![[2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning scenery of Hokuto City Yamanashi City, that changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms, sunflowers, autumn leaves, and snowscapes](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/09/28-271351.webp)
Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is just a two-hour trip from Tokyo . With views of Mount Fuji and surrounded by the Yatsugatake mountains and the Southern Alps, this naturally rich area offers breathtaking scenery throughout the seasons. We'll introduce you to the beautiful landscapes that adorn the area in each season, from cherry blossoms in spring and sunflowers in summer to autumn foliage and snowscapes in winter.
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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.
Hokuto City offers breathtaking scenery throughout all four seasons.
![[2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning scenery of Hokuto City Yamanashi City, that changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms, sunflowers, autumn leaves, and snowscapes](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/09/29-271395.webp)
Hokuto City , with its views of the Yatsugatake mountains, the Southern Alps, and Mount Fuji , is blessed with abundant nature and displays a different face with each season. From the budding of spring, to the refreshing breezes of summer on the Takaharu, to the sunflower fields that turn bright yellow, to the colorful mountains of autumn, and the crisp, clear snowscapes of winter, Hokuto's charm lies in the fact that you can encounter new beauty with every visit. Here, we introduce some of the most representative scenic spots where you can feel the changing of the seasons.
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Table of Contents
- Spring | Hokuto in spring, adorned with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery
- Summer | Hokuto in summer: Highlands and sunflowers shine brightly
- Autumn | Autumn in Hokuto: A tapestry of autumn leaves and majestic Mine
- Winter | Snow-covered mountains make a stunning winter Hokuto
- Summary | Hokuto: Where you can encounter different breathtaking scenery with each passing season.
Spring | Hokuto in spring, adorned with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery
In Hokuto City, the Yamataka Jindai Cherry Tree, an Edo Higan cherry tree said to be 2,000 years old , heralds the arrival of spring. It is counted as one of Japan's three greatest cherry trees and is designated as a national natural monument , making it one of Japan's most representative cherry trees. The sight of it blooming across the ages, the cherry blossoms and daffodils that adorn the temple grounds, and the snow-capped Minami Alps visible in the distance create a breathtaking landscape that symbolizes Hokuto.
📍Yamataka Jindai Cherry Tree (Jissoji Temple)
2763, Yamataka, Mukawa-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
🕐 Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM) *Visiting hours apply only during the cherry blossom season.
🎫 Admission Fee: 500 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger. *Admission fee is charged only during the cherry blossom season.
👛 Payment Method: Cash recommended. *Electronic payment may not be available depending on communication conditions.
🅿 Parking: Temporary parking apply only during the cherry blossom season. (Paid admission).
*Please check the website for the latest information.
🚙 Approximately 15 minutes from the Sutama IC or Nagasaka IC on the Chuo Expressway
🚃 Approximately 10 minutes by taxi at Hinoharu Station on the JR Chuo Main Line
* Please note that taxis are not always available at Hinoharu Station. Advance reservations are recommended.
Spring arrives when plants that have survived the winter burst into bud, and a riot of colorful flowers adorn the landscape. As the seasons shift from cherry blossoms to lush green leaves, the entire Hokuto will soon be enveloped in vibrant green. Yamanashi trees in full bloom with pure white blossoms, pastures dyed in vibrant green, and the majestic Mount Fuji visible in the distance—this is a breathtaking spring scene unique to Hokuto, woven together by the colors of spring and the majestic mountains.
📍Yamanashi Prefectural Makiba Park
8240-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
📅 Operating period:
Makiba Park, April 18, 2026 (Sat) - November 10, 2026 (Tue)
Makiba Restaurant & Shop: Open year-round
🕐Opening Hours: Makiba Park 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Makiba Restaurant and Shop
April 11th (Sat) - November 30th (Mon) 11:00 - 15:00 Shop 11:00 - 17:00
December 1st (Tue) - March 31st (Wed) 11:00 - 15:00 Shop: 11:00 - 15:00
Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) at Makiba Park.
Makiba Restaurant & Shop: Open every day from April 1st (Wed) to November 30th (Mon), and closed on Tuesdays from December 1st (Tue) to March 31st (Wed).
🎫 Admission: Free
👛 Payment Methods: Cash, Credit Card, Electronic Payment
🅿 Parking: Approximately 500 spaces, Free
*Please check the website for the latest information.
🚙Approximately 20 minutes from Nagasaka IC on the Chuo Expressway
🚃Get off at Kobuchizawa Station and take the JR Koumi Line for approximately 15 minutes and get off at Kai Oizumi Station, then take a taxi for approximately 10 minutes or a 25-minute rideon JR Koumi Line to Kiyosato Station, then take the Kiyosato sightseeing picnic bus for approximately 10 minutes and get off at Makiba Park. *The picnic bus operates only during certain periods.
Summer | Hokuto in summer: Highlands and sunflowers shine brightly
Bathed in the strong summer sun, the plants and trees grow lush and green, and Hokuto City is filled with vitality during this season. In the sunflower fields of Akeno , sunflowers blooming towards the sun paint the entire area in a vibrant yellow. The sunflower fields spread out under the blue sky known as Yatsugatake Blue, with the majestic Southern Alps stretching out in the distance. The yellow flowers shining in the summer sun and the mountains create a spectacular view that represents summer in Hokuto.
📍Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival
5664 Asao, Akeno-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
📅Event Period: from Mid. July - Mid Aug
🕐 Event hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: None
🎫 Admission: Free
🅿 Parking: Approximately 150 spaces. Parking available throughout the event.
Main venue: Donation: Car 1,000 yen, Motorcycle 500 yen, Bus 5,000 yen.
Rural park venue: Donation: Car 500 yen, Motorcycle 500 yen, Bus 5,000 yen.
Payment via automated payment machine. Cash only. 24-hour operation (during the event).
*Please check the website (open during the festival period) for the latest information.
🚙 Approximately 15 minutes from Sutama IC on the Chuo Expressway
🚃 Get off JR Chuo Main Line at Nirasaki Station, then take the Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu Kayagatake/Mizugaki Rural Bus for approximately 25 minutes.
Main venue: Get off at "Akeno Tsumitorien-mae"
Rural park venue: Get off at "Rural Park-mae"
Under the Yatsugatake blue sky, with the majestic Yatsugatake mountains in view, cows graze peacefully in the pastures of Kiyosato. A refreshing breeze blows across the highlands, creating a quintessential summer scene of Hokuto. Kiyosato terrace in Sun Meadowns Kiyosato, at an altitude of 1,900m, offers magnificent views of Mount Fuji . The highlands, enveloped in blue sky and greenery, and the mountains stretching out beyond, create a spectacular summer landscape unique to Hokuto.
📍Sun Meadows Kiyosato
8240-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
🍃Green Season🍃
📅 Operating period: April 29, 2026 (Wed) - November 3, 2026 (Tue)
🕐Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Panorama Lift ( Kiyosato Terrace): 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Last admission for ascent : 4:00 PM)
No regular closing days
🎫Prices: Panorama Lift - Adults 3,000 yen, Children 2,400 yen, Infants 2,200 yen, Pets 500 yen
🎿Winter Season🎿
📅 Operating period: December 12, 2026 (Sat) - April 4, 2027 (Sun)
🕐Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00; Lift: 8:30 - 16:30
Closed: None
🎫Prices: 1-day lift ticket: Adults 6,900 yen, Children 5,500 yen, Infants 3,000 yen, Seniors 6,000 yen
👛Payment methods: Cash, credit card, electronic payment
🅿Parking: Approximately 1,200 spaces, free
*Please check our website for the latest information.
🚙 Approximately 40 minutes from Sutama IC on the Chuo Expressway, approximately 20 minutes from Nagasaka IC, approximately 30 minutes from Kobuchizawa IC. Approximately 45 minutes from Yachiho Kogen IC on the Chubu-Odan Expressway.
🚃 Get off at Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, take the JR Koumi for approximately 25 minutes and get off at Kiyosato Station, then take a taxi for approximately 5 minutes. Or, get off at Kiyosato Station and take the Kiyosato sightseeing picnic bus for approximately 20 minutes and get off at Sun Meadows Kiyosato. *The picnic bus operates only during certain periods.
*Please check the website for the latest information.
Autumn | Autumn in Hokuto: A tapestry of autumn leaves and majestic Mine
Autumn in Hokuto City, surrounded by some of Japan's most iconic mountains, is a season when the mountains are adorned with vibrant red, yellow, and golden autumn leaves. At Mizugaki Mountain Nature Park, the towering Mine of Mt. Mount Mizugaki, creating a breathtaking autumn spectacle .
📍Mizugaki Mountain Nature Park,
8862-1 Obi, Sutama-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
📅Operating period: Late April to early December
*The Mizugaki Prefectural Forest Road is closed for winter from early December to early April.
🕐Opening hours: Restaurant 9:00 - 16:30
Closed on Wednesdays
🎫Admission Fees: Park - Free, Campsite - Fee Required
🅿 Parking: Approximately 100 spaces, Free
💁Other: Best time to see autumn leaves: Mid-October to early November (elevation 1,455m)
Main trees: Japanese hemlock, Japanese white birch, Japanese oak, etc.
*Please check the website for the latest information.
🚙 Approximately 60 minutes from the Sutama IC on the Chuo Expressway
🚃 Approximately 60 minutes by taxi from Nirasaki Station on the JR Chuo Maine Line , or approximately 60 minutes by Yamanashi Kyohoku Kotsu Kayagatake/Mizugaki Rural Bus, get off at Mizugaki Sanso, then a 40-minute walk.
At Higashizawa Ohashi Bridge and Utsukushimori on the southern foot of the Yatsugatake mountains, you can encounter beautiful scenery where autumn leaves, blue skies, and majestic mountains intertwine. From the highlands to the mountain valleys, the spectacular scenery unique to Hokuto unfolds, dyed in autumn colors. In Hokuto City, where there is a large difference in elevation, the best time to see the autumn leaves changes slightly depending on the location, making it appealing that you can encounter spectacular autumn scenery over a long period. From the highlands to the mountain valleys, the autumn leaves display a variety of expressions, coloring the autumn of Hokuto.
📍Utsukushimori
8240-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture
📅 Opening period:
Tourist information center April to November
*Closed for winter from December to the end of March each year.
🕐Opening hours: Tourist Information Center 9:00 - 17:00
Closed on Wednesdays (may vary on public holidays)
🅿 Parking available (approx. 50 spaces, free)
💁Other information: Best time to see autumn leaves is usually mid-October to early November (altitude 1,542m)
Main trees: Japanese maple, etc.
🚙 Approximately 30 minutes from Sutama IC on the Chuo Expressway, or approximately 20 minutes from Nagasaka IC.
🚃 Get off at Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, then take the JR Koumi for approximately 25 minutes and get off at Kiyosato Station. Take a taxi for approximately 10 minutes, or take the Kiyosato sightseeing picnic bus for approximately 10 minutes and get off at Utsukushimori. *The picnic bus operates only during certain periods.
📍Higashizawa Ohashi Bridge
8240-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture
📅 Open year-round *Bridge appearance will be affected by repair work from September 24, 2026 to August 10, 2027
🕐 Opening hours: Parking lot open 24 hours
Closed days: None
🅿 Parking: Approximately 20 cars
💁Other: Best time to see autumn leaves: Typically mid-October to early November (altitude 1,477m)
Main trees: Larch, White birch, Japanese white birch, Maple
🚙 Approximately 30 minutes from Sutama IC on the Chuo Expressway, approximately 25 minutes from Nagasaka IC, approximately 25 minutes from Kobuchisawa IC
🚃 Get off at Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, take the JR Koumi for approximately 15 minutes and get off at Kai oizumi Station, then take a taxi for approximately 10 minutes or take the train for 25 minutes and get off at Kiyosato Station, then take a taxi for approximately 10 minutes, or take the Kiyosato sightseeing picnic bus for approximately 10 minutes and get off at Higashizawa Ohashi. *The picnic bus operates only during certain periods.
* Please note that taxis are not always available at Kai oizumi Station. Advance reservations are recommended.
Winter | Snow-covered mountains make a stunning winter Hokuto
Winter in Hokuto is enveloped in crisp, clear air.
The snow-capped Mount Yatsugatake, the Southern Alps, and Mount Fuji stand out beautifully against the clear blue sky.
📍Yamanashi Prefectural Makiba Park
Please refer to the Spring Corner for the details.
![[2 hours from Tokyo ] Stunning scenery of Hokuto City Yamanashi City, that changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms, sunflowers, autumn leaves, and snowscapes](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/09/28-271369.webp)
In Hokuto, where snowfall is relatively light, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of snow-covered mountains while visiting various parts of the highland even in winter.
Amidst the tranquil winter scenery created by snow-covered mountains, you can soak in a hot spring while gazing at snow-capped Mount Fuji —there are other winter pleasures besides breathtaking views. The crisp air and snow-covered mountains create a spectacular winter landscape unique to Hokuto.
📍Yatsugatake Kogen Great Bridge
Takane-cho , Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture
📅Open year-round
🕐Opening hours: Parking until 17:00
Closed: None
🅿Parking: Approximately 15 spaces, Free *Gate closes at 17:00
🚙Approximately 15 minutes from Nagasaka IC on the Chuo Expressway
🚃Get off at JR Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Line, take the JR Koumi for approximately 15 minutes and get off at Kai oizumi Station, then take a taxi for approximately 5 minutes or approximately 25 minutes and get off at Kiyosato Station, then take the Kiyosato sightseeing picnic bus for approximately 20 minutes and get off at Yatsugatake Ohashi/Nakamura Farm *The picnic bus operates only during certain periods.
* Please note that taxis are not always available at Kai oizumi Station. Advance reservations are recommended.
📍Panorama no Yu
8240-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City , Yamanashi Prefecture
📅 Open year-round
🕐 Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
Closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays (open on public holidays)
🎫 Admission Fees Adults (Junior High School Students and above) 830 yen Children (Elementary School Students) 420 yen Children under elementary school age Free
👛 Payment Method Cash
🅿 Parking Approximately 100 spaces
💁 Amenities Rinse-in shampoo and body soap: Free Hair dryer (100 yen/5 minutes): Charged * You can bring your own Bath towels (rental for a fee) and towels are available for purchase
💁 Spring Water Quality Sodium bicarbonate spring (Hypotonic neutral high-temperature spring) Light brown, clear, slightly salty taste, metallic odor
🚙 Approximately 10 minutes from Nagasaka IC, approximately 15 minutes from Kobuchizawa IC on the Chuo Expressway
🚃 Get off at JR Kobuchizawa Station, take the JR Koumi for approximately 15 minutes, get off at Kai oizumi Station, then a 5-minute walk.
Summary | Hokuto: Where you can encounter different breathtaking scenery with each passing season.
Cherry blossoms bloom and fresh greenery emerges in spring.
In summer, sunflowers shine beneath the refreshing breezes of the highlands.
In autumn, the mountains turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
And in winter, majestic peaks dusted with snow stand out against the clear blue sky.
Hokuto’s landscapes transform with each season, offering spectacular views throughout the year.
Just around two hours from Tokyo, Hokuto City is blessed with abundant natural beauty.
Why not plan your next trip to discover the breathtaking scenery that each season has to offer?
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