![[Two hours from Tokyo] Chasing the Pure Waters of Hakushu: A Scenic Autumn Foliage Drive](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/08/25-269627.webp)
Set out on an autumn road trip through Hakushu, Hokuto, where crystal-clear waters shape the landscape, food, and everyday life. Fill your bottle with pure spring water, wander through the autumn colors of Ojiragawa Gorge, and savor local flavors nurtured by the region’s abundant waters. Continue to the historic post town of Daigahara-juku, then end the day with a soothing soak in a hot spring—letting the blessings of Hakushu’s waters wash away the day’s fatigue.
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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.
Chasing the Pure Waters of Hakushu: A Scenic Autumn Foliage Drive
As autumn paints the mountains in brilliant colors, head to Hakushu in Hokuto City, Yamanashi.
Nestled at the foot of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Southern Alps, Hakushu is known as a land of pure waters. The Ojiragawa River, one of Japan’s 100 Remarkable Water Sources, is just one of the many waterways that flow through this blessed landscape.
Filtered naturally through layers of granite over many years, the water emerges as crisp, refreshing spring water with a clean, delicate taste. Hakushu is also renowned as a center of bottled-water production.
This time, set out on an autumn road trip to follow the waters of Hakushu.
Admire the autumn foliage, taste the pure waters, and unwind in a soothing hot spring. Spend a day discovering Hakushu through all five senses.
Before you begin your journey
To safely enjoy the beautiful waters and autumn foliage of Hakushu, let's check a few things before you depart.
🍁 Autumn foliage: The best time to see the autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature each year. Check the latest information before you go.
🌦️ River Conditions: Ojiragawa Gorge is a natural mountain gorge, and water levels can rise after heavy rain. Check the conditions beforehand and plan a route that suits the weather and your experience.
🥾 Clothing & Footwear: As you’ll be walking through the gorge, comfortable, sturdy footwear with good grip and easy-to-move-in clothing are recommended. Temperatures can drop in autumn, so bring an extra layer to stay comfortable.
💧 Drinking Water: Make sure you have drinking water before setting out into the gorge. You can also fill your bottle with natural spring water at Roadside Station Hakushu, so bringing a reusable bottle is a great idea.
🐻 Enjoy the Mountain Wilderness Responsibly: Ojiragawa Gorge lies within the rich natural environment of the Southern Alps, which is also home to Japanese black bears. Carrying a bear bell and taking basic precautions for hiking in the wilderness will help you enjoy the area safely.
🌅 Keep an Eye on Sunset: Autumn days are shorter, and the sun sets earlier. Allow plenty of time to return from the gorge and for the rest of your journey, and aim to finish outdoor activities while it is still light.
🎒 Take Your Trash With You: Help preserve Hakushu’s beautiful waters and forests for future visitors by taking all your trash with you.
♨️ Prepare for Your Hot Spring Stop: This itinerary includes a visit to Ojira-no-Yu(hot spring). Bring a towel and a change of clothes so you can fully enjoy a relaxing soak.
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Table of Contents
- A itinerary for a road trip in search of famous springs.
- 9:15 AM - Hakushu Roadside Station | The journey begins in a village of famous spring water.
- 10:00 AM - Ojiragawa Gorge | Chasing the famous spring water, encountering clear streams and autumn foliage.
- 12:00 - Kamoshika Shokudo,Restaurant | The taste of Hakushu, nurtured by its pure water.
- 13:30 - Daigahara-shuku | Take home the blessings of pure spring water as a souvenir of your trip.
- 16:00 - Ojira no Yu,Hot spring | The perfect way to end your trip, experiencing the pure spring water on your skin.
- Taste and feel the pure water of Hakushu. A day to enjoy the blessings of water with all five senses.
A itinerary for a road trip in search of famous springs.
| time | destination | Duration | Travel tips |
| 9:00 | 🚗Chuo Express Sutama IC | Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo via the Chuo Expressway. | The journey to find famous spring water begins! |
| 9:15 ~ | 💧 Roadside Station Hakushu | Approximately 20 minutes by car from Sutama Interchange / Approximately 15 minutes by car from Kobuchizawa Interchange and Nagasaka Interchange | Free parking available 🅿 Get some pure spring water and prepare for your trip |
| 10:00 ~ | Ojiragawa Gorge Parking Lot | Approximately 7 minutes by car from the roadside station. | Free parking available. |
| ⛩️Chikuu Komagatake Shrine | Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the parking lot. | Praying for a safe journey | |
| 🏞️ Ojiragawa Gorge, Sen-ga-buchi | Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Chikuu Komagatake Shrine | Enjoying pristine spring water and autumn foliage | |
| Ojiragawa Gorge Parking Lot | 15-minute walk from Sen-ga-buchi | ||
| 12:00 ~ | 🍚 Kamoshika Shokudo,Restaurant (Michi-no-Eki Hakushu) | Approximately 7 minutes by car from the Ojiragawa Gorge parking lot. | lunch |
| 13:30 - 15:30 | 🏘️ Daigahara-shuku Municipal Parking Lot | Approximately 5 minutes by car from the roadside station. | Free parking available. |
| 🍡Daigahara Kinseiken,Japanese sweets shop | Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the municipal parking lot. | Enjoying the famous Shingen Mochi confection | |
| 🍦 Itoma Chocolate & Ice Cream | Approximately 2 minutes on foot from Daigahara Kinseiken | Enjoying a coffee break at a chocolate specialty shop. | |
| 🍶 Yamanashi Meijo Co., Ltd.,Japanese Sake brewery | Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Itoma | Enjoying the fine sake, Shichiken | |
| 16:00 - 17:00 | ♨️Ojira-no-Yu, Hot Spring | Approximately 10 minutes by car from the Daigahara-shuku municipal parking lot. | Free parking available. |
| 17:00 ~ | 🚗Chuo Express Sutama IC | Approximately 22 minutes by car from Ojira no Yu | Take the memories of Hakushu with you, and have a safe journey home! |
9:15 AM - Hakushu Roadside Station | The journey begins in a village of famous spring water.
Michi-no-Eki Hakushu is the gateway to Hakushu, located at the foot of Mount Kaikomagatake in the Minami Alps .
A water source where you can draw natural water 24 hours a day is popular.
At the farmers market, you'll find fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as specialty products unique to Hakushu, a region renowned for its pristine water.
At the adjacent Kamoshika Shokudo, Restaurant , you can enjoy meals made with the famous spring water of Hakushu and local ingredients .
Drawing pure spring water and experiencing the blessings of Hakushu—this is where our autumn journey in search of pristine water begins.
First, fill your reusable bottle with natural water .
Once you've picked up your travel companions at the farmers market, let's begin our autumn journey in search of pristine spring water .
Tips｜No reusable bottle? No problem!You can purchase an empty plastic bottle at Roadside Station Hakushu and fill it with fresh natural spring water.
Roadside Station Hakushu 📍 1308 Shirasu, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto Hokuto City
📅 Closed on Wednesdays (open every day from March to November) and during the New Year holidays. 🕐 Opening hours: Farmers Market 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Kamoshika Shokudo Weekdays 11:00-15:00 (Last Order 14:50) Weekends and Holidays 11:00-18:00 (Last Order 17:00)
Cafe : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Natural spring water source, available 24 hours a day 📞 Phone number: 0551-20-4711
🚗Free Parking🅿 85 spaces for regular cars, 4 spaces for large buses, 2 spaces for disabled persons
🪑Seating Capacity: Kamoshika Shokudo 38 seats, Free Space 18 seats 💳Payment Methods: Cash, Credit Card, Electronic Payment *Information as of August 2026. Please check the latest information on our official Instagram before visiting.
Access 🚙 Approximately 15 minutes from Kobuchisawa IC or Nagasaka IC on the Chuo Expressway, and approximately 20 minutes from Sutama IC. 🚃 Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from JR Kobuchizawa Station or Nagasaka Station.
10:00 AM - Ojiragawa Gorge | Chasing the famous spring water, encountering clear streams and autumn foliage.
It's about a 7-minute drive from the Hakushu roadside station.
With the majestic Mount Komagatake of the Minami Alps directly in front of you, you pass through a rural landscape and arrive at the Ojiragawa Gorge.
Once you've parked your car in the parking lot, let's start walking along the forest path.
You will arrive at Chikuu Mount Komagatake Shrine in about 5 minutes on foot.
Why not experience traditional Japanese worship practices while praying for a safe journey?
⛩️ How to worship at a shrine
1. Before passing through the torii gate, bow slightly in front of it. The Center of the approach to the shrine is considered the path of the gods, so avoid walking in the center of the path.
2. Purify yourself. If there is a water basin (chozuya), purify your hands and mouth before praying.
*How to purify: Use the ladle to purify your left hand, then your right hand, and finally take some water in your left hand and rinse your mouth.
Fill the ladle with water again, and then stand the ladle upright to cleanse the handle.
(Avoid putting your mouth directly on the ladle.)
3. Pray at the main hall. Place your offering in the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, pray and bow once. Pray for a safe journey, etc.
4. Bow when you leave. Before leaving the torii gate, turn around and give a slight bow to the shrine grounds.
Crossing the suspension bridge next to the shrine and proceeding along the riverbed lined with white granite rocks, you will eventually come into view of an emerald green pool.
This is Sengabuchi.
During the autumn foliage season, the trees, dyed in red and yellow, create a beautiful contrast with the clear water.
Sitting on a rock, feeling the wind, or listening to the sound of water.
We enjoyed some snacks along with the natural water we had brought.
Take your time, don't rush. Spend your time as you please in this land of pristine water .
Tips | There are no toilets at Sengabuchi. It's a good idea to stop by the permanent toilets in the parking lot before you leave.
Ojiragawa Gorge 📍 8886 Shirasu, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto City(Shirakawa Parking Lot)
📞Phone number: 0551-20-4711
🚗Free Parking🅿 Approx. 100 regular cars, approx. 5 large buses. Elevation: 770-1,100m
🍁 Best time to see autumn leaves: (Sengabuchi and the suspension bridge area) Early to late November Types: Beech, maple, etc. *The best time to see the autumn leaves may vary depending on the weather each year. Please check the latest information before you go.
Access 🚙 Approximately 22 minutes from Kobuchisawa IC or Nagasaka IC on the Chuo Expressway / Approximately 27 minutes from Sutama IC
🚃Approximately 22 minutes by taxi from JR Kobuchizawa Station or Nagasaka Station.
⚠️ Precautions when walking in the Ojiragawa Gorge
Swimming and open fires are prohibited at Sengabuchi.
You can enjoy a stroll to Sengabuchi while admiring the autumn foliage and the clear stream. Since you will be walking along the riverbed, please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. A stroll to Chigafuchi is recommended for those with little hiking experience, those who are unsure of their physical fitness, and those with small children.
The path from Sengabuchi to Fudo Falls is a mountain trail. It is a narrow gorge path with unstable footing, and there is a risk of falling into the gorge if you slip. If you proceed to Fudo Falls, make sure you have appropriate mountain climbing equipment, check your footing carefully, and proceed cautiously at a comfortable pace.
The route from Fudo Falls towards Nishiki and Mt.Hinatayama is impassable due to a landslide.
The hiking trail from Sengabuchi to Fudo Falls is closed for the winter season, typically from mid-December to mid-April.
Please check the latest traffic conditions before you go out.
12:00 - Kamoshika Shokudo,Restaurant | The taste of Hakushu, nurtured by its pure water.
Kamoshika Shokudo,Restaurant, located next to the Hakushu Roadside Station, offers local cuisine .
There are various menus , featuring set meals made with seasonal local vegetables and wild plants, as well as Yamanashi 's famous Hoto noodles.
After hiking in the Ojiragawa Gorge, it is time for a hearty lunch.
Let's prepare for our afternoon journey while savoring the blessings nurtured by the pristine waters of Hakushu.
At the Kamoshika Cafe Corner, you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream that is only available in this region.
"Hakushu Yamajio Soft" is a rich soft-serve ice cream made with high-quality milk from Kiyosato Milk Plant,
This soft-serve ice cream features a pleasant salty flavor, accented by a blend of yamajio, a salt extracted by boiling down the hot spring water from Ojira no Yu, hot spring.
We also recommend enjoying the unique taste of Hakushu, which is made from pristine spring water .
13:30 - Daigahara-shuku | Take home the blessings of pure spring water as a souvenir of your trip.
The Koshu Kaido, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Roads , is located along the route of Daigahara-shuku, a post town that once flourished.
During the Edo period, the highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Koshu was bustling with travelers, and the town flourished as a post town.
What you'll want to encounter here are the unique local products of Hokuto, born from the pristine water of Hakushu.
Take a stroll through the historic townscape and take home some of the blessings of its pristine water as a souvenir.
🍡 Kinseiken | The taste of Japanese sweets born from pure spring water
Founded in 1902, Kinseiken has been making Japanese sweets alongside the history of Daigahara-shuku.
In addition to the classic "Shingen Mochi," you can also enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets such as the popular summer-only item, "Mizu Shingen Mochi."
Why not savor the unique flavors of Hakushu, a town renowned for its pristine water , through traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) ?
We also recommend enjoying the Japanese sweets you purchased right there at the tables outside the shop or in the eat-in area on the second floor.
📍2211 Daigahara , Hakushu-cho , Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture Prefecture
📅 Closed on Thursdays and January 1st 🕐 Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
📞Phone number: 0551-35-2246
🚗 Free parking available (10 spaces) *Approximately 1 minute walk from the store 💳 Payment methods: Cash, credit card, electronic payment *Information as of August 2026. Please check the latest information on our official Instagram or other sources before you go.
🍦 Itoma Chocolate & Ice Cream | A sweet temptation showcasing pure water and expert craftsmanship.
![[Two hours from Tokyo] Chasing the Pure Waters of Hakushu: A Scenic Autumn Foliage Drive](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/08/26-269707.webp)
Itoma, a specialty bean-to-bar chocolate shop, also operates its own shop and cafe.
From chocolates that bring out the unique characteristics of each specialty cacao bean, to chocolates that luxuriously use craft chocolate...
Here you can find unique treats such as ice cream, hot chocolate, and chocolate cake that you can't enjoy anywhere else .
Why not take some time to enjoy it during your trip?
Itoma Chocolate & Ice Cream
📍2196 Daigahara , Hakushu-cho , Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture Prefecture
📅Closed Mondays and Tuesdays 🕐Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
🚗 Free parking available (3 spaces) 🪑 Seating capacity: 20 seats 💳 Payment methods: Cash, credit card *Information as of August 2026. Please check the latest information on our official Instagram or other sources before visiting.
🍶 Sichiken | Discover Yamanashi Sake, Crafted with Pure Mountain Water
![[Two hours from Tokyo] Chasing the Pure Waters of Hakushu: A Scenic Autumn Foliage Drive](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/08/28-269835.webp)
Since its founding in 1750, Shichiken has been brewing sake using the famous spring water of Hakushu.
In addition to traditional Japanese sake, they produce alcoholic beverages that are highly regarded worldwide, such as "Shichiken Sparkling Sake."
At Sakedokoro Onakaya, you can sample a selection of sake for a small fee. Why not try a few and discover your favorite bottle to take home?
Yamanashi Meijo Co., Ltd., Sake Bar Onakaya 📍 2283 Daigahara , Hokuto City City , Yamanashi Prefecture
📅 Closed December 31st - January 3rd 🕐 Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Tasting: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Last entry 4:15 PM)
🚗 Free parking available (approximately 20 spaces) / Location: Shichiken Campus 💳 Payment methods: Cash, credit card *Information as of August 2026. Please check the latest information on the official Instagram or other sources before visiting.
Access to Daigahara-juku
🚙 Approximately 20 minutes from Kobuchisawa IC on the Chuo Expressway / Approximately 15 minutes from Nagasaka IC and Sutama IC 🚃 Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from JR Kobuchizawa Station / Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Nagasaka Station
16:00 - Ojira no Yu,Hot spring | The perfect way to end your trip, experiencing the pure spring water on your skin.
To conclude a day spent searching for pristine spring water, let's soak up its blessings in a hot spring .
Ojira no Yu, Hot spring is a mineral-rich natural hot spring fed by underground waters from deep beneath the Ojira River. Its warm waters are said to help relieve fatigue and warm the body.
The open-air baths offer two types of baths: "Akayu, Red water" which uses 100% natural hot spring water, and "Shiroyu, White water" which uses natural hot spring water diluted with the famous water of Hakushu.
Relax and unwind from your travels in an open-air bath overlooking the Mount Yatsugatake, while enjoying the autumn breeze.
♨️How to use a hot spring♨️
1. Head to the bathhouse. Take off your clothes in the changing room, grab a towel, and go to the bathhouse.
2. Wash your body. Before getting into the bathtub, wash your body thoroughly.
3. Soak in the bathtub. Do not put the towel in the bathtub; place it on your head or elsewhere.
4. Enjoy the hot springs. There are various ways to enjoy the hot springs, such as open-air baths and waterfall showers. Find your favorite bath!
5. Dry yourself. Before leaving the bath, dry yourself with a towel to remove any remaining moisture.
🌿Tips for enjoying hot springs🌿
Bathe without a swimsuit. In Japan, it is customary to enter the hot spring completely nude. Embrace this unique aspect of Japanese bathing culture.
Avoid staying in the bath for too long. Take breaks as needed to avoid overheating, and enjoy the hot spring at a comfortable pace.
Tie up long hair. If you have long hair, please tie it up so that it does not touch the bathwater.
Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after bathing.
Ojira no Yu 📍 8077-1 Shirasu, Hakushu-cho, Hokuto Hokuto City
📅 Closed on Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday)
🕐Opening Hours Hot Springs: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:30 PM) Hakushu-an (Restaurant): 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
📞Phone number: 0551-35-2800
🅿 Free parking 🅿 400 spaces 💴 Admission fee: Adults 830 yen, Children 420 yen 💳 Payment methods: Cash, credit card, QR payment *Restaurants accept cash only
*This information is current as of August 2026. Please check the latest information on the official Instagram or other sources before you go.
Access: 🚙 Approximately 20 minutes from the Sutama IC, Nagasaka IC, or Kobuchisawa IC on the Chuo Expressway. 🚃 Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from JR Kobuchizawa Station or Nagasaka Station.
Taste and feel the pure water of Hakushu. A day to enjoy the blessings of water with all five senses.
How was your day exploring the famous spring waters of Hakushu ?
A day spent searching for the pure , unspoiled spring water that can only be found in Hakushu-cho , Hokuto City .
Drawing water, drinking it, eating with it, and finally soaking in a hot spring – throughout the day, I experienced the blessings of water in various ways.
Water is an irreplaceable resource that sustains our lives. By experiencing its blessings with all our senses, we can perhaps deepen our appreciation for and respect for water.
On your next trip, please be sure to come and experience the famous spring water of Hakushu .
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