewed by Mount Yatsugatake Brewery .
Brewed using hops from Hokuto City and high-quality groundwater from the Mount Yatsugatake, this craft beer is characterized by its clean, refreshing taste with minimal off-flavors. The delicate flavor, achieved through careful brewing in small batches, has earned it high praise both domestically and internationally.

[Spot Information]
📍Moegi no Mura ROCK
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order 8:30 PM)
Closed days: Open every day (Please check our website and social media for any temporary closures)
Payment methods: Cash / Credit card / QR code payment (PayPay)

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[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

After your meal, spend your time as you please, whether it's strolling through the Mori or browsing the unique shops for souvenirs and other items. Moegi Village at dusk is enveloped in a different, more tranquil atmosphere than during the day, making it the perfect way to conclude your trip.

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Places to stop by

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

If you visit Moegi Village, one place you should definitely stop by is the cheese specialty shop "Mount Yatsugatake Cheese Research Institute kaseLABOR".

The shop offers a selection of original cheeses that can only be found here, and you can enjoy cheese platters and wines that pair well with the cheeses at your leisure. Takeout is also available, and the staff will gladly offer recommendations on how to enjoy the cheeses, which is another great feature .

Among them, the Basque cheesecake, with its creamy and rich flavor, is a particularly popular item, especially among women.
If you're a cheese lover, this is a must-visit gourmet spot unique to Moegi Village.

[Spot Information]
Mount Yatsugatake Cheese Research Institute kaseLABOR
Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00
Closed on Thursdays. Payment methods: Cash / Credit card / Electronic payment

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Around 17:30, I collected my luggage and did some last-minute souvenir shopping at JR Kobuchizawa Station.

[Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning autumn scenery in Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture ! A itinerary for visiting Kiyosato leaves without a car.

After enjoying the shops and gourmet food at Moegi Village, your trip is finally coming to an end.
We boarded the Kiyosato Picnic Bus again to retrieve our luggage. We then took the JR Koumi to JR Kobuchizawa Station, bought some souvenirs to remember our trip, and headed home on the Limited Express Azusa.

You can enjoy autumn in Hokuto City even without a car.

While Hokuto City is often perceived as a place where sightseeing is difficult without a car, you can efficiently visit famous autumn foliage spots and popular attractions by using the JR Koumi and the Kiyosato Picnic Bus.

From the breathtaking scenery and waterfalls unique to the Takaharu to the delicious food and famous soft-serve ice cream, the ability to leisurely enjoy the views thanks to public transportation is one of its main attractions.

This autumn, why not take a trip to see the autumn foliage in Hokuto City and Kiyosato by train and bus?

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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